Greatest American Dog

Last updated
Greatest American Dog
Greatest American Dog Logo.jpeg
Genre Reality television, Game show
Presented by Jarod Miller
Judges Victoria Stilwell
Allan Reznik
Wendy Diamond
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes10
Production
Executive producer R. J. Cutler
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseJuly 10 (2008-07-10) 
September 10, 2008 (2008-09-10)

Greatest American Dog was an American reality television show on CBS. It debuted on July 10, 2008 and was hosted by Jarod Miller with judges Victoria Stilwell, Allan Reznik, and Wendy Diamond. The winner was given the title of "Greatest American Dog" and a prize of $250,000.

Contents

Episode format

Each episode had a theme, such as "teamwork" or "loyalty," that was tested through two different challenges.

The winner of the first challenge, the "Dog Bone Challenge," receives deluxe accommodations within the Canine Academy (similar to the "Head of Household" suite on CBS' Big Brother ). In addition, for the first four weeks, the winner of the challenge got to send one of the other teams to the "Dog House," a much smaller building with few amenities. For the remaining weeks, the winner received a "leg up," some form of assistance that would help the contestant in the second challenge.

In that second challenge, the "Best in Show Challenge," the teams are evaluated by the judges. The judges then choose one or more winners (except for Week 1), and place three teams in the "bottom three." Of those three, the judges then choose the team they feel had the worst performance; that team is then "expelled" from Canine Academy.

Episode progress

Owner & Dog12345678910
Dog Bone Challenge
Winner
JD & GalaxyTravis & PresleyTravis & Presley,
Brandy & Beacon
JD & GalaxyBill & Star1Teresa & Leroy1Bill & Star,
Travis & Presley
Laurie & AndrewTeresa & LeroyNo Challenge
Travis Brorsen [1] & PresleyININWININLOWINLOWLOWLOWWINNER
Laurie Williams [2] & AndrewININLOWINWINLOWINLOWWINRUNNER-UP
JD Platt [3] & GalaxyININWINWININLOWINWINLOWEX2
Teresa Hanula [2] & LeroyINININLOWINWINWININEX
Bill McFarlin [4] [5] & StarINWINWININININLOWEX
Beth Joy Knutsen [6] [7] & Bella StarletLOWLOWWININININEX
Laura Nativo [8] & PrestonININWININLOWEX
Brandy Yant [9] & BeaconLOWININLOWEX
Ron Davis [1] & Tillman ININLOWEX
David Best [1] & ElvisINLOWEX
Elan Hagens [10] & KenjiINEX
Michael Piper-Younie [11] & Ezzie (a.k.a. Esmerelda)EX

1 - In episode 5, Teresa & Leroy won the Dog Bone Challenge, but gave it to Bill & Star. In episode 6, Bill & Star won, but returned the favor, giving it to Teresa & Leroy.
2 - In episode 10, JD & Galaxy were eliminated after a preliminary interview, and did not take part in the final obstacle course/interview.

  (WINNER) The owner/dog won the series and was crowned Greatest American Dog.
  (WIN) The owner/dog won that episode's Best In Show Challenge.
  (LOW) The owner/dog was selected as one of the bottom entries in the Elimination Challenge, but was not expelled.
  (EX) The owner/dog lost that week's Elimination Challenge and was expelled from the competition.
  (IN) The owner/dog neither won nor lost that week's Elimination Challenge. They also were not nominated for expulsion.

