Seamus has more letters after his name than most college professors, but Seamus, officially named Seamus Lord of the Dance, is not applying for a teaching position.

The Great Dane is rather pursuing a title more prestigous – Best in Show at the Westminister Dog Show.

Catasauqua Police Chief Douglas Kish and his wife Kristin own the Great Dane.

"He is rated as one of the top five in his breed nationally and is the top male," Douglas Kish said.

As for all designations, Seamus has been Best in Show (BIS), Grand Champion (GCH), Award of Merit (AOM), among a list of other accolades. The invitation to the Westminister Dog Show is a great honor for the Kish family.

The Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show is the premier event for show dogs. The event will be televised beginning 8 p.m. Feb. 10-11 on CNBC. Seamus will be one of nearly 3,000 dogs competing in 187 breeds.

The Westminister show is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the country. Only the Kentucky Derby has been around longer.

The Masters Agility Championship is a first for 2014 and will be televised Feb. 8 beginning 7 p.m. on FOX sports. Also, the American Kennel Club will present its first AKC Dog-Friendly Community Award to Ridgewood, N.J. 1 p.m. Feb. 8. Seamus is one of the headliners at the Ridgewood event.

The height of a Great Dane ranges between 30 to 40 inches and weighs between 110 and 185 pounds. Seamus is 35 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds.

"Seamus picked up the best traits of his father and mother," Kristin Kish said. "He is friendly with the spectators at shows and can perform on stage."

According to Kristin, Seamus' mother was too friendly and his father over bearing, preventing them from entering competitions.

Dogs are invited to the Westminister Show based on their performances in other venues. According to his Internet profile, Seamus has hundreds of credits associated with him. The well-bred, well-trained dog still needs to meet certain expected criteria, however.

"The judges at these shows expect that Seamus has a professional handler," Douglas said.

Barbara Waldkirch is Seamus' handler.

"She is well-respected in show circles and only works with the best Great Danes," said Kristin. "She knows how to bring out Seamus' best features."

According to Kristin, Seamus knows when Waldkirch is around – once she walks into the room, he is on his best behavior and prepared to work hard.

"The breed is very family friendly and needs to have people around for them to be content," Kristin said. "They get lonely when someone they are used to seeing is away for a while."

According to Douglas, it was Kristin that started the couple breeding and showing champion Great Danes.

"She went out looking for a small dog and saw this stately Great Dane," Douglas said. "It was an all black Great Dane and I just fell in love with it."

Although the Kishs have never had an all black Great Dane, they have raised a dog within the champion's bloodline. The disadvantage to the breed is a short life span.

The Westminister invitation is the highlight of their efforts.

"I have never been there before," Kirstin said. "And I can't wait to be a part of the show."