Last Wednesday in Tarrytown, New York, Trumpet the bloodhound became the first of his breed to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Trumpet, the 4-year-old bloodhound from Illinois, participated in his first dog show in January, but quickly stole “the highest distinction in American dog competition,” according to Britannica. He competed against 6 other dogs, including a Maltese, a German shepherd, and a Samoyed. One of his toughest competitors, a French bulldog named Winston, received second place.
The show is divided into seven different categories: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting, and herding. Each breed of dog belongs in one of the categories. Show dogs first compete within their category until one winner remains: the Best of Breeds. The 7 Best of Breeds advance into the next round where they fight for the title of Best in Show. Trumpet won the Hound group before claiming Best in Show.
Trumpet received a victory photoshoot after the show. He and his handler proudly posed next to their purple ribbons and large silver trophy. In its 146-year history, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has never had a bloodhound winner, so Trumpet’s victory was rather unexpected. Even his handler was surprised.
“I was shocked,” Heather Buehner, Trumpet’s handler, said. “There were seven beautiful dogs in that ring. You know, I feel like sometimes a bloodhound might be a little bit of an underdog. So I was absolutely thrilled.”
While many envision a fluffy, white poodle as a show dog, bloodhounds are known for their droopy face, wrinkly skin, short coat, and drool. They clash with many people’s idea of a winner, but Trumpet’s victory helps to get rid of that assumption. Dog shows are meant to present the best of each breed, not the best breed. Trumpet demonstrates the ideal bloodhound, not the best dog overall.
Bloodhounds are natural trackers with an impressive nose. They can follow a trail for miles which makes them perfect for law enforcement. Police frequently use them to find missing people or criminals. They are usually black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Bloodhounds are large and loud, but they love to run around and play with others.
While dog shows are not the most popular sport, Britannica calls the Westminster Dog Show “one of the country’s oldest continuously running sporting events.” The Westminster Kennel Club started the annual contest in New York City in 1877. Originally held in Madison Square Garden, the show relocated a few miles north to Lyndhurst Mansion because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many underestimate the grueling process of preparing for the Westminster Dog Show. The dogs seem to simply walk around in circles, but handlers must carefully pick, train, and groom dogs beforehand. Dogs require constant attention and hours of practice to perfect every trick. Judges will notice everything from their stance to their obedience.
Trumpet, the 4-year-old bloodhound from Illinois, participated in his first dog show in January, but quickly stole “the highest distinction in American dog competition,” according to Britannica. He competed against 6 other dogs, including a Maltese, a German shepherd, and a Samoyed. One of his toughest competitors, a French bulldog named Winston, received second place.
The show is divided into seven different categories: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting, and herding. Each breed of dog belongs in one of the categories. Show dogs first compete within their category until one winner remains: the Best of Breeds. The 7 Best of Breeds advance into the next round where they fight for the title of Best in Show. Trumpet won the Hound group before claiming Best in Show.
Trumpet received a victory photoshoot after the show. He and his handler proudly posed next to their purple ribbons and large silver trophy. In its 146-year history, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has never had a bloodhound winner, so Trumpet’s victory was rather unexpected. Even his handler was surprised.
“I was shocked,” Heather Buehner, Trumpet’s handler, said. “There were seven beautiful dogs in that ring. You know, I feel like sometimes a bloodhound might be a little bit of an underdog. So I was absolutely thrilled.”
While many envision a fluffy, white poodle as a show dog, bloodhounds are known for their droopy face, wrinkly skin, short coat, and drool. They clash with many people’s idea of a winner, but Trumpet’s victory helps to get rid of that assumption. Dog shows are meant to present the best of each breed, not the best breed. Trumpet demonstrates the ideal bloodhound, not the best dog overall.
Bloodhounds are natural trackers with an impressive nose. They can follow a trail for miles which makes them perfect for law enforcement. Police frequently use them to find missing people or criminals. They are usually black and tan, liver and tan, or red. Bloodhounds are large and loud, but they love to run around and play with others.
While dog shows are not the most popular sport, Britannica calls the Westminster Dog Show “one of the country’s oldest continuously running sporting events.” The Westminster Kennel Club started the annual contest in New York City in 1877. Originally held in Madison Square Garden, the show relocated a few miles north to Lyndhurst Mansion because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many underestimate the grueling process of preparing for the Westminster Dog Show. The dogs seem to simply walk around in circles, but handlers must carefully pick, train, and groom dogs beforehand. Dogs require constant attention and hours of practice to perfect every trick. Judges will notice everything from their stance to their obedience.