Ratings

#Air DateRatingShare18-49ViewersViewers + SDWeekly Rank
1July 10, 20086.2122.1/8 (#1)8.22 (#1)9.46 (#1)#5
2July 17, 20084.681.6/7.00 (#2)
3July 24, 20084.691.55.16.9

All ratings based on Nielsen unless specified

Episode guide

The contestants of Greatest American Dog: (top, left to right) David Best and Elvis, Laurie Williams and Andrew, Brandy Yant and Beacon, Michael Piper-Younie and Ezzie, Beth Joy Knutsen and Bella Starlet, Laura Nativo and Preston; (bottom) Ron Davis and Tillman, J.D. Platt and Galaxy, Elan Hagens and Kenji, Travis Brorsen and Presley, Bill McFarlin and Star, and Teresa Hanula and Leroy. Greatest American Dog Group Photo.jpg
The contestants of Greatest American Dog: (top, left to right) David Best and Elvis, Laurie Williams and Andrew, Brandy Yant and Beacon, Michael Piper-Younie and Ezzie, Beth Joy Knutsen and Bella Starlet, Laura Nativo and Preston; (bottom) Ron Davis and Tillman, J.D. Platt and Galaxy, Elan Hagens and Kenji, Travis Brorsen and Presley, Bill McFarlin and Star, and Teresa Hanula and Leroy.

Here's To Man and Woman's Best Friend!

Original Air Date: July 10, 2008

The twelve competing dogs and their owners arrive at Canine Academy and meet each other for the first time. The theme for this episode was 'The Basics'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Doggy Musical Chairs

Similar to the human version of musical chairs, the dogs and their owners had to walk around a line of pedestals (the "chairs") while music was playing. There was a white line circling the chairs that the owners were not allowed to cross. The dogs were permitted to walk wherever they chose. When the music stopped, the owner had to direct their dog to get up onto a chair and sit. There were fewer chairs than contestants, so the last dog standing was out of the challenge. JD & Galaxy won this challenge, and placed David & Elvis in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge:The Talent Show

A chance to demonstrate the dogs' basic skills, the contestants and their dogs had to perform a themed skit in groups of four. The judges evaluated individual performances and how well the owner interacted with their dog.
Team AlohaBark 'n Wag HighDisco Dogs
Teresa & LeroyBeth Joy & Bella StarletMichael & Ezzie
JD & GalaxyBrandy & BeaconElan & Kenji
Bill & StarDavid & ElvisLaurie & Andrew
Laura & PrestonTravis & PresleyRon & Tillman

The bottom three were Brandy & Beacon, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and Michael & Ezzie. Beth Joy was told her performance was disappointing when she lost control over Bella Starlet. Brandy was chastised for physically manipulating Beacon when Beacon wouldn't listen to Brandy's commands. Michael was told that his own performance overshadowed and overwhelmed Ezzie, who was having difficulty focusing.

He's a Farter, Not a Fighter

Original Air Date: July 17, 2008

Things grow a little tense at Canine Academy when Elvis has a small fight with Tillman and bites his eye. Elvis' owner, David, seems very passive about his dog's actions. Star suffers an injury to her neck and ear, and she has to be brought into an emergency vet to be stitched up. The cause of the injury seems to be unknown, though the vet suggests it may have been a feral cat. Star recovers with a bit of rest and relaxation. The theme for this week's competitions was 'Obedience'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Doggy Boot Camp

The dogs and their owners formed a "drill line", and Jarod gave a command to be performed in a certain time limit. The owners and dogs that didn't successfully complete the command within the allotted amount of time were out. The commands required were 'come', 'sit', 'stay' as they walked a circle around the dog, 'shake' with the dog's right paw, 'back up', 'circle right', and finally, 'circle left' followed by 'circle right. Travis & Presley won this challenge, and put JD & Galaxy in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge:"Pet"-iquette

This challenge was set at a makeshift restaurant called 'Bone Appétit' inside the Best In Show Arena. The judging criteria for the challenge were how well the dog executes the commands, dog manners, and grooming and appearance. The competitors were divided into two groups for the challenge. The owners first had to walk their dogs past the judges in the 'heel' position to allow the judges to assess the dog's grooming. They would then take a seat at the table with the rest of their group. The wait staff then brought in trays of food to tempt the dogs, while their owners asked them to 'leave it'. The final task required the dogs to 'sit' and 'stay' as their owners circled around the table. This week also introduced one pair being announced as 'Best in Show' by performing exceptionally well. Bill & Star won Best in Show in the "Pet"-iquette challenge.

