Bull terrier continues winning ways

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Bull terrier continues winning ways
Saturday, October 31, 2009
By Linda Wilson Fuoco, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

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Champion Rocky Top's Sundance Kid is the top-winning colored bull terrier in the history of his breed. He's also the only dog that has ever won Best in Show at both the National Dog Show in Philadelphia and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.

Back home in Holmdel, N.J., he's just "Rufus" to owners Tom and Barbara Bishop.

"He's a pet, first and foremost," Mrs. Bishop said in a recent telephone interview. "He's my baby. I've had him since he was 10 weeks old. Rufus is active and clownish and a very loving companion."

The well-traveled champion was shown by professional handler Kathy Kirk, "but I always traveled with him because Rufus is a very sensitive boy," Mrs. Bishop said.

You can see the red-and-white dog when he returns to The National Dog Show Presented by Purina and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. He's the official "Canine Ambassador" for the annual show, which will be on NBC Nov. 26, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Rufus retired from the show ring after his Best in Show wins in Philadelphia in 2005 and New York in 2006.

When he retired from American Kennel Club competitions, "Rufus was very bored," Mrs. Bishop said, despite the company, at home, of four female bull terriers named Serafina, Madeline, Pinky and Gwen.

"He loved the attention" of big crowds, she said.

Mrs. Bishop had seen therapy dog demonstrations "and I thought, I'll bet Rufus and I could do that." Rufus took the Therapy Dogs International test and passed on the first try, Mrs. Bishop said with obvious pride.

"It's the best thing we've ever done."

His therapy dog schedule includes a visit on Tuesday to the Ronald McDonald House of New York. The Manhattan facility serves the families of children with cancer.

Therapy dogs visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other venues where a well-trained, well-behaved dog can lift spirits. Rufus will be featured during televised coverage of the National Dog Show during segments about therapy dogs.

Rufus is now 9 years old, and still very active, Mrs. Bishop said.

Most people have had little or no contact with this breed, but you've seen them on television. Spuds McKenzie was a colored bull terrier who starred in popular beer ads in the 1980s. The Target department stores use a white bull terrier in ads and logos.

The Bishops have owned bull terriers since 1984. The breed they love is not for everyone, she cautions. Bull terriers weigh 45-80 pounds. They're very strong "and very stubborn," Mrs. Bishop said, and need a strong-willed owner who is familiar with the breed.

They are generally good with children, but should be well-trained and supervised because their strength and boisterous behavior can be hazardous to small children.

"Our dogs are always crated when we're not home because they likely would get into mischief," Mrs. Bishop said.

Go to http://www.btca.com for information about the breed from the Bull Terrier Club of America. There is contact information for breeders and dogs available from the club's rescue volunteers. This week, there were two bull terriers in Pennsylvania, Sugar and Annie, who need new homes, and three in Ohio.
Buddy's chance

During the Philadelphia show, the winner of the "Rally To Rescue" contest will be announced. Buddy, a Lhasa Apso featured Oct. 24 in Pet Tales, has been a top vote-getter.

Almost 20 million people watch the show on television. Over 2,000 dogs are entered, representing 165 breeds and varieties. The show will actually take place on Nov. 14 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. The charity beneficiary of the show is the veterinary hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

The TV host for the show is actor John O'Hurley, who many have seen on the Seinfield Show and Dancing With the Stars. The expert analyst is David Frei, an AKC-licensed judge who also hosts USA Network's coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Show.
Butler cat show

Butler Cat Fanciers, Inc. will hold the club's 34th annual show next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Family Sports Center, 542 Evans City Road, Butler.

The show is held in conjunction with American Tabby & Tortie, Inc., a national club that is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Purebred cats and household pets will be competing. There will be six judges from the Cat Fancier's Association.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and seniors. Proceeds benefit the Tigger Neutering Fund.

Pet Tales appears weekly in the Saturday Home & Garden section. Linda Wilson Fuoco can be reached at lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3064. More articles by this author
First published on October 31, 2009 at 12:00 am

Read more: Bull terrier continues winning ways sources