Westminster 2008:
The Media, The Show and The Beagle

It wasn’t long ago that the people who came to the Westminster dog show stared at the sights and sounds of New York City. Now, it’s the other way around. Westminster has become one of America’s favorite events. It’s now bigger than Miss America, rivals Mardi Gras and is nipping on the heels of the Super Bowl for fun, festivity and fervor.

In addition to being the annual pilgrimage of the fancy, this year’s Westminster brought four once-obscure breeds to the forefront, garnered a standing ovation for the judge – and was a dog show that people will remember for decades to come.

The Media Descends: Paris Hilton doesn't have photographers on her heels as much as these dogs do. Westminster granted over 700 requests from 21 countries for media credentials this year. Some of us grew up in (or live in) towns smaller than that.

The kick-off for the media was a press conference the Friday before the show which featured Rufus (the colored bull terrier) and James, as well as the four breeds competing for the first time at Westminster.

It was fun watching the TV crews, who normally don't cover dog events, doing their best to put together a story. "What kind of dog is that again?" was a big question. "What makes him so special?" was the question they asked – over and over again. The good grace and good humor of the serious dog fancy was in evidence during this event.

The Westminster dogs have become ambassadors to the media – and to the world. Seeing Rufus happily sitting with television reporters who “interviewed” him showed the temperament and training that show dogs exemplify. James is a working therapy dog who makes therapy visits at least once a week. Listening to his stories underlined the value systems of the people in the sport – and the qualities of great breeding that are more than skin deep.

The show dominated the news in New York City. Saks Fifth Avenue windows were decorated with Best in Show ribbons and mannequins wearing dog show armbands (but the models were wearing spiky shoes and tight dresses you’d never see in a show ring). The Empire State Building was lit up in purple and gold during the show. Manhattan was no longer the focus of where the dogs were – the City was focusing on the dogs.

The People Party: An old song proclaimed “everybody loves Saturday night,” and all dog fanciers love The Canine Chronicle’s traditional Saturday night festivities. “Party” seems too simple a word to describe this affair, staged for the second year at the Manhattan Center on 34th Street.

Last year, the ambiance was sultry, with subdued, night-club style lighting. In 2008, the venue was the same, and New York was again the theme. The ambiance, however, was totally different. This New York was bright, colorful, and it grabbed you as soon as you entered.

More than one party-goer did a double take when confronted by a living centerpiece as soon as they entered the room. What appeared to be a tall, graceful centerpiece on a large, round table of hors d’oeuvres was, in fact, a living woman – a “Golden Goddess,” as she explained. Until she moved, most assumed that she was a mannequin.

She stood in a hole cut into the center of the table and obligingly posed for pictures with laughing guests. Her counterpart, dressed as Carmen Miranda, complete with maracas, gracefully maneuvered her table around the dance floor. A good thing, since the floor filled quickly as soon as the band, “Soul Sound Revue,” began to play.

“Taxi Girls” in short, bright yellow skirts and taxi stand headpieces circulated throughout the crowd with trays. They were reminiscent of the nightclub “cigarette girls,” but of course they didn’t dispense smoking materials! Instead, their trays contained Canine Chronicle and Royal Canin bag clips, belled collars, pet food can covers, and letter openers (which double as nifty band cutters for Poodles, Yorkies, and similar breeds).

The food was plentiful – freshly popped popcorn, artfully arranged fruit, cheese, canapés, wraps, and iced dog bone-shaped sugar cookies. For those wishing to take a break from dancing, there were comfortable round banquettes with throw pillows. Their colorful textured zebra-striped and solid red fabric contrasted with the black and yellow taxi girls and the gleaming Golden Goddess.

The line between entertainer and entertained quickly blurred. Female impersonators dressed as Cher, Liza, and Diana (none of whom require last names) circulated among the crowd, complimenting women who were particularly snazzy. You know the dog fancy has taken it up a notch when Cher isn’t the flashiest woman in the room. When the band took a break, statuesque dancers dressed as “human disco balls” in cream-colored hooded body suits studded with mirrors danced to the sounds of a DJ.