The bottom three were Elan & Kenji, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and David & Elvis. David was told that his particular use of hand signals was confusing and distracting. Elan was told that her communication with Kenji was confusing and stressful to Kenji. She was also told that she was bordering on being harsh with her dog. Beth Joy had put Bella Starlet in a dress that covered most of her body, which resulted in the judges being unable to evaluate her grooming.

The Fast and the Furriest

Original Air Date: July 24, 2008

Elvis proves that he can 'play nice' with both Andrew and Tillman. The theme for this episode's competitions was 'Teamwork'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Tangled Leash

The contestants and their dogs had to work in pairs that were randomly selected. They were faced with an obstacle course with five sections that had leashes tangled identically throughout them. The dogs were hooked up to the leashes at each section, and, with the help of the other owner, had to guide their two dogs through the course verbally. Touching the dogs was prohibited. The first team to finish would win the competition and the Dog Bone Suite. Travis & Presley and Brandy & Beacon won this challenge, and put Laurie & Andrew in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge:The Fast and the Furriest

The competitors were split into two teams of five and had to complete six tasks in a relay race. The tasks, in order, were a frisbee throw, a set of five hoops, pushing a cart, a multi-level teeter-totter follow by a maze, a set of tunnels, and a sled pull where one dog rode the sled and the other four pulled it. As the Dog Bone Challenge winners, Brandy and Travis were the captains of the two teams and picked their other four members. Below is a table describing which dog completed which task. Travis' team won the Best in Show challenge.
FrisbeeHoopsCart PushMazeTunnelsSled Rider
Team TravisGalaxyBella StarletPresleyStarPrestonPresley
Team BrandyLeroyAndrewTillmanElvisBeaconAndrew

The bottom three were David & Elvis, Ron & Tillman, and Laurie & Andrew. David had run Elvis over the teeter-totters on leash (all of the other dogs were off leash), and the judges agreed that Elvis may have performed better off-leash as well. The judges told Ron that they didn't see any teamwork between him and Tillman that week. Laurie was chastised for tearing a larger hole in the paper on the last hoop to give Andrew an easier time, as it was an unfair advantage.

Top Dog Model

Original Air Date: July 30, 2008

The friendship between Laura and Travis continues to blossom, and Brandy seems jealous of it. Many of the contestants begin to stress over the Best in Show challenge. The theme this week is 'Personality'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Take It or Leave It

The dogs and their owners competed at the same time in nine separate lanes. They were shown an item, and the owner had to predict whether their dog would take that item or leave it. If their dog didn't do what they had predicted, the pair was out. The owners were allowed to encourage the dog to go see the item, but not allowed to command them to pick it up. The items in succession were a piece of steak, a stick, and tofu. JD & Galaxy won this challenge, and put Travis & Presley in the Dog House.

Best in Show Challenge:Photo Shoot

The dogs were given a photo shoot with a professional photographer. Each contestant had to pick an envelope from a bowl. The envelope had a word inside of it, and the dog had to portray that personality trait in their photo shoot. The judges looked at how the owners worked with their dogs in order to convey the personality trait they chose. JD & Galaxy won Best in Show for this challenge. The judges praised JD's incorporation of both breeds in Galaxy (pointer and border collie) to achieve her photo. The picture will be placed in an upcoming issue of Dog Fancy magazine courtesy of Allan Reznik.
JD & GalaxySneaky
Bill & StarStubborn
Beth Joy & Bella StarletMischievous
Teresa & LeroyAngry
Laurie & AndrewCurious
Travis & PresleyJoyous
Brandy & BeaconLoving
Laura & PrestonRegal
Ron & TillmanLazy

The bottom three were Ron & Tillman, Teresa & Leroy, and Brandy & Beacon. Victoria Stilwell felt that Teresa's use of "snarl bands" (an elastic band meant to keep the dog's lips raised) on Leroy to achieve the angry look was inhumane and potentially harmful. Brandy was told that she'd made a poor choice by having a white dog on a white background. Wendy Diamond told Ron that he "single-handedly [had] the worst photo of a bulldog [she had] ever seen". The judges agreed that the photo lacked any imagination.

