Rufus the Colored Bull Terrier Wins Best in Show at Westminster Dog Show

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

ABC News

NEW YORK Feb 14, 2006 — A colored bull terrier called Rufus used his head Tuesday night to become America's top dog.

The tan-and-white mix won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club, beating out six strong contenders and drawing a rousing ovation from the sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Rufus' selling point? His head perfectly shaped like an egg.

"The classic profile of a colored bull terrier," judge James Reynolds said.

Rufus was the first dog in his breed to win at the nation's most prestigious show. Handler Kathy Kirk said she was "ready to pass out" from the pressure, but her nearly 6-year-old dog that she playfully calls "Puppyhead" seemed to take it all in stride.

He stacked in style holding his pose for the judge and wagged his tail when he won. Later, he'll surely "hucklebuck" that's how Kirk describes how he jumps up and bangs his behind into a door.

At a show that drew 2,622 entries in 165 breeds and varieties, Rufus really earned this victory. He beat out a favorite Norfolk terrier named Coco and a Dandie Dinmont co-owned by Bill Cosby just to reach the final ring.

When it got down to Best in Show, Rufus was picked over a popular golden retriever, a Rottweiler handled by a former Florida State linebacker, a prize pug and a spirited Dalmatian.

An old English sheepdog and a Scottish deerhound also made it to the last seven.

Terriers have dominated in 130 years of Westminster, now winning 44 of 99 times that Best in Show has been presented. But usually it's fancier kinds, such as the wire fox, that take home the silver bowl.

This time, the dog registered as champion Rocky Top's Sundance Kid won the prize for owner Barbara and Tom Bishop of Holmel, N.J. It was his 32nd overall Best in Show victory and, by any standard, his biggest.

"I'm kind of numb," Barbara Bishop said. "This is his last show. It's amazing."

A day earlier, Kirk celebrated his upset win in the terrier group by going shopping. And her new outfit, looking like a black tux, proved lucky.

"Armani was good to me tonight," she said.

This show was full of newcomers. Of the seven breeds to reach the Best in Show ring, only the old English sheepdog and pug had won it all.

Boomer the Dalmatian made a strong bid to take home the title. The black-and-white special was a crowd favorite on Monday night in the nonsporting group and again while facing Rufus.

"I thought the Dalmatian was perfect," Kirk said.

No Rottweiler had ever won the working group until owner-breeder-handler Keith Carter guided Shaka to victory Monday night on the green carpet.

Carter is accustomed to winning on another green field. He played with Deion Sanders for coach Bobby Bowden's Seminoles in the late 1980s, won four bowl games and carried on a fierce rivalry with Miami.

"This is bigger than the 'Noles-'Canes," he said after his early win. "This is very different than football, but it really gets your competitive juices going."

At 6-foot-3 with a shaved head, diamond earring and beautifully tailored suit, Carter had a commanding presence in the ring. He had powerful gait like his dog and pumped his fist after victory.

"I never thought I'd be standing here," he said.

Dermot the pug won the toy group at his final event. He traveled about 50,000 miles last year by motor home, and had 65 overall Best in Show wins.

But when it came time for Reynolds to check him, he backed off on the judging table.

Margot the Scottish Deerhound took the hound group, Smokin' the old English sheepdog won the herding group and Andy the golden retriever was the top sporting dog.

Goldens are the second-most popular breed in America, yet have always been shut out at Westminster.

[Mixy_Santaria]

Does anybody know where you can go online to get a listing of breed winners?

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by Mixy_Santaria

Does anybody know where you can go online to get a listing of breed winners?

Here you go

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org...show/info.html

[Mixy_Santaria]

Thanks. I know somebody who has a dog they bred going and wanted to see how they did.

[PawNclaws]

The show was great, my gosh the dogs were gorgeous. I was going for the Dalmation, then the Scotish Deer hound, then my 3rd choice was Rufus(his stacking was wonderful and I love his head . Shaka was like WOW, he was gorgeous..... he made his presents known in the ring too.. Great win for him.. I think all the dogs should be proud of them selves for being Best In Breed, not an easy task. My congrats to all the dogs, great show

[TribalRats]

What a great show! So exciting!!

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I spent most of earlier today on the Westminster site watching the breed videos. I love watching the televised coverage but love the breed videos even more, gives you a better look at ALL the dogs and of course I had to watch the bullies twice. Congrats to Cody and Rock for their breed win!

[Rip's Girl]

I love watching the breed videos too.

Rufus showed like a dream. I have always been so surprised by Dermot the pug, though. Every time I see him show, he spazzes when the judge approaches and examines him.I don't see how judges could continually put up a dog that is so skittish! A multi-BIS winner should be able to handle an examination without freeking out and going down on the table, I'd hope!
I loved Boomer the Dal, he was so balanced and had the perfect, cheery Dal attitude. Envy, the Whippet, was outstanding and I was sorry to see that she didn't do any better than group 4.

I was once again, disappointed with the Border Collie breed winner. Why dozens of different judges continually put up a dog with a severely incorrect topline is beyond me. His topline and gait remind me of a German Shepherd (extreme reach and drive to his movement, which Border Collies aren't really supposed to have) Merlin is a genuinely beautiful dog, but as far as correct structure goes, he lacks quite a bit. /rant I was much happier with BOS, she is such a gorgeous bitch.

[Pugdawg1]

Originally Posted by Rip's Girl

I have always been so surprised by Dermot the pug, though. Every time I see him show, he spazzes when the judge approaches and examines him.I don't see how judges could continually put up a dog that is so skittish! A multi-BIS winner should be able to handle an examination without freeking out and going down on the table, I'd hope!

Dermott had a gum pinched or cut by a judge during a show when he was being examined. Since then, he has not been the same. Sometimes he gets spooked. Unfortunately last night it bothered him again. I don't blame him one bit. I adore Dermott, I know someone that has met him, knows the handler, I hear nothing but good things about that pug. He is now retired, that was his last show. I wanted to cry when I saw him shy away. It's not his fault. A judge's error has done that to him. Thankfully there will be no more shows for him. He's done his duty in the show ring.

[Novel]

Exactly pugdawg, there is a story behind each action a dog makes. Some dogs show well to women but are petrified of men, etc. etc.

It all comes down to socialization. I think a good show dog also makes a great therapy dog, because they should take everything in stride and still keep their head up!