The human disco balls danced with the crowd. One of the bands members led a conga line while another played. Big-name handlers, judges, and juniors were all on the dance floor; it shouldn’t be surprising that a sport that requires timing and grace translates into some smooth moves on the floor. The crowd was invited on stage to dance with the band. One of the most illustrious entertainers to the doggie set was Paula Hartinger. Her perfect hair was coifed, she was elegant in a lovely black dress – and she was dancing with the band in a spirit of joy that reflected the night. “They were training me how to do it up there,” she said. “This is a fantastic party!”

The night was fun – and it was also important. The party-goers raised about $50,000 for the Canine Health Foundation.

After the party, the revelers were taken safely back to their hotels in bicycle rickshaws. It’s lucky it was only Saturday night – that left all of Sunday to regroup before the actual show!

Show scenes and new perspectives: Monday morning finally came, and the time was right for a great show. Of course, everyone’s biggest question was: Who will win? James’ win last year set the standard, and a higher bar, for Westminster winners. He has a life that has grown beyond dog shows. He has his CD and RN titles. “My goal is a versatility title,” said co-owner and breeder Teresa Patton. But James’ biggest calling is as a therapy dog. “This dog may be an even better therapy dog than he is a show dog,” says David Frei. James is one of 20 Celebrities for Alzheimer’s Awareness – and the only dog in a star-studded bunch that includes household names such as Dick Van Dyke and Phyllis George. Even with all the media and events, this dog does therapy visits at least once a week, mostly to people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Rufus is a therapy dog now, too. He has also become something of a poster dog for the fight against breed-specific legislation. It changes how we look at Westminster to think of a winning dog whose life can actually change the way the public sees dogs. So, the “back stories” of the winners are even more interesting and important. Many of these dogs have real jobs herding, hunting, or working as service dogs or therapy dogs. This says a lot about our sport. Dogs that will change opinions and views of the fancy – these dogs remain winners long after their ribbons are collecting dust.

When you look around, it turns out there are a lot of very successful show dogs who do even more. One of those dogs at Westminster was handled by a 12 year-old.

Fifth-grader Colston Couch calmly surveyed the scene at Madison Square Garden in full Western regalia, complete with boots, black jeans, and a black cowboy hat. It was his first Westminster, and he admitted to being nervous, but you couldn’t tell from his demeanor.

Colston is a third-generation Australian Cattle Dog breeder from Oklahoma. His grandfather bred Cattle Dogs for some forty-five years, selling them only to working homes. Colston’s mom, Theresa Buzzard Couch, emphasized that Cattle Dogs “have to have a job – they’re not lap dogs.” Their dogs still work on the ranch. Times change, however, and now they are worked from a four-wheeler, rather than a horse.

Colston sold candy bars to finance his trip to the Garden. He’s finished thirteen champions – on his own, his mother was quick to point out. Hank (Ch. Buzzards Maximus Red), the red merle he brought to the Garden, is the number six Australian Cattle Dog in the country, according to Theresa Couch, and has been handled exclusively by Colston. The young boy in a cowboy hat soon attracted the attention of a camera crew from Pedigree. Some handlers prefer to spend the time just before they enter the ring standing quietly and composing themselves. Colston spent it under the lights, politely answering questions from the crew while his beaming mother watched.

In the class, he handled Hank smoothly and confidently. He was competing against two other dogs that he and his family bred – one handled by Theresa, and one by professional handler Clint Livingston – among other entries. When the judge, Rick Gschwender, pointed to the winners, only one of the Buzzards dogs was rewarded – Colston’s Hank, who received an Award of Merit.

As he exited the ring, a friend called from the stands, “Hey Colston, what did you think about that!” Colston just shrugged, and grinned when another fan yelled, “Can I get your autograph?”

Sometimes Westminster changes a kid’s life. That matters, even when the change is just for a moment. Up in the stands, a local mom had brought her teenage son to see the show. The boy, who looked about 15, was moping. Mom was trying to communicate. It wasn’t going well. Finally, he mumbled something about checking things out on his own, and slouched away. He was back 15 minutes later. The slouch was gone. He was smiling from ear-to-ear. “Mom!” he exclaimed as he ran up the stairs to where she was sitting. “Mom! I just saw the coolest dog. He was a Bullmastiff and he weighed like 240 pounds. He was huge!” For at least this moment, a mom and her son shared a moment. That’s what this dog show is about, too.