Dancing with the Dogs

Original Air Date: August 6, 2008

Brandy becomes stressed when Beacon seems to be ignoring her. Bill & Star continue to feel homesick, and Teresa picks up on it. This week's theme is 'Coordination'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Mud Dog

There were two balance beams, one for the larger dogs, and one for the smaller dogs. The beams stretched across a shallow pool of mud. The owners had to place their dogs at one end of the beam, and call them to the other side. The dog had to cross the beam without falling or jumping off. The dog that successfully crossed in the fastest time would be awarded the Dog Bone Suite. Starting this week, there would be no more sending a person to the Dog House; instead, the winner would receive a 'Leg Up' in the Best in Show competition. Leroy and Star were the only two dogs to cross the beam successfully. Teresa & Leroy won the Dog Bone Challenge, but Teresa opted to give her prizes to Bill, who was really missing his wife. (The Dog Bone Suite includes pictures of loved ones, and occasionally, letters from them.)

Best in Show Challenge:Dancing with the Dogs

The challenge required the owners to train their dogs to do a short dance routine with them, incorporating tricks (much like competitive musical canine freestyle or heelwork to music). There were different genres of music and dance to choose from, including hip hop, ragtime, rockabilly, country, Latin, ballet, Broadway, and disco. Bill & Star's "Leg Up" was the ability to work with Kashaya, a professional choreographer. Laurie & Andrew were awarded Best in Show.
Laurie & AndrewRagtime
JD & GalaxyHip Hop
Beth Joy & Bella StarletBroadway
Teresa & LeroyDisco
Bill & StarRockabilly
Travis & PresleyCountry
Brandy & BeaconBallet
Laura & PrestonLatin

The bottom three were Laura & Preston, Brandy & Beacon, and Travis & Presley. Travis was told that Presley could have been more enthusiastic about the routine. Brandy was told that putting socks on Beacon and poor training caused Beacon to shut down. Laura was told that Preston wasn't focused and that she had lost control of him.

Salvador Doggy

Original Air Date: August 13, 2008

Laura and Travis continue to bond. Laura and Beth Joy argue during a deliberation for the Best in Show competition when Laura mentions to the judges that she'd thought Beth Joy had pushed Bella Starlet too far with certain paint-applying techniques. Travis helps to defend Beth Joy when the judges ask her about it. The theme for this episode's competitions was 'Intelligence'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Doggy I.Q.

The task challenged the dogs' abilities to focus and problem solve. Tempting food was placed behind a three-walled structure, with a small slat in the middle so the dog could see what was behind it. The dog then had to figure out the fastest way to the food. There was a five-minute time limit, and the owners were only allowed to say "go find it" and "go get it". Bill & Star won this challenge, but Bill gave the Golden Bone to Teresa to repay her favor from the week before.

Best in Show Challenge:Salvador Doggy

The competitors were told to each create a painting that represents the bond between themselves and their dogs. The twist on the challenge was that all of the paint could only be applied to the canvas by the dog. (The paints were non-toxic and safe for their use.) The judges looked at the creativity of the painting, as well as technique and use of tools. Teresa & Leroy's 'Leg Up' was the ability to work with Kirstin McMillan, a dog art instructor. Teresa & Leroy won the Best in Show challenge.

The bottom three were Laura & Preston, JD & Galaxy, and Laurie & Andrew. The judges felt that the painting created by Laura & Preston looked very rushed and had little thought put into it. They felt that Laurie hadn't put enough effort into her work either. JD was chastised for seemingly trying to make mistakes in Galaxy's painting appear to be intentional.

