February 11, 2009

America's New Number One Dog

A spaniel named Stump takes the top prize at the Westminster Dog Show

By Suzanne Zimbler

When Stump competed in the Westminster Dog Show five years ago, he was chosen as one of seven finalists for the top prize. Soon after, though, he became ill and had to spend 19 days at a pet hospital. Stump recovered, but his owners decided he needed a break from competing. They thought Stump's time in the spotlight was over. It turns out they were wrong.

PETER KRAMER—AP Stump walks the green carpet with his handler, Scott Sommer.

Just last week, Stump's handler, Scott Sommer, had an idea. Why not enter the 10-year-old Sussex spaniel in America's biggest dog competition one last time? "I thought it would be fun," he says. (Stump's age is about 70 in human years.) The last-minute effort paid off. On Tuesday night, Stump made history by becoming the oldest dog and the first of his breed to win the top title, Best in Show.

“Ruff” Competition

The Westminster Dog Show is the oldest and best-known contest for canines in the United States. The competition has taken place in New York City every year since 1877. This year, nearly 2,500 dogs in 170 breeds turned up for a chance to walk the green carpet at Madison Square Garden.

On Monday, Stump beat six other Sussex spaniels to become best in his breed. He was then chosen as the top dog in the Sporting Group, just as he had been in 2004. Once again, Stump went on to compete against six other finalists for the grand prize. "I love them all," said Best in Show judge Sari Tietjen.

A Fan Favorite Takes the Prize

Tietjen carefully watched the dogs as they took turns circling the show ring. Fans clapped the whole time. When floppy-eared Stump trudged across the carpet, the audience roared. Tietjen pointed to Stump. "Tonight, the Sussex," she said.

Even though no dog this old has ever won before, Stump's owner, Cecilia Ruggles, was not surprised that he was chosen. "He's unbelievably charming," she told TFK. "He just looks at the judges and draws them in."

Stump now takes the place of last year's winner, a beagle named Uno, as the country's number one dog. Will all of the attention go to Stump's head? Ruggles does not think so. "He's just a big goof," she says, "and a wonderful dog to be around."

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