Dog and 17-year-old Trainer Win Top Prize in "Britain's Got Talent"

It's been said that every dog has his day, but for Pudsey and his owner Ashleigh Butler, they obviously have many great days in store with a long, successful career ahead of them. They wowed crowds with a "Mission Impossible" number full of stylish dance tricks and garnered enough votes to win the 500,000 pound prize (roughly $1 million U.S.)

This was the third of three original performances they choreographed throughout the program. The competition was intense with a boys' choir, a boy band, and an operatic duo that were favored to win, but after Pudsey and Ashleigh came out on top, talent maven Simon Cowell quipped, "My life's work is now complete," and earlier claimed to have a soft spot for dog acts.

Pudsey is 6 and is a cross between a bichon frise, border collie and Chinese crested powder puff. He was given to Miss Butler when she was 11 years old, and they've worked together in agility trials and other competitions since he was 12 months old. The fact that their relationship has been years in the making is evidenced by the way they moved through their tricks and choreography seamlessly with joy and enthusiasm.

The winning duo are headed to Hollywood where Ashleigh hopes to have Pudsey be the next Lassie. There have already been many offers for promotional deals. Pudsey has  been treated to steak dinners and will be getting a glitzy collar to celebrate.

Some Brits are ashamed that a dog act took the top spot, thinking that this is the best we've got? But for us dog-loving Americans, we know how special the human-pet bond is, and we know the work that went into these amazing performances. We will welcome them with open arms! Enjoy these videos!

Final

Semifinal Show

Audition