The Big Dig

Original Air Date: August 20, 2008

Beth Joy is upset when Bella Starlet begins to act aggressive. JD and Laurie have a discussion about the difference between their training methods, foreshadowing a heated argument between judges Victoria Stilwell and Wendy Diamond on the same topic after the Best in Show challenge. There was no specific theme in this episode.

Dog Bone Challenge:The Big Dig

The competitors worked in three randomly selected teams of two. One owner was placed inside of a box, and the other owner would be directing the dogs to rescue the person inside. The first dog had to run up and ring a bell. Above the box was a section full of wood chips that the second dog would have to dig in to reach a rope and pull it, freeing the person inside the box. There was a time limit of five minutes. The team with the fastest time would win. Bill & Star and Travis & Presley won this challenge, and were each able to call a loved one.

Best in Show Challenge:The Maze

The dogs were placed at the beginning of a hedge maze and had to maneuver their way through it and join their owner on the other side of it. The twist to the challenge was that the dogs had to lead out three Golden Retriever puppies through the maze with them. Bill and Travis, due to their Leg Up, were able to find out about the twist the day before the challenge and acclimate their dogs to six of the puppies. The other competitors had five minutes prior to the challenge to acclimate their dogs to the puppies. Importance was placed on how the owner encouraged their dog to interact with the puppies and get them out of the maze. There was a time limit of five minutes. The Best in Show winners were Teresa & Leroy, who got all three puppies out of the maze on their first run through it.

The bottom three were Bill & Star, Beth Joy & Bella Starlet, and Travis & Presley. Travis was told that his "hyperenergy" made it hard for Presley to respond to him and the challenge. Beth Joy was chastised for reducing her commands to "desperate bribes" as she got more anxious with Bella Starlet's performance. Bill was told that he had pushed Star far too close to her limit.

My Dog Can Fly!

Original Air Date: August 27, 2008

Things start to get serious with only the top five remaining. JD notices Galaxy is limping after one of the challenges. This week's theme was 'Courage'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Elephant Charge

The dogs had to stand their ground as a nine thousand pound African elephant walked toward them at a steady pace. The dogs were not allowed to leave the inside of a circle drawn on the pavement. At twenty feet away, the elephant would stop and shake her head in an attempt to distract the dog. If the dog hadn't moved yet, the elephant would be brought closer, and would pick up a banana on the ground in front of the dog. The dog that allows the elephant to get the closest to them would win the challenge. Presley and Andrew both didn't leave the circle, and did a tie-breaker that involved both dogs inside the circle and the elephant "charging" at them instead of walking. Laurie & Andrew won the challenge.

Best in Show Challenge:Stunt Dog

Both the dogs and their owners were required to do a series of stunts including an incline ramp, a balance beam, and a zip-line. There were easier options for both the ramp and the balance beam. The competitors were able to practice on smaller versions of the equipment. Laurie & Andrew's 'Leg Up' was the ability to work with Tom Roche, a film and TV stunt dog trainer, and to work privately. The others had to take turns at the different practice stations. The judges looked at execution of the stunt, degree of difficulty, and fearlessness. JD & Galaxy won the Best in Show challenge.

The bottom three are Laurie & Andrew, Bill & Star, and Travis & Presley. Travis is told he was a little bit out of control while praising Presley on the very high apparatus the competition took place on. Both Bill and Laurie chose to take their dogs up the easier ramp and neither Star nor Andrew would jump down via the zipline when encouraged to do so. The judges chose to expel Bill & Star because they felt Star could have done the more difficult ramp.

Dog Swap

Original Air Date: September 3, 2008

JD has Galaxy checked out by a vet to ensure she is still able to compete. The vet tells JD that there is no reason to remove her from activity. This week's theme was 'Loyalty'.

Dog Bone Challenge:Tree Stump Stay

Each owner would stand on a tree stump, fifteen feet away from their dog, sitting on another tree stump. They had to remain either sitting or standing on the stump. The team that held their position the longest would win the challenge. Travis & Presley and Teresa & Leroy lasted about eighteen minutes before Travis decided Presley looked too uncomfortable and called him off. Teresa & Leroy won this challenge, and got to have a video chat with her boyfriend.