The four “new” breeds: Tibetan Mas-tiffs, Beaucerons, Plotts, and Swedish Vallhunds used to be obscure breeds known only to a few serious fanciers. Now, they’ve been on the Today Show and written up in the New York Times. The press huddled around the rings to watch the daytime breed competition. To serious show people, the “pup-arazzi” was something of a distraction. Seeing their dogs in the ring at Westminster was the real thrill.

The Tibetan Mastiff: For Martha Felten-stein, it’s just a 15 minute walk from her home on East 32nd Street to Madison Square Garden – but getting to Westminster has been a long journey. She’s President of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association. “We’ve all worked really long and hard. Showing at Westminster is very exciting. It means you’re finally ‘here’ in the dog show world in the United States,” she says.

She points out that the breed has been in this country since 1969, and has been recognized for decades by the FCI in Europe, where some have done very well in the ring. Sadly, most American’s first exposure to Tibetan Mastiffs was the campy movie Man’s Best Friend with Ally Sheedy. A Tibetan Mastiff (actually a number of them) portrayed Max, a genetically-altered guard dog who kills people when he’s off his drugs.

“The ideal is to have your breed appreciated by real dog people for what it is,” says Feltenstein. “Tibetan Mastiffs are quite calm dogs. They’re also quite difficult dogs to live with, by virtue of their size and temperament.”

Like all breeders, she worries that the dogs will get too popular. The club already has an active rescue program, and recently bought their first Tibetan Mastiff at a puppy mill auction.

Westminster is a time to celebrate the great dogs, and an ancient breed’s foundation for the future. The interest from serious fanciers, as well as the public, shows the promise of the years ahead.

The Beauceron: Karla Davis met her first Beauceron at a boarding kennel owned by a friend. The dog had been left by an owner who ran afoul of the Mexican Mafia, and Karla ended up with the dog.

After that – well, “they kind of grow on you,” Karla admitted. She’s been breeding them since 1982. “They are loyal and protective without being idiotic about it. They are willing to please, and loving with their owners.”

Karla keeps a flock of sheep for her Beaucerons to work. Arco (Ch. Arco Du Chateau Rocher, HT), the Beauceron she brought to Westminster, has a herding title. He’s also her unofficial service dog. Karla has difficulty with her knees, and Arco serves as a brace when she needs to steady herself. He’s also the first AKC champion Beauceron, and the first of his breed to place in the Herding Group.

Beaucerons are a large breed, and Karla emphasized that puppies must be socialized extensively. They can be taller and of somewhat heavier build than German Shepherd Dogs, with the distinctive black and tan coloring of a Rottweiler. They can be aloof with strangers, but should not appear to be afraid of them. Karla and Arco appeared on the Today Show while in New York, and during their appearance, a small child ran up and started petting Arco’s face. To his credit, and Karla’s, Arco remained calm despite the crowds and unfamiliar surroundings.

Karla and Arco added another “first” to their resume – the first Beauceron to win the breed at Westminster.

The Plott: “They’re wonderful hunters. Showing them is new to us. We just went to our hunting pack to select our show dogs,” explains Joe Burkett of Fredricksburg, Texas. “I have a pack of hunting hounds.” His dog, Ch. White Deer Jeff Plott, won the breed at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Burkett has competed for years in UKC coon dog events. His dogs have also hunted big game – bear and boar. He explains that ability to hunt different kinds of game makes Plotts different from other breeds in the Hound Group.

Unlike other coonhound breeds, Plotts aren’t descended from Foxhounds. Instead, they have been a separate breed in the United States since 1750, when the Jonathon Plott came to this country with German boar dogs.

This day, the breed went to Ch. Black Monday, the first AKC champion Plott and the first Plott to place in a group. Owner and handler Amanda Alexander has owned all the coonhound breeds: Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, Eng- lish Coonhounds, Plotts, Redbone Co-onhounds, and Treeing Walker Coonhounds. She agrees that these dogs are different. “They are the most aggressive and fearless hunters,” she says. She also notes that their body style is different than other coonhounds. They have to be agile, and built to run 6 to 8 hours at a time.

What did it mean to win the breed at Westminster? “It was a big relief. It was my goal, and I wanted to handle him myself.”

