SC dogs won’t have their day at Westminster

Duncan, a greyhound from South Carolina, won best of breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Monday, earning a spot in the televised group competition Monday night.

But the affable dog did not advance, losing to a wire-haired dachshund in the hound group.

Duncan, officially GCH Rubicon’s He’s So Fine, is owned by Pam Rubinstein of Simpsonville. Duncan’s mother, a show champion named Emma, died shortly after giving birth by Cesarian to 11 puppies. Rubinstein hand-fed the puppies formula every two hours for a week and a half. All survived, including six that have gone on to be top-notch show dogs.

Duncan, handled by Jaki Clute, was one of 29 dogs competing for best in the hounds group.

Another South Carolina dog, Winston, a smooth-coat Chihuahua from Marion, won best of opposite sex Monday.

The Chihuahua Winston, full name Silver GCH Belle Shoals Sir Winston C, is owned by Cynthia McIntosh of Marion. Winning best of opposite sex means Winston was judged the best male in his variety, but the judges felt the best female should move on to the next stage of competition.

Winston is a 5-year-old who lives with handler Rachael Murphy in Piedmont, and he likely will semi-retire from the show circuit after Westminster, according to Randy McIntosh, Cynthia McIntosh’s husband. This is the second best of opposite sex Chihuahua award at Westminster for the McIntoshes, who won with McIntosh Royal Streak in 2004.

Winston continues a tradition in South Carolina of strong showings in the Chihuahua breed. His mother, Belle Shoals Spanish Princess, owned by Jan and Buddy Dulin of Pickens, also is the mother of Belle Shoals Louisville Slugger, who won best of breed in 2008.

Joey Holleman

This story was originally published February 13, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "SC dogs won’t have their day at Westminster."