Ch. My Own Brucie (May 4, 1935–June 9, 1943)[1][2] was a male American Cocker Spaniel who was the Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1940 and 1941. He was sired by popular sire Red Brucie and died as a result of a kidney and liver ailment. Obituaries described him as the most photographed dog in the world.
 | |
| Species | Canis lupus familiaris |
|---|---|
| Breed | American Cocker Spaniel |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | May 4, 1935 |
| Died | June 9, 1943 (aged 8) |
| Occupation | Show dog |
| Title | Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show |
| Term | 1940–1941 |
| Predecessor | Ferry v. Rauhfelsen of Giralda (Doberman Pinscher) |
| Successor | Ch. Wolvey Pattern of Edgerstoune (West Highland White Terrier) |
| Owner | Herman Mellenthin Peter Garvan |
| Parent(s) | Ch. Red Brucie (sire) Ch. My Own Lady Huntington (dam) |
Early life
editMy Own Brucie was the youngest son of Red Brucie, a dog that sired 36 champions.[3] Red Brucie was considered by dog breeders of the time to be the father of the modern Cocker Spaniel,[4] something which is referred to as the popular sire effect.[5]
My Own Brucie was reported to have a stubborn streak, and on occasion even his owner could not change the dog's mind.[6]
Show career
editIn 1938, he became Best American Bred Sporting Dog of the Year, awarded by the American Kennel Club. In 1939, he won his first group at Westminster and went on to win a best in show at the Morris and Essex Kennel Club.[6]
In the best in show class at Westminster in 1940, Brucie faced a Saluki, a Brussels Griffon, a Boxer, a Chow Chow and a Smooth Fox Terrier. The terrier, Ch. Normay Saddler, had been judged best in show at 51 different shows. Dr. Samuel Milbank conducted the judging and said of My Own Brucie, "He was in the most beautiful bloom, he is a real champion."[7]
Brucie was the first dog to win the Sporting Group and the McGivern Challenge Bowl at Westminster on successive occasions and one of only two dogs to have won this group on three successive occasions. The other dog to match that achievement was Gordon Setter Ch. Bit O Gold Titan Treasure between 1997 and 1999.[8]
At the time of his victory at Westminster in 1941, Brucie lived part-time at a Long Island kennel and part-time at his owner's home in Poughkeepsie, New York. His owner, Herman Mellenthin, had refused several large offers for him, including one for $10,000 and one for $15,000.[3] Following his third victory, he and his owner were honored with a testimonial dinner in his hometown.[4] These victories came during a period when the American Cocker Spaniel was the most popular breed in America.[7]
After Westminster
editBy the time of his death, at the age of 8 to a kidney and liver ailment, he was owned by Sgt. and Mrs. Peter Garvan of Roslyn, New York following the death of Herman Mellenthin in 1942.[4][6] His death was considered untimely as he had only reached middle age for his breed.[4]
Following his death, obituaries were published on the front page of the New York Evening Sun,[9] the New York Times,[10] and The Montreal Gazette, which called him the most photographed dog in the world.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "My Own Brucie". Cal-Ore Cockers. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ "My Own Brucie Dies". Milwaukee Journal. 10 June 1943. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ a b "My Own Brucie is Top Dog at the Nation's Top Show For Second Straight Year". Life. 24 February 1941. p. 36. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ a b c d e "Famous Dog is Dead". The Montreal Gazette. 10 June 1943. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ Bell, Jerold S (August 2004). "Popular-Sire Syndrome: Keeping watch over health and quality issues in purebreds". AKC Gazette. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2010.
- ^ a b c "Herman Mellenthin". American Spaniel Club. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ a b "Sport: Cocker". Time. 26 February 1940. Archived from the original on October 14, 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ "Sporting Group Winners". Westminster Kennel Club. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ "The Cocker Spaniel". Dog & Kennel. Archived from the original on 10 August 2009. Retrieved 7 May 2010.
- ^ Ilsley, Henry R. (1943-06-10). "CH. MY OWN BRUCIE, SHOW DOG, DIES AT 8". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-15.