Smokin' gets top billing in USA Today's 'Dogs To Watch'

The 131st Westminster Dog Show opens Monday at Madison Square Garden. Dogs compete by group, and one will be named Best in Show. Five dogs worth watching:

Smokin' (Ch. Bugaboo's Big Resolution)

Old English sheepdog

2006 AKC record: 32 Best in Show wins; 90 Herding Group wins

Notable: No. 7 in the nation all breeds; No. 1 herding dog

Also: Winner of the 2006 National Specialty. Bred and owned by Doug and Michaelanne Johnson, recently named the 2006 AKC Breeders of the Year.

Age: 4

Resides: Colorado Springs

Favorite treat: Chicken

Favorite toy: A black and white squeaky stuffed cow

Sleeping spot: By an air conditioner or a fan year-round. "He's always hot," says his handler, Colton Johnson, Doug and Michaelanne's son.

Pet peeve: "He hates it when you blow dry on his feet," Johnson says. "He always fights me."

X factor: "In my opinion, he's a cool dog," Johnson says. "He has a wonderful temperament. He's a blast to live with. He loves to run and play with my niece and nephew's mini-horse."