Wednesday, February 13, 2008

UNO THE BEAGLE WINS BEST IN SHOW


America has a new Snoop doggie. Barking and baying up a storm, Uno lived up to his name Tuesday night by becoming the first beagle to win best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club.

The nation's new top dog was clearly the fan favorite, and drew a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden when he was picked.

Uno got right into the act, jumping up on handler Aaron Wilkerson and confirming his other title: noisiest in show. Years from now, he'll be known for the "ah-roo" heard 'round the ring.

The only dog consistently listed among America's most popular breeds for nearly 100 years, a beagle had never won in the 100 times Westminster picked a winner. That changed when judge J. Donald Jones pointed to this nearly 3-year-old package of personality.

Good ol' Snoopy, a champion at last.

Uno was numero uno, beating out two perfect poodles, a top Sealyham terrier, a sleek Weimaraner, a lively Australian shepherd and a sprightly Akita.

"We knew he was going to be No. 1," Wilkerson said.

More than 169 breeds and varieties were represented at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club event, and the competition brought 2,627 entries.

Barks echoed around Madison Square Garden as the crowd cheered its favorites, among them a Neapolitan mastiff that lumbered around the ring, a Chihuahua that spun in circles and a miniature pinscher that plucked a piece of food off the green carpet without missing a beat.

Formally known as "K-Run's Park Me in First", Uno came into this competition with 32 best in show ribbons overall. Yet he was surely an underdog—make that an Underdog—because no beagle had even won the hound group since 1939.

But Uno fixed that, breezing in the 15-inch breed judging on Monday morning and taking his group several hours later. So while other dogs tried to reach the final ring Tuesday, Uno spent the day going on a brisk walk around Manhattan and taking a nap underneath his warm, fuzzy blanket.

But when it came time to show, Uno was as precocious and precious as ever.

With fans calling out his name and clapping, he soaked in the cheers as he walked around the ring. And when he made his final stop in front of Jones, Uno went to town, baying over and over.

Even when he returned to sidelines as other dogs were judged, Uno kept going. Quite a win it was for Eddie Dziuk of Columbia, Mo., and the other three co-owners.

"My sister called me today and said she's always turned off the dog show on TV because she's tired of all those poodles winning," Jon Woodring, one of the other co-owners, said earlier in the day. "But she watched last night. I think Uno winning would show that an everyday dog can do it."

Longtime dog expert David Frei, the paw-by-paw announcer for USA Network's coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club show, went even further.

"If he wins best in show, I'll rent him an apartment in New York City because I'll be traveling with him all year, so many people will want to see him," he said. "If he won, it would be the greatest thing for our show."

Better get that first rent check ready—Uno is here to stay.


LINDYY says:

Westminster is the "Champion of Champion" AKC dog shows. The dog MUST be a champion to compete. Taking Best In Show at Westminster is the highest honor bestowed in the world of for dogs competing in conformation dog shows.

The purpose of "showing" is for the BETTERMENT of the breed, which is the number ONE and constantly on-going endeavor of professional breeders of purebred, registered with the AKC (American Kennel Club) dogs. Here, dogs of top quality, meeting their own breeds specific breed standards, are judged for their closeness to fitting breed standard as possible. Characteristics from height, length, topline, shoulder set, rear angulation, ear set, eyes, movement, coat, health and MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL- TEMPERAMENT.

Also, the dog is still to be able to perform the traits it was originally bred for.

Some Examples:

The Sporting Group. (My group, my Golden Retriever hails from this group!) are remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise. A Golden Retriever must be able to jump in the water, or brush and retrieve the game. An English Springer Spaniel must still be able to "spring" up in the air and pounce down and 'flush out' the game hiding in the brush. An American Pointer must come to a silent standstill and 'point' to the game.

The Herding Group. All breeds from this group share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels.

The Terrior Group. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers were originally bred for routing out and ridding property of rodents.

The Working Group. Breeds such as the Siberian Huskey and Doberman Pincher must still instill the trait of guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues.

AND UNO'S GROUP:

The Hound Group. Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. UNO!


Why am I so excited about Uno? My grandfather, who came to this country from Sweden (I am ever so proud of my Swedish ancestry!), used to breed beagles. Thus, I got my love for dogs from my grandfather, the tall, strong, hard working Swede that I dearly love to this day!!


CONGRATULATIONS UNO!!!!!