'Project Runway's' Swatch The Dog Who Died at 15

Swatch, the fabulous dog known for his hard work on "Project Runway", has passed away.

The puppy's owner, Eric Sauma, tells TMZ that the Boston Terrier passed away over the weekend, sleeping peacefully. Eric's parents went to wake up Swatch for breakfast, but he's already crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

We are told that he reached the end of his race's life, dying at age 15 and a half -- a bit older for his race.

Eric says the past few months have been tough for Swatch... his hips were starting to get weaker and he eventually went blind.

Fans of the show remember Swatch as a furry icon, serving as the mascot of Mood Fabrics, where the show's designers cater to their intricate needs. The terrier would often greet competitors or simply take a nap during times of intense panic.

The show is currently taping its 20th season, and Eric says his team is working on a memorial...noting that there are talks about him being featured on the show, but that's yet to be determined .

He tells us they will cremate Swatch and build a shrine at Mood Fabrics headquarters in New York, where fans can visit him.