The Swedish Vallhund: Cheryl Rolfe had never been to the Westminster Kennel Club dog show before this year. The Lake City, Florida woman wasn’t about to miss it this year. She’s glad she came: her dog, Ch. Starvon I'm The One, was the one. He was Best of Breed at the very first time the dogs would be shown at Westminster. “This is a culmination of years of effort. Getting to be here and show was so wonderful – and then getting the win.” Cheryl shakes her head with joy.

While she savors her win, she’s fielding questions from all sorts of interested people. Some are with the media, others have been attracted to the nice-looking small dogs. She deftly compares Vallhunds and the Corgis, and talks about their personalities.

It’s what all the people who are showing their newly-recognized breeds are doing. They are giving the whole picture of their dogs to knowledgeable, interested fanciers. That is the best insurance any breed can have for its future.

Groups and Celebs that Sparkle:
Every ring, and every dog, is its own story. All have their journeys. In the world of Westminster, the judges decide which dramas get played out on live television, in front of millions of viewers. The excitement was especially high this year.

At Westminster, there are always celebrities.

This year, Carson Kressley came to see the groups on Monday night. He was one of the “fab five” on Bravo TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. The show’s website proclaims him a “fashion savant.” He’s also a serious equestrian, and his favorite childhood pet was not a dog, but rather a dapple-gray Shetland pony named “Sparky.”

Still, with a USA film crew trailing him, Carson could be found at the Garden on Monday night, taking in the dogs – and the handlers’ fashion do’s and don’ts. He says he’s been to Westminster several times over the years. He lamented the necessity of wearing sensible shoes, but came down solidly on the side of pants for female handlers. “Pants make sense,” Carson opined. “St. John makes a chic pants suit – so why not?”

He was okay with jewelry in the shape of our favorite breeds, but was rather horrified by the thought of clothing decorated with dog breeds. He shivered at the thought of a sweater adorned with, say, Yorkies. “A Yorkie sweater would only be appropriate if a Yorkie is wearing it,” he said emphatically. Who knew?

In the end, the celebrity, the media, and the hype are only background noise. Center stage is the group ring and the best dogs of their generation. Everyone got goose pimples when the announcer called for the Hound Group to enter the ring.

The Hound Group:

The whole world knows about Uno now, but the other dogs that placed in the groups are their own stories.

Group Three went to a breed that most people have never seen outside the show ring. Harriers are consistently one of the least popular AKC breeds, despite their resemblance to the wildly popular beagle. “Coda” (Ch. Downhome Family Tradition) has a Westminster, as well as a family, tradition. On Monday night, he was just two days shy of his third birthday. In fact, he was born during Westminster 2005, and he’s the littermate of last year’s breed winner. His dam, Ch. Bluehills Harmony In Two Parts, was a two-time Westminster BOB winner.

Owned by Susan Stacy Lowder of Montgomery, AL and Dr. and Mrs. William Truesdale of Hi-Tech Boxers, Coda is the first Harrier for handler Kimberly Pastella-Calvacca. Kim has handled Coda for almost a year, and characterizes him as “an exceptional Harrier, and he’s super showy.” Coda lives with co-breeder and co-owner Sue Lowder. Sue is the daughter of professional dog handlers, and she was drawn to this breed when, as a junior handler, she watched the top winning Harrier of all time, Ch. Brentcliff Jill. She has also bred Cockers, and currently breeds Boxers, as well as Harriers.

It’s not uncommon for a show dog to do therapy work, but when he’s home with Sue, Coda is on duty 24/7, as he’s a house dog and companion to her autistic child. He may be the top group winning Harrier in breed history, but Coda’s work at home is even more important. Sue finds Harriers to be great family pets. “They are very biddable – they’ll do whatever you ask,” said Sue.

The Longhaired Dachshund that nabbed the group second (Ch. Solo’s Drag Queen, SL) was the top longhaired dachshund bitch in breed history. PBGV Ch. Afterglow Ebeneezer got his name from being born on Christmas Eve. “He has 13 Bests in Show and is the number three hound,” says handler Clint Livingston.

For the judges’ comments on the groups and Best in Show, see the related article “In Their Own Words: The Westminster Judges Talk About Their Choices”.

