CARY - The Cary Doberman that competed in the National Dog Show came close to beating 2,000 other dogs to take the coveted title.

But after every pooch was eyed by the judge and paraded around the ring in the final round, Sadie the Scottish terrier was deemed the best dog of the bunch.

C.J. -- the striking red Doberman with the sprightly gait -- won the working group category, advancing her to the best-in-show round at the competition.

Her victory in one category alone was a feat: the working group includes 28 breeds, according to American Kennel Club standards, the organization that sanctions the show.

C.J. and her handlers took the news in stride.

"She's actually had 46 best in shows this year so far," said owner Julie Porter of Cary, who takes care of C.J. when the dog isn't touring.

By AKC's rankings, C.J. is the top-ranked Doberman in the country, the top working dog in the country and the No. 2 dog in the all-breed category.

Breeder and trainer Carmen Pitts, who has been traveling with C.J. the past year, plans to take her to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February in New York.

The show, in its 134th year, is considered by most to be the premier dog show in the world.

"I think she has an excellent chance," Pitts said.

The National Dog Show, which was taped earlier this month in Philadelphia, aired on national television Thursday, attracting millions of viewers.