Beagle strives to become Numero Uno at Westminster

[El Supremo]

By Kelly Whiteside, USA TODAY
One of America's beloved dogs, the beagle, has never won Best in Show at Westminster. In fact, no beagle has even won the hound group since 1939, and it's been 25 years since any kind of hound has been chosen as the overall winner. But could a charmer named Uno make history at New York's Madison Square Garden in the 132nd Westminster Dog Show?

Uno the underdog begins his quest for No. 1 or in this case, Numero Uno, on Monday when breed and group judging begins for the 2,627 dogs entered in the United States' second-longest continuously held sporting event (the Kentucky Derby is the oldest). Best in Show honors will be awarded Tuesday night.

With dreamy brown eyes that could melt the New York Rangers ice, Uno is sure to be a Garden crowd pleaser, especially among those who love to root for the dog-next-door types, as opposed to those rare breeds that sound like Italian desserts (Spinone Italiano) or like your neighbor across the street (the Plotts).

Since 1915, beagles have been the only breed consistently ranked in the Top 10 among the American Kennel Club's list of the most popular dogs. So why is the breed so admired by the general dog-loving public? "Because of good ol' Snoopy," says Uno's handler Aaron Wilkerson. "You think of a beagle and you think of Snoopy, and how can you pass that up?"

The cuteness factor will also endear Uno to fans in an arena which has been home to a whole lot of ugly (see New York Knicks). "Uno has that soft, pleading look and when you see him you have to say. 'Awww,' because he's so pretty," says Wilkerson who lives with Uno in Columbia, S.C. "He's just a great dog. He's a fun, happy dog who makes you smile all the time."

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Hey. If we can allow chess posts here, then we can allow posts about the second oldest sporting event in the US. Besides Football is over and Baseball doesn't start for another week or so.

[Longhorn]

1. I love beagles!

I've got the DVR all set to record tomorrow and Tuesday on both USA Network and CNBC! :hi:

[BOSSHOG]

2. We watched a dog show a couple of weeks ago

and the best two dogs (in my opinion) were both beagles. We always had at least three beagles when I was growing up. A great dog, very loyal and a very happy sight after a long day at work. I hope they clean up, so to speak.

[El Supremo]

3. Uno won Best of Breed!

His registered name is actually "Champion K-Run's Park Me In First"
"Uno" is his call name and obviously comes from the last name

Breed: Beagle, 15 In.
Sex: Dog
AKC: HP 16966001
Date of Birth: May 05, 2005
Breeder: Kathy Weichert & Leah Bertagnolli
Sire: Ch Windkist A Walk In The Park
Dam: Ch Legacy's Lil Secret At K-Run
Owner: Caroline Dowell & Eddie Dziuk & Jon Woodring & Kathy Weichert

He may be a favorite to win it all. Let's see how he does against the other hounds tonight.

[RockaFowler]

4. This has to be the year of the Dachshunds

Please let a doxie win this year . . . they are the forgotten little hounds.

By the way, my dogs love this show. All three watch it with me every year!! And I will be happy if any hound wins this year.

[El Supremo]

5. Uno won group!

He now goes to Best In Show tomorrow night.

My breed (Irish Terrier) didn't get a Group placement. But watch out for the Seallyham who won the Terrier group

[Longhorn]

6. And he's from Austin!

Go Uno!!!