Beagle, a Breed Long Unsung, Wins Best in Show

When Dr. J. Donald Jones, the judge for the best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tuesday night, looked at the seven competitors for the title, he saw four breeds that had been denied the crown and three that had worn it.

The four breeds that had been shut out were the beagle, the Weimaraner, the Australian shepherd and the Akita. There were two breeds that had captured best in show four times, the standard poodle and the Sealyham terrier, and a third, the toy poodle, that was twice a victor.

The judge could hear Uno, the 15-inch beagle, baying as he gave his once-over to the standard poodle. And when he completed his observations, he needed four minutes before he pointed to the winner: Uno, the beagle, or Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First, who will turn 3 in May.
Snoopy would be pleased. His breed, long passed over for glory, had finally triumphed.

Jones Said: “That was a beautiful lineup of dogs. I’d give this dog a 10.” He had not been aware that his choice of a beagle was unprecedented.

Wilkerson has been working with Uno since he was 6 months old, and the charismatic beagle lives with him in Columbia, S.C..

“He’s my best friend,” he said, adding, “He’s just a great friend.”
Now, said Wilkerson, Uno can do as he pleases, but the champion will probably be content to return home and play with his rubber duck.
I WANT ONE!