Here are my "boys" in a rare professional shot. The one on the left is more of a field basset - he can fly with the wind. The one on the right is my rescue basset. He's the stealth hunter of pork roasts and anything else that isn't back far enough on the countertop.
Love the pug, Mom!
Ditter, I wanted to see the Newfie win too. It became obvious, as the final judging took place, that this woman was seeking pure perfection! The Newfie didn't strike the perfect pose. In fact, I laughed myself silly when she asked each handler to stand back and let his/her dog stand alone. The Kerry automatically extended its rear legs in that winning stance. And then the shepherd and hound followed suit. Finally, it was time for the Pekingese .... the well dressed and stately handler stepped back while the "hairy hassock with a monkey face" just stood there.
Three years ago, the basset, Bumper Cars was chosen as best for the hound group. The audience just loved him. Unfortunately, he fell prey to the basset attitude and promptly sat down next to his handler instead of striking a pose. Newfies, like bassets, are fun dogs. You'll never see a Golden Retriever out there in the final group either. Unlike the poodles, they're politically incorrect.