It was his 51st Best in Show victory, and his last, as his owners chose to retire James after the win to focus him on his work as a certified therapy dog.
In retirement he was recognised in 2008 by the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association for his work as a sire and has produced many champion offspring, including Ch.
[8] On December 3, 2006 in Long Beach, California he won best-in-show at the AKC National Championship, defeating 2,500 other dogs including his rival Ch.
[1] Fineus, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier co-owned by comedian Bill Cosby, was the only dog with more career points in the circuit at this time.
[1] James was entered into the 2007 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show where he was considered a strong contender by the media, being described as a "celebrity at the peak of his game".
[10] Other competitors for best-in-show included a pair of Poodles, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, plus an Akita and a Bouvier des Flandres that were owned by a husband and wife competing against each other.