The Terrier Group:

Margery Good, the owner-handler of Sealyham Terrier Ch. Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice, was so thrilled she was shaking after her win. Their relationship is part of what makes this pair great. “I own him and he owns me!” she says.

Charmin’s call name comes from his co-owner, who had Border Terriers and found the Sealyham coat “squeezably soft.” When the co-owner passed away, Margery Good didn’t have the heart to change the dog’s name.

Margery showed her dog to perfection in the group ring. She worked even harder the next day at the benching area for group winners, calmly, gently and politely answering questions. She had the reassuring manner of a social worker. She listens carefully to people, and she responds thoughtfully. When asked if she is concerned about the breed’s survival, Margery replied that while “the gene pool is small, it’s the quality in the breed that should be bred from. Mediocrity should not be procreated.” Margery states that she doesn’t “hoard her good ones,” and tries to make it as easy as possible for newcomers to get started with a quality Sealyham. She co-owns as a means of mentoring novices, not to be possessive of her dogs.

Norfolk Terrier Ch. Max-Well’s Viper is the seventh generation of Max-Well breeding. His breeder/owner is handler Susie Kipp, but at Westminster he was shown by Susie’s daughter, Dylan. He’s co-owned and co-bred by Barbara Miller, who just won the AKC/Eukanuba Breeder of the Year award.

Smooth Fox Terrier Ch. Torquay S Demetrio is an international story. The Botelhos traveled from Brazil to see the Smooth Fox Terrier they bred and now co-own take a Group Four at Westminster. The Botelhos speak very little English, but gamely allowed themselves to be interviewed in a combination of rusty Spanish, a few words of Portuguese, and pantomime. Smooth Fox Terriers are popular pets in Brazil, where they are known for being great with children. The Botelhos should be sympathetic to the press: they own a Brazilian show dog publication, Cães de Fato.

Interestingly, Susie Kipp handled the Smooth Fox, while her 15 year-old-daughter daughter, Dylan, who has been showing dogs since she was three, nudged her out with the Norfolk Terrier. That’s a loss any mom would be thrilled to have.

The Non-Sporting Group:

Remy (Ch. Brighton Minimoto) followed in the footsteps of her sire, Ch. Ale Kai Mikimoto On Fifth (Miki) by repeating her 2007 Non-Sporting Group One award. It’s really a family tradition. Miki won in 2003 and 2004; Miki’s sire, Ch. Lake Cove That’s My Boy (Trèson) was a three-time winner from 1998 through 2000. And Trèson’s grandsire, Peter (Ch. Whisperwind on a Carousel) went BIS at Westminster in 1991, the last Standard Poodle to achieve that honor.

For Chris, an Australian who came to the U.S. in 1992, the win was especially sweet because the breed judge that day, Robert L. Curtis, is a well-respected Australian poodle breeder. But it was also bittersweet, because Remy will retire after the upcoming Chicago show to live with her owners in Jacksonville, Florida.

“She was really up – she really wanted it tonight,” said Chris. When asked what was so special about this white bitch, Chris said simply “she has everything you want without being overdone, and that’s what the poodle standard asks for.”

Some handlers have rituals that are performed for luck before stepping into the ring. For Chris and Remy, the help of a friend is needed. “I have a friend who comes to big shows to brush Remy’s ears out, and it’s a lucky thing. One time, she didn’t come – and we didn’t win!” As for bait – it’s beef liver, and only beef liver. “It’s the only thing she eats,” said Chris. “You give her chicken or steak, and she spits it out.”

Even the top handlers worry about the same things the rest of us do. When Bichon Ch. Paray's Paragon came out of the ring, handler Tray Pittman exclaimed, “That was the best I’ve ever groomed him.” Judge Dr. Michael Manning commented on the excellent grooming and presentation as part of what catapulted the dog to a Group Third.

The Herding Group:

Almost every Westminster has a surprise group winner, and this year it was the Herding Group’s turn. Ch. Vinelake Collinswood Yablon OA, OAJ – Deuce – just started her specials career in January.

“I never get tired of watching her,” said owner Terri Collins of the four-year old red merle bitch. Sandra Landry bred this bitch, and when the puppies were eight weeks old, Terri took three to evaluate. “When I put them down, she took off across the floor. She moved like that even as a ‘baby.’” Deuce had a litter five months ago.

