Sussex spaniel Best in Show winner Stump exhibits best breed characteristics

Stump, 2009 Best in Show winner

Stump, a Sussex spaniel and an underdog at ten years of age, won the prestigious Best in Show award at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, Stump for short, is no stranger to winning. He won the sporting group at Westminster in 2004 and went into retirement. He then suffered a mysterious illness that kept him hospitalized for 19 days. He recovered and spent his days with his handler, Scott Sommer. Shortly before this year’s show, Sommer decided that Stump might like one more trot around the ring and off they went, earning Stump’s 51st best in show win overall.

Typically, the Best in Show winner sparks an increase in that breed’s popularity. Casual show watchers don’t realize the amount of work, time, and money that is spent to make these dogs look as good as they do. Many times people think, “I want one of those dogs who won Westminster,” without doing any research on the breed, its requirements, and its common health problems. Check out the February 16th Denver Dynamic Dogs Examiner’s column for a Sussex spaniel breed profile.

All pet owners should be aware of general health problems that companion animals develop. It is important to have a comfortable relationship with your veterinarian before serious problems arise and to practice preventive care. There are, however, some health issues that are more common in particular breeds than in others. Sussex spaniels are prone to develop the following: hip dysplasia, heart problems, hypothyroidism, ingrown eyelashes, and ear infections. Hip dysplasia is common in many breeds and can be very painful as it progresses. Responsible breeders ensure that their dogs’ hips are free from defects before breeding them to reduce the likelihood of passing on this genetic disease. Heart problems include murmurs and cardiomyopathy, weakening of the heart muscles. Hypothyroism is a metabolic disorder that reduces a dog’s metabolism; it can be controlled with medication when diagnosed. Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid; the eyelashes irritate the cornea and can cause long-term problems. It is correctible with surgery. All dogs with “floppy” ears are prone to ear infections because the ear flap traps moisture in the ear canal. It is important to check and clean the ears regularly and always clean the ears after the dog gets wet, such as after swimming.

Show dogs are bred and shown to represent the best characteristics of their breeds. Responsible breeders do everything they can to prevent genetic disorders from being carried in their lines. If you choose to purchase a purebred dog, find the right breed for you. Then do research on the possible health problems in that breed and ask breeders what they have done to prevent the inheritance of those diseases in their kennels.

I am an ardent supporter of animal adoption. With that caveat, the advantages of buying a purebred puppy from a responsible breeder include knowing its health history and the breed temperament and characteristics. Breed rescues are an even better way to find a dog with the traits you seek while supporting adoption.