Uno's No. 1: Beagle conquers Westminster
Look out, Red Baron: Uno, a spirited 3-year-old beagle, conquered Westminster last night, becoming the first of his breed to win Best in Show in the 131-year-old dog show's history.
The 15-inch-tall beagle, belonging to Aaron Wilkerson, was also the first beagle to win the hound group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show since 1939.
The two-day competition involved more than 2,600 dogs, from 48 states, the District of Columbia and at least six countries.
Uno, whose official name is K-Run's Park Me in First, was a crowd favorite -- partly because of his playful attitude, partly because of his underdog status.
He barked often, amid shouts from the sold-out Madison Square Garden crowd of "Uno!" and "beagle!"
There were 169 breeds vying this year, including four new breeds the Plott, a hound; the Tibetan mastiff; the Swedish vallhund; and the Beauceron.
For the story of Uno's victory, click here.
For more pictures, click here.
(Photo by Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images)
Comments
I happily rooted for Uno, but I gotta admit that when Marge (the Weimaraner) made the final seven, I wanted her to win. She's one exquisite dog! But, I was happy at Uno's victory--he IS adorable!
Posted by: Dottie | February 13, 2008 1:33 PM
Look at that face! What's not to love? And I can guarantee you, those ears are as soft as they look. Beagles have consistently been among the most popular dogs since the 1920's, but they are too down-home to be popular in the upper echelons of the dog show circuit.
I have to put in a plug here. A lot of times when a dog with that much personality wins at Westminster, the breed becomes even more popular. Beagles have a lot of great qualities; they're sturdy and robust, sweet-natured, great with children, and a lot smarter than they look. They don't mind living in the city if they can get frequent walks. They also have their drawbacks. They can be hard to train (and sometimes hard to housebreak), they're inveterate snackers and have to watch their weight, and they have great, big voices. Because they are scent hounds, they have to be under your complete control whenever they're out of the house--that means a leash or fenced yard and absolutely no exceptions. When they pick up a scent, they're off--heedless of traffic, other people and dogs, and the sound of your voice yelling for them to stop. And those little legs can carry them very fast and very far.
If Uno has captivated you, please, please, please ADOPT AND RESCUE a Beagle! Those good qualities, together with their lack of genetic diseases, makes them the ideal candidates for all sorts of research facilities. They also seem to be horded and puppy-milled more than some other kinds of dogs. There's an abundance of great Beagles of all ages from puppies to seniors, and they're just waiting to nose their way into your life. In this area, your first stop on the path to Beagle ownership should be BREW--Beagle Rescue, Education, and Welfare. You'll find them on the Web at http://www.brewbeagles.org. Somebody will be glad to help you decide if the Beagle is right for you, and then hopefully you can be matched up with a lifelong buddy. These folks know and love Beagles, and their are eight whole pages of Beagles in this area--all waiting to find their forever homes. Please don't buy from pet shops or irresponsible breeders.
So a huge AROO to Uno the Underdog, and hopefully many Beagle and Human matchups will be the result.
Anne
(And Spencer, a BREW Beagle)
Posted by: Anne | February 13, 2008 2:17 PM
Yes! A beagle won Best in Show! Uno is exquisite, and we are just thrilled!! And, if you decide that a beagle would fit in with your family and life well, do your research and consider adopting a beagle from a rescue organization. You won't be disappointed! You wouldn't believe how much love a rescued dog will show you. They know somebody left them, and they will shower you with love for the rest of their lives for taking them in.
Diane
(And Newton, from Beagles and Buddies Rescue in California)
Posted by: Diane | February 13, 2008 5:07 PM
If you want a Beagle, adopt!!! Visit your SPCA or the local Beagle rescue. You will save your new best friend's life and save on the cost.
Posted by: Jeff (and Henry, Buddy, and Toby, all SPCA Beagles) | February 13, 2008 8:02 PM
Some aspects of doggy beauty pageants drive me nuts, but it did seem like Uno was happy to be at Westminster. Great!
Even better, the comments posted here about adopting a rescue beagle. "Mutts" readers have to be some of the sanest and most civil people on the 'net.
Posted by: Mary Schmidt | February 13, 2008 9:27 PM
If this makes a Beagle trend, PLEASE ADOPT/RESCUE from a reputable organization. Also remember to spay/neuter if the dog has not been already. Do not buy from a breeder (some exceptions, but not to the average *buyer*) because too many are waiting on you in the shelter! They are wonderful to EVERYONE and they are the best friend(s) I could ever ask for.... in my house of 7 baying Beagles.
Posted by: Alyse | February 13, 2008 10:58 PM
Congratulations to Uno and his handler. He's an adorable dog and it is nice to see an animal that is among the top 5 most popular breeds sold in the US win at Westminster.
I'm going to mention another beagle rescue where we found our little buddy. Beagle Rescue of Southern Maryland (http://www.beaglemaryland.org ). Since their founding in 2001, they've place over 600 beagles, beagle mixes and other dogs into loving homes in the DC/Baltimore area.They are actually having an adoption day at the PetSmart at Arundel Mills this Saturday (Feb. 16th) from 12-2pm.
Posted by: Alyssa K | February 14, 2008 6:44 AM
From Chucho,Gorda and (my 25 yrs.old)Petunia recieve hug LICKS and lots of barks. You were great.
Posted by: Leo Cervantes | February 15, 2008 12:04 AM