Best in Show Challenge:Me or Them

The competitors were given an hour each with each other's dogs to bond with them, and were not told the specifics of the challenge. Teresa & Leroy's 'Leg Up' was to know the details of the challenge beforehand. The owner and their dog were stationed in the middle of a semicircle. Each of the other owners were given the chance to try to lure that person's dog out of the semicircle with treats, toys and vocal commands. The winners of Best in Show were Laurie & Andrew.

The bottom three were Teresa & Leroy, JD & Galaxy, and Travis & Presley. Victoria Stilwell felt that both Teresa and JD were threatening in their stances when asking their dogs to stay. Presley was the only dog to break his stay, but Travis was able to regain Presley's attention. The decision from the judges seemed difficult to make, but ended up expelling Teresa, feeling that she'd lost sight of the meaning behind the loyalty challenge.

The Greatest American Dog Is...

Original Air Date: September 10, 2008

The top three face off in the final episode of Greatest American Dog. There was no Dog Bone challenge this week. There were instead two Best in Show challenges where someone was eliminated.

Best in Show Challenge:Final Exam

Each of the judges asked questions to the contestants individually (ie, "What makes your dog the Greatest American Dog?", "What have you learned at Canine Academy?"). Afterwards, one of the judges would examine the dog close up. Wendy Diamond approached Andrew and wanted to test how well he socialized with another dog (her own Maltese, Lucky Diamond). She had Laurie leave the room. Andrew played a little bit with Lucky, but seemed more interested in finding out where Laurie was. Wendy Diamond also approached Galaxy and asked JD how often he bathed Galaxy. Presley was tested by Victoria Stilwell on his 'leave it' command, and though not always completely focused, performed well. The judges expelled JD & Galaxy as they felt their relationship was based more on control than co-operation.

Best in Show Challenge:Obstacle Course/Interview

This was a two part challenge, the first part brought back elements from earlier challenges. The obstacle course consisted of a stair maze followed by two see-saws, a balance beam that wobbled back and forth, pedestals to jump across (the length of the jump was twice the dog's length), and then they had to retrieve their favorite toy from underneath the elephant from a previous episode. The interview was each owner's last words about why their dog should be the Greatest American Dog. Their audience included the judges and host, Jarod Miller, as well as their former housemates.

Footnotes

  1. 1 2 3 "Kim Lamb Gregory. "Hollywood again is seeking out Tillman, but the skateboarding bulldog couldn't care less." Ventura County Star, August 13, 2008". Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved September 10, 2008.
  2. 1 2 Blumenstock, Kathy. "Unleashing Their Talent: Two Area Dogs Vie to Become Nation's 'Greatest'", The Washington Post , July 6, 2008; Page Y05
  3. K9 Kings official site
  4. KLTV.com (ABC affiliate Tyler-Longview-Jacksonville, Texas: "McFarlin, Star Continue To Shine on "Greatest American Dog", July 24, 2008
  5. Pam Smith, The Palestine (Texas) Herald-Press : "Bill & Star: 'Greatest American Dog' airs on Wednesdays on CBS", August 17, 2008
  6. Plans for Pups: Beth Joy Knutsen
  7. "PawSpot: About Beth Joy Knutsen". Archived from the original on 2008-09-22. Retrieved 2008-08-22.
  8. PrestonCasanova.com Archived 2008-08-23 at the Wayback Machine official site
  9. "Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising: FashionClub.com, "Style Scoop Interview: Brandy Yant", July 09, 2008". Archived from the original on March 18, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  10. Deb Wood. "I promise: Elan is a really nice person." OregonLive.com, July 22, 2008.
  11. "Michael and Ezzie's official site". Archived from the original on 2009-07-13. Retrieved 2008-09-10.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whippet</span> Dog breed resembling a small Greyhound