Group Two winner Ch. Quiche’s Demetrius is the eighth generation of the Paquette’s breeding. Elaine and Louise have bred Bouviers for thirty years, and traveled from Ontario, Canada. The Paquettes have won the breed at Westminster five times, including wins with Demetrius’ dam and grandsire. Demetrius is just beginning his show career, but has gone BIS each of the four weekends the Paquettes have shown him.

Group Fourth winner “Sax,” a two year-old blue merle Collie bitch, is the granddaughter of the famous Bam-Bam (Ch. Argent Big Bang), the last rough collie to win a group placement at Westminster. She finished her championship at the tender age of seven months, and will show for another year before retiring (at least temporarily) to motherhood. “I’ve never said this before,” said her handler, Diane Steele. “She’s the best thing I have ever shown.”

Back to the Breed Rings:

It’s hard to get bearings on Tuesday morning. After all the excitement of the first groups, it’s hard to focus.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make focus easier. Look around the crowded Garden for the ring, and your eyes are drawn to movement. It’s the wagging of 35 Cavalier tails. They’re all in motion.

When he’s finished giving awards, judge Edd Bivin has the winners take a little victory lap around the ring. The crowd cheers. The winner is Ch. Pinecrest Rock The Boat co-bred (with wife Mary Grace), co-owned and handled by Ted Eubank. All winners get hugs, but this win has a long line of people wanting to congratulate Ted. A lot of people are wearing their “Rocky!” buttons.

A quick conversation shows how interesting the lives of dog show people can be. Mary Grace Eubank is a retired illustrator. She did a lot of interesting work – including illustrating the first four Barney books. She worked on games for Fisher Price and Milton Bradley. Now that artistic eye is part of a team in the world of dogs. “She’s got an eye for the pretty,” says Ted. “I think I have an eye for the structure and movement.” Life takes us down many paths.

It’s interesting how many paths do come together at Westminster, and that’s part of its charm. A Border Collie entry is also an Obedience Trial Champion and a Herding Champion. Kate Eldredge, a 17 year-old who showed her Belgian Tervuren to Best of Opposite Sex, is also the author of an excellent book to help children and their dogs called Head of the Class. Kate was found calmly doing her physics homework while she sat with her benched dog. Turn to someone sitting beside you, and you never know what interesting stories you’ll hear.

There are the wins and the losses. Most importantly, there is grace. Last year, Joan Savage’s English Setter Ch. Stage Door Rock It Man (co-owned with Myrna Kahlo) placed third in the Sporting Group. He won Best in Show one day of the World Show, and was in the reserve Best in Show placements two other days. But 2008 wasn’t Rock It’s Westminster. He got an Award of Merit. Joan Savage stood by the ringside. As soon as the judging was over, she walked into the ring and hugged the owner of the winning dog. Sportsmanship is part of dog shows, too.

The day goes on, with dreams realized and hopes dashed. Finally, Tuesday night comes.

Tuesday Groups and Best in Show. On Tuesday night, the crowd was rowdy. They had their favorites. They had fun. It was a joyous celebration of all things dog.

But before the Groups, there is a celebration of the future. Junior showmanship takes the stage. Fourteen year-old Lauren Hay-Lavitt won the Junior Showmanship finals with her five year-old German Shorthaired Pointer dog Ch. Serakraut Breaknrules Coronet (Truman). Lauren has shown dogs for “almost five years,” since she was ten years-old. In addition to competing with him in junior handling, she sometimes handles Truman in conformation. Back home in another Westminster, California – yes, she really lives in Westminster – she’s an honor roll freshman at Marina High School. She does plan a career in handling, but only “after college,” she was quick to point out.

“This was a really good group,” says finals judge Edd Bivin. “She had a lovely rapport with the dog. You should be aware of the dog, not the handler.” Lauren had the ability to make the dog shine.

The Sporting Group:

Alessandra Folz said that Marge (Ch. Colsidex Seabreeze Perfect Fit) gave “the performance of a lifetime” to win the Sporting Group. Alessandra has had Marge since she was seven weeks old. Alessandra says that the bitch is aptly named – to her, she is “perfect.” Marge was the number one Weimaraner in 2007, with 23 all-breed BIS wins to her credit. With “not much left to prove,” Alessandra said that they will try to top the breed record of 27 BIS wins before Marge is retired.

