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DIXON – Most people in Dixon probably aren't aware they have a tiny celebrity living in their midst.
Hoss will be competing in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show next week at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
"He is the No. 1 Boston terrier in the country," said Ken Roux, Hoss' co-owner and trainer, a longtime judge for the American Kennel Club and a veteran of the Westminster show ring.
"This will be my third dog to win," said Roux, who attributes his winning dogs to a 28-year breeding program. "Hoss' grandfather and father won the breed at the Westminster, as well. Kind of like three generations of winners."
Hoss is 15 months old, and his formal show name is "Ken's N' Roobarb N' The Horse Ya' Rode In On."
Hoss became a national champion by winning three top breed titles at dog shows in 2009, which is the criteria to show at Westminster.
Because of the costs involved in campaigning for a champion dog, most champions are co-owned to support the dog. Hoss' co-owners are Dr. Robert and Jamie Allen of Houston.
"If he wins his breed, then he would advance to the group's level and compete against 173 breeds that are acknowledged by Westminster," Roux said, adding that "a Boston terrier has never won the best in show, and odds are 1 in 157."
Roux, who owns Ken's Dog Daycare and Grooming Service, will close his Dixon shop at his home at 1687 Jaydee Ave. while he is in New York City.
He groomed show dogs for 30 years before offering his service to the public 3 years ago, and now grooms 10 to 14 dogs a day and provides day care for six to eight dogs a day.
Learn more about Hoss and Roux at www.kensbostons.com, or call 815-285-3647 or 815-973-6254.
To watch the action
The Westminster Kennel Club's 134th annual dog show is next Monday and Tuesday in New York City's Madison Square Garden.
USA Network and CNBC will air live coverage Monday; USA Network will air live coverage Tuesday.
The schedule:
Monday: Hound, toy, nonsporting and herding groups
■ 7-8 p.m. on USA Network
■ 8-10 p.m. on CNBC
Tuesday: Sporting, working and terrier groups, and Best In Show
■ 7-10 p.m. on USA Network
The show also can be viewed live at www.westminsterkennelclub.org, the club's Web site. Breed judging highlight videos will be available throughout the day Monday and Tuesday, and after the show, as well.
About the breed
"The Boston terrier resulted from selective breeding of the bulldog and the white English terrier by a few men in the Boston area during the 1870s. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1891, the Boston terrier is the first genuinely American breed.
Today's Boston carries a clean-cut square head, graphic markings, dark soft eyes and moves with grace and power, and it excels in agility and obedience work and has few equals as a companion and house pet. The Boston terrier's personality has won this breed the nickname 'the American gentleman.'"
Source: www.westminsterkennelclub.org
Hoss’ odds
Wynn Casino in Las Vegas each year picks the odds for the breed that will take Best in Show at Westminster.
There's no betting, it's just for entertainment, but this year's favorite is the Scottish terrier, with odds at 8-1.
Hoss' breed, the Boston terrier, is a 350-to-1 long shot, according to Wynn.