The whippet is a British breed of medium-sized dog, of the sighthound type, related to the larger greyhound and the smaller Italian greyhound. Apart from the differences in height, the whippet closely resembles these two breeds; it has sometimes been described as "the poor man's greyhound". It is kept as a companion dog, for competitive showing, for amateur racing as well as lure coursing. It has the highest running-speed of any breed in its weight and size range, and may have the fastest idle-to-running acceleration of any dog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scottish Terrier</span> Black terrier dog breed from Scotland

The Scottish Terrier, popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog. Initially one of the highland breeds of terrier that were grouped under the name of Skye Terrier, it is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modern Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White terriers. They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The first Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed "the diehard". According to legend, the Earl of Dumbarton gave this nickname because of the Scottish Terriers' bravery, and Scotties were also the inspiration for the name of his regiment, The Royal Scots, Dumbarton’s Diehard. Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Welsh Corgi</span> Dog breed

The Welsh Corgi is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. The name corgi is derived from the Welsh words cor and ci, meaning "dwarf" and "dog", respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Death of Diane Whipple</span> American lacrosse player and coach (1968–2001)

Diane Alexis Whipple was an American lacrosse player and college coach. She was killed in a dog attack in San Francisco on January 26, 2001. The dogs involved were two Presa Canarios. Paul Schneider, the dogs' owner, is a high-ranking member of the Aryan Brotherhood and is serving three life sentences in state prison. The dogs were looked after by Schneider's attorneys, Robert Noel and Marjorie Knoller, a husband and wife who lived in the same apartment building as Whipple. After the fatal attack, the state brought criminal charges against the attorneys. Noel, who was not present during the attack, was convicted of manslaughter. Knoller, who was present, was charged with implied-malice second-degree murder and convicted by the jury. Knoller's murder conviction, an unusual result for an unintended dog attack, was rejected by the trial judge but ultimately upheld. The case clarified the meaning of implied malice murder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dog show</span> Competitive exhibition of dogs

A dog show is an animal show, an event where dogs are exhibited. A conformation show, also referred to as a breed show, is a kind of dog show in which a judge, familiar with a specific dog breed, evaluates individual purebred dogs for how well the dogs conform to the established breed type for their breed, as described in a breed's individual breed standard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Cattle Dog</span> Breed of herding dog

The Australian Cattle Dog, or simply Cattle Dog, is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia for droving cattle over long distances across rough terrain. This breed is a medium-sized, short-coated dog that occurs in two main colour forms. It has either red or black hair distributed fairly evenly through a white coat, which gives the appearance of a "red" or "blue" dog.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">St. Bernard (dog breed)</span> Dog breed

The St. Bernard or Saint Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The hospice, built by and named after the Alpine monk Saint Bernard of Menthon, acquired its first dogs between 1660 and 1670. The breed has become famous through tales of Alpine rescues, as well as for its large size and gentle temperament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crufts</span> International canine event held annually in the UK

Crufts is an international dog show held annually in the United Kingdom, held since 1891, and organised by The Kennel Club. It is the largest show of its kind in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Setter</span> A type of dog used to help hunt birds

The setter is a type of gundog used most often for hunting game such as quail, pheasant, and grouse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show</span> Annual conformation show in New York City

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an all-breed conformation show, held annually in the New York metropolitan area.

<i>An All Dogs Christmas Carol</i> 1998 animated film

An All Dogs Christmas Carol is a 1998 direct-to-video animated musical television special based on the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The final installment in the All Dogs Go to Heaven film series, it also serves as the series finale to the animated series. Unlike the first two films, where the main characters are Charlie and Itchy, Carface is the focus of the story.

