This year, she went one up and won both the Hound, and the final coveted Best in Show prize.
Yes, she is smiling
Dogs are interesting creatures. They do things with such seriousness, and above all, with such eagerness to please their masters. Some act a little cocky, even in front their masters, but their are quickly reined in by an adroit and commanding voice. Jewel was a little disobedient in last year's competition, and that is why the judges feel she may have lost the grand title, although she did win the 2012 Best in Hound trophy. It looks like she was a little spooked by the foreign environment, with all the noise and the crowd. But, the judges were quick to add that at the moment of the hunt, the American Foxhound focuses in on putting his attention on the chase and capture. That is probably the same spirit that led Jewel to win the coveted dog prize this year.
And this year, she seemed perfect. She was happy to show what she knew, and she did so with some flourish. Probably the familiarity with the place helped, as well as a few other competitions and prizes she took along the way. And a dog's natural proclivity for play (at whatever age) also adds to Jewel's, and other dogs', charms.
The foxhound was President Washington's favorite dog. As I wrote here (quoting from the America Kennel Club):
George Washington, the father of our nation, is also the father of American Foxhounds. In 1770, Washington imported a number of hounds from England and in 1785, he received a number of French foxhounds from the Marquis de Lafayette. These hounds, carefully bred and maintained by Washington, are the founders of today’s American Foxhound. More than 30 hounds were listed in Washington’s journals, including "Drunkard," "Tipler," and "Tipsy."
First Gentleman of Virginia, 1909
John Ward Dunsmore
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Jewel: A Winning Spirit
Roger the Pekingese, who won Best in Toy [Dog] category.
How can this creature compete with the likes of Jewel?
There is a hierarchy of royalty. American President George Washington vs. Chinese Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi
The Pekingese is a spoiled lap dog: The American Foxhound is a working dog. Although the Amercian Foxhound became famous for fox hunts, it was also used for chasing coyote and deer.
Jewel, with her Best in Show 2013 Trophy
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat
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