The nation’s new top dog was clearly the fan favorite, and drew a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden when he was picked. Uno got right into the act, jumping up on handler Aaron Wilkerson and confirming his other title: noisiest in show. Years from now, he’ll be known for the “ah-roo” heard ’round the ring. The only dog consistently listed among America’s most popular breeds for nearly 100 years, a beagle had never won in the 100 times Westminster picked a winner.
That changed when judge J. Donald Jones pointed to this nearly 3-year-old package of personality. Uno was numero uno. 169 breeds and varieties were represented at the 132nd Westminster Kennel Club event, and the competition brought 2,627 entries.
Barks echoed around Madison Square Garden as the crowd cheered its favorite. Uno came into this competition with 32 best in show ribbons overall. No beagle had even won the hound group since 1939. So while other dogs tried to reach the final ring Tuesday, Uno spent the day going on a brisk walk around Manhattan and taking a nap underneath his warm, fuzzy blanket. But when it came time to show, Uno was as precocious and precious as ever. With fans calling out his name and clapping, he soaked in the cheers as he walked around the ring. And when he made his final stop in front of Jones, Uno went to town, baying over and over.
