The "lovable'' $20,000 German shepherd bounded over to Sgt. Spencer when he arrived at top California dog breeder Gloria Birch's kennels three years ago.

The dog lover was looking to buy a German Shepherd to show in dog shows and to improve the breed locally.

But as it turned out, "he actually picked me,'' Sgt. Spencer said.

"There were about 20 German shepherd puppies and he came right up to me.

He was so lovable.

" I figured if he likes me that much he's going to be a good dog. He was also a very good looking dog.'' Alfa Romeo went on to win three dog show championships.

He was recently awarded his third dog show championship at the Santa Clara Valley Dog Show in February, making him one of only a handful of dogs to hold three championships.

He is a Bermudian, Canadian and now American champion, having accrued the required 15 points in dog shows in each of the respective countries.

By doing so, three-year-old Alfa Romeo achieved in less than a year what has taken many other German Shepherd owners more than four years to achieve.

German Shepherds are popular show dogs, thus there is much competition among owners for top prizes.

Alfa Romeo's victories required long periods on the road with Mrs. Birch, who took responsibility for the dog at overseas shows.

Alfa Romeo is now back "home'' in Bermuda with his proud master and mistress, who plan to breed him locally.

Sgt. Spencer opted to travel to the US West Coast to find a German shepherd because most Bermudians with the dogs had purchased them on the East Coast.

TRUE CHAMPION -- Bermudian, Canadian and now American champ Alfa Romeo strikes a pose for judges at the Santa Clara Valley dog show in California in February. The three-year-old German shepherd is now home with his proud owner Sgt. Terry Spencer after taking part in several more US dog shows.