Groomer Has It is an American reality television broadcast on Animal Planet. It features a competition between twelve of America's best dog groomers to see who is the best groomer in America. The prize includes $50,000 and a "mobile grooming salon." The show is hosted by Jai Rodriguez of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame. The winner of the first season was Artist Knox, while the second groomer of the year is Huber Pineda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Championship (dog)</span> Dog award

Championships are awarded to dogs who have passed through a process of selection at dog shows. Traditionally, a championship was received at a conformation show, but championships are now offered for dogs who have attained a high degree of perfection in other dog sports as well.

<i>Clifford the Big Red Dog</i> (2000 TV series) Animated television series or program

Clifford the Big Red Dog is an American preschool animated educational children's television series, based upon Norman Bridwell's children's book series of the same name. Produced by Scholastic Productions, it originally aired on PBS Kids from September 4, 2000, to February 25, 2003. A UK version originally aired on BBC Two in April 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee</span> Westminster Best in Show winner 2009

Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, better known as Stump, was a male Sussex Spaniel who won Best In Show at the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Stump was the first of his breed to win that honor and, at 10 years old, the oldest dog ever to win the prize. He also won the Sporting Group at Westminster in 2004, the first such victory for his breed, and amassed 51 Best in Show awards throughout his career. One of his owners described him as "the most famous Sussex (Spaniel) that has ever lived".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paisley Terrier</span> Dog breed

The Paisley Terrier was a breed of terrier-type dog that is now extinct. Originating in Scotland, the Paisley Terrier was bred primarily as a pet and showdog version of the Skye Terrier, and was the progenitor of today's Yorkshire Terrier. The breed was called the Paisley Terrier since most of the dogs came from that location, but it was also called the Clydesdale Terrier, for another location in the Clyde Valley where the dogs were bred.

<i>Britains Next Top Model</i> (series 6) Season of television series

The sixth cycle of Britain's Next Top Model, premiered on 5 July 2010 on Sky Living. This cycle featured a completely revamped judging panel. Host Lisa Snowdon was replaced by model Elle Macpherson. The new judging panel consisted of fashion designer Julien McDonald, fashion stylist Grace Woodward, and male model Charley Speed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tickle Em Jock</span>

Ch. Tickle Em Jock (1908–??), a Scottish Terrier, was the first of his breed to win best-in-show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1911, the fifth occasion it was awarded. He was originally sold for a sum of only £2 to Andrew Albright, Jr. Mr Albright would go on to later say he wouldn't sell the dog for $5,000. Jock was also noted in the media of the time for biting a judge's wrist just after winning best of breed at a dog show.

<i>True Beauty</i> (season 2) Season of television series

True Beauty is the second season of the reality television series True Beauty. In a format similar to the first season, the contestants are competing to see who is the most beautiful. However, they think they are only being tested on outer beauty when in fact the judges are also evaluating their inner beauty through a series of hidden-camera challenges. Filming of the second season of True Beauty was add on facebook completed in Las Vegas in October 2009 and featured judges Beth Ostrosky Stern and Carson Kressley, among others. As a ruse to keep contestants ignorant of the show's true premise, ABC producers told participants they would be competing in a new modeling reality show known as Face of Vegas. In addition, contestants did not interact with Vanessa Minnillo, the only judge retained from the previous season, until after being eliminated. In each episode, all contestants were subjected to a main hidden-camera challenge. A second, "final straw" challenge was put only to the bottom two contestants in most cases. The second season premiered May 31, 2010 on ABC...

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Florence Nagle</span> Breeder and trainer of race horses

Florence Nagle was a British trainer and breeder of racehorses, a breeder of pedigree dogs, and an active feminist. Nagle purchased her first Irish Wolfhound in 1913, and went on to own or breed twenty-one United Kingdom Champions. Best in Show at Crufts in 1960 was awarded to Sulhamstead Merman, who was bred, owned and exhibited by Nagle. She also competed successfully in field trials with Irish Setters, from the 1920s until the mid-1960s resulting in eighteen Field Trial Champions. The male dog who was a linchpin in the 1970s revival of the Irish Red and White Setter breed was descended from one of Nagle's Irish Setters.