Ellen Charles, Marge’s owner, was on hand to celebrate the win. Well-known for her poodles and other breeds, Ellen has had show dogs for forty years. She’d been looking for a Bichon, when a friend called her to say that while she didn’t have a Bichon, she did know of a wonderful Weimaraner that needed a sponsor. So the partnership began, and with a little luck, Ellen Charles will help to make history in her new breed.

The five year-old English Cocker dog Ch. Chestnuts Selling The Drama, came out of retirement for Westminster and nabbed fourth in the Sporting Group. Retirement for this dog, however, was really the start of a new career – he was the top English Cocker in agility competition in 2007. The next goal for his owner: hunting with him.

The Toy Group:

Vikki, a three year-old bitch, returned to Westminster to repeat her win of the Toy Group. Her breeder, Yukiko Omura, was on hand to watch her show – and to take her home to Japan the next day. She’ll be shown at Tokyo’s counterpart to Westminster in April, then a breeding is planned for May. “She’ll be four – it’s time to get some puppies,” Omura said.

It was an emotional moment for Kaz Hosaka. He and Vikki are a team – even their tack boxes bear brass plates with the inscription “Team Kaz and Vikki.” After the group win, he knew he’d take her into the ring just one more time – for BIS later that evening. “She does okay, but not me! I am so nervous about it,” he said. Ron Scott, Vikki’s owner, simply patted him on the back and said, “Thanks, buddy.”

Having Sari Brewster Tietjen give Vikki the nod was especially sweet. On Vikki’s first weekend as a show dog, Tietjen had given her a Group One from the classes. Her career would begin and end with bookend Group Firsts from this judge.

After her Toy Poodle breed win, Vikki sought refuge from the noise and crowds of Westminster in a familiar place – the lap of Kaz’s assistant. All that observers could see was a gently breathing ball of white fluff, ornamented with pink plastic hair wraps.

Kaz took a minute to talk about his handling technique. His relationship with Vikki, and with all the dogs he handles, is readily apparent. “The dog cannot give 100 percent if that rapport isn’t there,” he said. However, showing Poodles in conformation, he said, is not an exercise in obedience. “For me, it’s good for Poodles to play, and jump around.” This results in an upbeat attitude, and Kaz’s rapport with his Poodles enables him to show them on a loose lead.

Vikki’s continental trim clearly shows her conditioning. She’s a toy dog, but she’s an athlete. Omura credits Kaz with her development, saying that she was much slighter when she went to him. Kaz doesn’t believe in treadmills for dogs (“boring”). He simply allows his dogs to be dogs – running outside in large, fenced pastures, and chasing toys. “They’re not attached to leashes, and it’s mental exercise, as well as physical,” he said. As for Vikki, after ten minutes of “running like hell,” she’s ready to come back inside for a rest.

Kaz accurately predicted that Uno, the beagle, would take the show. People think of poodles as “sissy dogs” Kaz said. “The crowd likes cute, short-haired dogs – like beagles – or a ‘man’s dog,’ like a Rottweiler or German Shepherd Dog.”

The Pug, Ch. Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu, won’t be two years-old until May, but he’s already snagged 6 Bests in Show, and he showed with an energy that will carry him far.

The Havanese, Ch. Yup's Cohiba Esplen-dido had the sweet, melting look that makes this such a great companion breed. Mark these two young dogs as ones to beat in future years.

The Working Group:

Macy was perfect. She showed with energy and vigor, and without time for more than a quick lap of water, was back in the ring for Best in Show.

The young Doberman bitch, Ch. Cambria's Victoria Secret loved New York, according to her handler. “She went BIS Friday in Indiana, and now this.”

“Eva” the Great Dane, started showing at six months, and finished her championship at just over seven months old. At nine months, she was being specialed, and she’ll retire from the ring at the end of this year, at the age of three and one-half. “She loves to be in the ring. She loves to show off, and she loves to win. She knows the difference between winning and losing,” said handler Joe Rosenblatt.

