Pets – breeding, nutrition, health

Rufus, a tan and white bull terrier, is not your average dog. He is a Top Dog throughout the world and has a long list of awards and titles to make anybody proud. Rufus is best known for his large noggin, which in turn, is one of the reasons why he has won so many times. Judges have said that his egg-shaped head is the classic profile of a bull terrier.

Rufus’ official title as a show dog is Multiple BIS/BISS, American, Canadian, Mexican, World, Americas, CH. Rocky Tops Sundance Kid, ROM, TDIA, CGC, but at home and when he makes appearances, he’s Rufus. Rufus has won 35 Best In Show’s and holds 750 titles, including champion titles of America, Canada, World and The Americas. He is the first dog in the breed to win at the most prestigious show, the Westminster. Other top Best In Show titles are from the Morris and Essex Kennel Club and the National Dog Show.

<<< Rufus stands in the winners circle after receiving Best In Show at The Philadelphia Kennel Club’s National Dog Show in 2005.

Since retiring from show biz in 2006, he became “the champ that gives back.” Rufus volunteers his time to visit nursing homes once a week. He is a Certified Therapy Dog and an AKC Canine Good Citizen. He also participates in school programs, like “Read Across America.”

Along with his mother and father, Barbara and Tom Bishop, Rufus will be traveling from his hometown of Holmel, NJ, to lend a paw in the first ever Dog Days at Mystic Seaport, August 28th – 30th. Rufus will kick off the weekend event with ride on Pizzetta’s fire truck before a cocktail party at The Ancient Mariner, Mystic, Thursday, August 27th, 5-7pm. Head downtown to see this famed dog – you won’t be able to miss him, he’ll be wearing a fireman’s hat! Tickets for the cocktail party are $25, and may be purchased at the Whaler’s Inn or the Ancient Mariner, Mystic.

From Friday to Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm, Rufus will be representing “Read Across America,” sporting his Cat in the Hat outfit during story time. Visitors will have the chance to get their picture taken with Top Dog Rufus. Proceeds collected from the weekend will support the restoration of the Charles W. Morgan.

Other events will take place during Dog Days weekend. You can check out a list of all the events at www.mysticseaport.org/dogdays.

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• How to Compare Puppy Food