Kellie Pickler's husband congratulated the country singer on becoming the newest Dancing With The Stars champion by surprising her with a puppy.

The former American Idol star took home the U.S. reality show's coveted mirror ball trophy last week (21May13) after wowing judges and fans with her fancy footwork - and to celebrate his wife's big achievement, Kyle Jacobs presented Pickler with a tiny Maltese pooch.

She tells XfinityTv.com, "I got a little surprise after the show. We were sitting out there on the dance floor after everything was over and (Kyle) comes over and he's carrying this little bag and he opens it and there's this little Maltese in there and I was like, 'What's this?' And he's like, 'It's for you.' I was like 'Awww!'"

The singer has named the pooch Tango, in honour of the ballroom dance which earned her a perfect score, and the 26 year old couldn't be happier - because she's been asking for a dog since she helped host a recent charity auction, where a Maltese was available to bid for.

She recalls, "I was looking at my husband (in the audience), like, 'You better raise that paddle! I want this puppy!' And he didn't!"