Popularity not a factor for best-in-show dogs
NEW YORK — Packed with personality, Burns the long-haired dachshund has all the qualities of a Westminster Kennel Club champion. He has a great coat. He has a wonderful gait. He has a playful spirit.
But does Burns have the right combination to become the big winner at America’s most prestigious dog show? His body of work says yes. History says no.
“Best in show breeds need the flash to compete,” said his handler, Carlos Puig.
Despite always being among the nation’s most popular dogs, a dachshund has never won best in show at Westminster. Neither has a Havanese, schipperke or bouviers des Flandres, all of whom were set to join Burns in the final ring of seven Tuesday night at the Garden.
Instead, past results say to look for a wire fox terrier to step into the shiny silver bowl. Of the previous 112 best in show titles awarded at Westminster, a wire fox has won 14 times — Scottish terriers are next, way back at eight.
A prime wire fox called King took some winning steps early Tuesday, earning best in breed.
No surprise, really.
“I look at King, he’s like a beautiful painting, a piece of art,” said King’s handler, Gabriel Rangel.
Rangel should know. He’s twice guided terriers to best in show at Westminster — Sadie the Scottie in 2010 and Sky the wire fox in 2014.
That’s a lot better showing than popular golden retrievers and Labs. They’ve never taken the top title at Westminster.
That doesn’t mean a more common dog can’t emerge. Chances are, though, a fancier breed will catch someone’s attention.
“I think in a big show there are a lot of judges that hope they will have something they have never seen before to sweep them off their feet,” handler Bill McFadden said.