Kathy Kirk kisses Ch. Rocky Top's Sundance Kid, a colored Bull Terrier, after it won the Best in Show award at the 130th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York February 14, 2006. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
Posted on 02/15/2006 12:51:57 AM PST by NYer
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A colored bull terrier known as Rufus made history on Tuesday, becoming the first of his breed to win best in show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Formally named Rocky Top's Sundance Kid, the 5-year-old tan and white bull terrier beat six other finalists, including classic family dogs such as a golden retriever and an Old English sheepdog who were the clear crowd pleasers. He also triumphed over more than 2,600 other entrants at the world's largest and most prestigious dog show.
But Rufus' owner Barbara Bishop of Holmdel, New Jersey, said her dog was "first and foremost a family dog," even though he had won best in shows 31 times previously.
"We're going to have a buy him a steak somewhere," the beaming owner said after his big win before a packed arena at Madison Square Garden.
"We were kind of unprepared for this," she said, adding that Rufus competed at Westminster in the last three years but never made it to the final seven. "This is just the ultimate."
Rufus was the first colored bull terrier to win best in show in Westminster's 130-year history, although a white one did win some 90 years ago.
In another respect the winner was in good company, as the terrier group has produced more best in show winners by far than any other category, taking the prize nearly half of the time.
The other breeds competing for the big prize were a Dalmatian, a Rottweiler, a pug and a Scottish deerhound, a breed competing at Westminster for the first time.
Rufus' handler Kathy Kirk had nothing but praise for him, crowing "he's the king of dogs" and declaring him "the best bull terrier in the history of the breed."
She cited in particular the egg-shaped curve of his head, a distinctive feature of the breed which was also cited by Ontario judge James Reynolds as "the classic profile of the bull terrier." The dog's sturdy, assured movement and sociable demeanor only enhanced his appeal, and the audience showed its approval with a standing ovation.
His nickname, Kirk said, is "Puppyhead."
Kirk, who said she had been working with the dog for about four years, added that Rufus was much more than a show dog.
"Oh, he's happy-go-lucky, he's funny, he jumps, he does hucklebucks," she said, describing an athletic leap the breed is known for, in which they jump into the air and slam their heads against the wall.
Ugly breed, deformed snout.
Great lineup of finalists this year! But ..... Rufus Rules!
I've had more bitches than Rufus had ever thought about... Plus I mix a mean martini!
With all the gorgeous dogs in the show (I watched it), the judge picks this one as best of show? Sorry, I'm no expert, but I simmply don't see how THIS one edged out the others.
He was robbed I tell ya, robbed.
L
Good morning! LOL.
What happened to the Pug?
I have a Pug. They're the most adorable.
The pug was Pugtastic! He showed great Pug-ritude.
Hear! Hear!
Alas, poor Pugsley can no longer compete as he is no longer 'intact' as they say. I'm sure he blames me, but all I did was drop him off. It was Mrs. L who made me do it.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
L
If "she" made you do it, I hope you're still intact...lol.
I'll start to worry when she tries to put a collar and leash on me and drop me off at my Doctors office.
L
Pingy pingy, sweetheart.
LOL!
We did it in three days. The last day was from Cheyenne WI to Chicago. I love my family, and I love the flat faced little dog, but by that third day I just wanted to be out of the truck and on my own couch.
Now Lord Pugsley spends his days either harassing the cat, chasing the rabbit around the house, or taking lessons from our 15 year old Cocker on how to make sure the couch doesn't float off into space.
He in turn is trying to teach the entire household how to snore. Loudly. Very loudly. So loudly that even my best shooting earplugs can't quite block it all out.
So, in about 4 hours when I get off work I'll head home, pack my sons lunch, pat him on the head and send him off to school. I'll wake the lovely and talented Mrs. L for work, make her some coffee, kiss her on her way off to work, and then I'll settle in for some well deserved sleep.
Pugsley will join me on the bed and if I'm lucky I'll drop off before he begins to make noises which are very reminiscent of a cheap 2 cycle chainsaw that is badly in need of a tuneup.
It's good to have something to look forward to, I guess.
L
It's impossible not to fall in love with Pugs.
The nosiest place I have been... a Pug convention!
Sorry --- noisiest place.
L
You're right!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.