Stump is Best in Show!

Having just turned 10, a Sussex spaniel called Stump became the oldest Best in Show winner at the Westminster Kennel Club. That is nearly 70 in human years! With floppy ears and a plodding gait, the golden-red Stump became America’s top dog and an instant fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. There were nearly 2,500 dogs in 170 breeds and varieties were entered in this 133rd edition of Westminster. Last year’s champion, a beagle named Uno, was perhaps the most popular winner ever.
Here is a picture of Uno!

Stump is no stranger to dog shows or Westminster. Stump won the sporting group at Westminster in 2004, and then went into retirement. Soon after, he almost died and spent 19 days in a pet hospital. Once he recovered, he never planned on showing again; after all he had two sons (Root and Forest) to raise. Then just a week before the big show in New York, Stumps owner thought he would allow his four-legged friend to walk the green carpet one last time. He said he didn’t expect to win anything, but thought it would just be fun. Stump began by winning the best of breed, and then took best in-group, and now he is best in show. Not bad for an old man! Stump plans to go back into retirement as far as shows go, but since he is the big winner, he will have some obligations to fulfill. So be on the look out for him on the bag of some dog food and in the pages of your favorite dog magazines!