First, a confession. I’m never been particularly fond of beagle. I love dogs so there isn’t a dog I’ve met that doesn’t (usually) charm me, unless he is trying to take a piece out of my arm or leg. But beagles?
They have that loud baying bark and a tendency to roam. Every beagle in our neighborhood usually stopped by for a visit, unannounced, and usually without permission by the unsuspecting owners who still thought their dogs were inside a fence or kennel. I’ve seen beagles scale 9 foot chain link fences so I know they can be determined creatures, hard to keep confined, even in a large yard.
Even so I couldn’t help being charmed by that beagle, Uno, at last night’s Westminster Dog Show. From the first moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he had the “it” factor and hoped the judges would see it as well. Cocky, unruffled, not fazed by attention, this perky little guy just came out and was himself. Turns out, being himself was enough for the “common” beagle to win over two apparently perfect poodles, groomed within an inch of their lives, as well as other dogs who’ve won time and again and Westminster. There was a weimeraner, a Sealyham terrier and even an Australian Shepherd. I like all these breeds. But I like Uno best.
Here’s my top ten reasons for rooting for Uno:
1. He was the underdog and long shot
Beagles have been snubbed for years, losing over and over at Westminster. Some said a beagle would never win, not in this day and age.. Some believed they are too “common” or lacking in panache. Others felt they just didn’t have enough style. One look at Uno and all myths were laid to rest. From his jaunty walk to his crowd-pleasing charm, this dog outshone the other contestants. You can find out more about him here: news.aol.com/story/_a/uno-the-beagle-makes-history-with-best/n20080213071309990111
2. He revealed a mischievous and humorous streak and an impeccable sense of timing
Let’s face it – Uno knew how to work a crowd. When things got a bit dull, he’d chew on the scenery, take a flying leap into the air for the heck of it or let out one of his trademark baying howls. He seemed to be smiling and winking at people as he did it…and instead of getting in trouble for breaking form, the crowd ate it up, giggling and cheering for him. I know this because I Tivo-ed the whole show and heard and saw the crowd reaction. He definitely had the common man…er..dog..factor. Sometimes common is plenty good enough.
About that sense of timing: he spoke up from time to time but he seemed to do so at the right moments. When his handler spoke about him in the mandatory news conference, Uno barked as if on cue. Very smart move, excellent timing.
3. He doesn’t come across as a snob or elitist
This made him seem more like the guy next door, the one who can tell good jokes and likes to sit on the deck and gab with the family occasionally. The all-around nice guy. Uno reminded me of that kind of person, not a snob, just himself. I know he is a dog and not a person but if he was a person, I’m betting he’d wouldn’t be buying a bunch of status symbols but hanging out with the guys or grilling some steaks on the backyard barbeque while chugging a pefectly good beer or sipping a nice glass of wine, nothing too pricey.
Who didn’t like Snoopy and good old Charlie Brown? Uno evoked nostalgia, memories and a yearning for the good old days. That’s my take, anyway. Maybe there is a larger message here about people wanting to have a sense that thing are better or maybe people just have a fondness for Snoopy. Just as Snoopy was his own dog, so is Uno. Watching him, one had the sense that he not only represented the breed but the power of a unique personality. He had charisma to spare, from the wagging tail to the mouth that seemed to be grinning at everyone around him.
5. He has mass appeal.
Everyone was rooting for him…and I know this because….
7. He got a standing ovation, reinforcing his popularity.
The crowd went wild. They yelled, they screamed and the scene was described as the most enthusiastic response a single Westminster dog show winner had gotten – ever. A good share of those people probably weren’t beagle lovers but Uno won them over. Some viewers were so ecstatic that they were hugging and kissing perfect strangers. He may have inadvertently played matchmaker for a few couples.
8. He gets an apartment in New York, all expenses paid.
Enough said, Who wouldn’t want that, just for the occasional trip to the Big Apple?
9. He’ll be traveling and roaming the country – and maybe parts of the rest of the world, without spending a cent to do it.
Uno will be the spokesdog for beagles everywhere and I bet he’ll win the hearts of everyone he meets. If he came to my town, I’d make an effort to meet him and even get a paw-to- graph.
According to his handler, Uno is described as being “the people’s dog.” Even the judges described him as “awfully cute.” Sometimes being common, jaunty and cute is enough to be charismatic – and a winner- at Westminster.
