Terriers rule at dog show

NEW YORK — Trudy looked like such a sweet Dalmatian. A black spot over her left eye, she gobbled down a pretzel treat and wagged her tail when a little girl in a Valentine's Day outfit came up to pet her.

Only moments later Monday at the Westminster Kennel Club show, she lost it. When when a respected judge tried to open her mouth for a closer look, Trudy growled.

"She misbehaved," owner-handler Janice Brennan said. "She was a bad thing."

Then again, maybe Trudy knew what was in store. For when it comes to the most popular breeds in the nation, almost all of them are in the Westminster doghouse.

Dalmatians, Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, beagles, Dachshunds — none of them have ever taken the best in show title at America's most prestigious pooch event.

Instead, it's those terriers — wire fox terriers, smooth fox terriers, Kerry blue terriers, Scottish terriers and Norwich terriers. Overall, they've won 43 of 96 times.

"They're just such showy dogs," said Jackie Thatcher, who brought her wire fox from Texas to the green carpet of Madison Square Garden. "They just say, 'Look at me!' "

With Greg Louganis, Glenn Close and the first sellout crowd in Westminster history on hand, a spirited Norfolk terrier named Coco ruled Monday night. After taking off six months to have three puppies — Tom, Dick and Harry — she returned at 6 1/2 years old to win the terrier group for the second straight year.

"This is her last dog show," handler Beth Sweigart said.

A wobbling Pekingese called Jeffrey took the tough toy group, beating out a pert Pomeranian co-owned by Bill Cosby and a fancy-cut toy poodle that was the No. 1 show dog in the United States. Coleman the poodle was born in Japan and yes, he responds to commands in both languages.

In an upset, a Great Pyrenees called Fame became the first dog of its breed to take the working group. The victory certainly surprised breeder Karen Justin — she didn't even buy tickets in advance for the next day.

A Tibetan terrier became the first of its breed to win the non-sporting group.

The sporting, hound and herding groups were to be judged Tuesday night, with the coveted sterling silver bowl presented to the best in show shortly before 11 p.m.