“Liam” came out of retirement for Westminster. He hadn’t been shown since September, and lives with his owners. He has three all-breed BIS wins, and is the only Bullmastiff ever to win the national specialty three consecutive years. “Movement and overall balance” set Liam apart said handler Bill Martin. “He has a true down and back, and flawless side movement.” After Westminster, it’s back into retirement for Liam – until the national specialty, when he’ll go for a fourth consecutive win.

Best In Show!

Seven beautiful dogs were nearly flawless. But this was the Beagle’s night. The crowd screamed for the Beagle – a deafening roar unequaled in anyone’s memory. A lone voice was heard to yell “Go Beagle Man!” – whether to the handler, the dog, or the team, no one could say. And Uno played to the crowd – checking them out, walking forward on his hind legs, and giving them a taste of a beagle’s distinctive baying, all while showing flawlessly.

There were lots of references to this being the most popular Beagle since Snoopy.

What many people don’t know is that the people who are behind this dog are as solid as they come in the dog fancy.

As the press and the cameras swarmed around Uno and Aaron moments after their historic win, a woman from Texas stood at the fringe, crying tears of joy and talking into her cell phone. She was Denny Mounce, a judge and former top professional handler who now lives in Round Top, Texas. She breeds Beagles, Wirehaired Dachshunds, and miniature horses, though her experience extends to many breeds. She gave Aaron Wilkerson his start in Beagles when he was only nine years old.

Twenty years ago, she noticed that a boy followed her from ring to ring and show to show, and watched her dogs carefully. Finally, a friend approached the boy and asked him what he wanted, then came back to Denny. “I think he wants a job,” she said. Aaron introduced himself, and asked for a job as her assistant. Denny asked Aaron why he’d been watching her so closely, and he said, “you have good dogs.” When she asked his age, he replied that he was nine. Denny told him that she usually didn’t hire assistants that young – after all, he did have to go to school.

Aaron walked away, disappointed, but was back within a few minutes. “I’ll be ten in three weeks – is that old enough?” he asked. He got the job.

Wages were a bit unusual. “I bought him clothes, paid his entry fees, and gave him a dog, Ch. Barmere AJ Foyt (AJ), that Aaron showed in junior showmanship. Aaron competed in juniors for four years, and was ranked on top when he was thirteen and fourteen. “He used to like to wear my black Reeboks for good luck,” Denny remembered. She gave him a pair to bring to Westminster for luck – and it paid off.

At twenty-nine, Aaron still has an eye for a good dog. The love of Beagles that began when he was young and was fostered by a kind Texas breeder and handler grew into a career as a professional all-breed handler. At twenty-nine, he achieved an honor that most handlers only dream about – Best In Show at Westminster. AJ was his first beagle; now Uno is simply “my best friend.”

Eddie Dziuk explains that the people involved in breeding and showing Uno have been dedicated Beagle people – and friends -- for over 20 years. It’s all about family: human and canine.

There have been three Beagles ranked as the number one hound in the last 27 years. Uno, Uno’s great-grandmother, Judy, and her great-grandfather, Buckeye. This team has been part of all those dogs.

At 21 months old, Aaron thought Uno was ready for some spot showing so he was entered on the 2007 January Florida circuit. His first weekend in the ring in Florida, he won his first Best in Show under Italian judge Ms. Marina Guidetti. By the end of the circuit, he had amassed 3 BIS, 9 Group 1’s and various other Group Placements. As the saying goes, the rest is history and Uno never looked back.

“Eddie Dziuk had approached me when Uno was young about owning him and the decision was made to wait until he actually started his career to see how he would be received,” says co-owner and co-breeder Kathy Weichert. “In February of 2007, Eddie started building ‘Team Uno’ and by March, it was complete. He brought on the wonderful and gracious Caroline Dowell from Texas and Jon Woodring of Lanbur Beagles. Of course, it was never questioned who would handle Uno, and Aaron remained at the end of the lead.”

So, a group of fanciers, the kind of people who are the heart of the sport, have the dog that captured America’s heart. No one can remember a previous winner getting a standing ovation for a Best in Show win at Westminster.

That ovation was for a dog – but it was also for the people who care about their breed and about the fancy. That is a win for everybody.

Perhaps judge J. Donald Jones put it best when he said, “Westminster is the best dog show in the world.”