Best in Breed terrier from Coldstream ‘full of himself but a real sweetie’

VERNON – Another local dog has earned a top title at the Westminster Kennel Club competition in New York.

Irish terrier GCH Red Branch D’Artagnan of the Ring, also known as D’Art, took home Best of Breed at the 140th annual Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Gardens. Last year, Miss P, a beagle from Enderby, won Best in Show.

D’Art is owned by Joy Viel from Coldstream, along with breeders Joe and Elena Metz. We reached Viel on her way to the airport in New York after the competition, and she tells us the experience was incredible.

“To be in the stands watching him was beyond bucket list,” Viel says.

She describes the four-year-old as a typical terrier, ‘full of himself but a real sweetie.’

Viel, a member of the Vernon Kennel Club, says D’Art isn’t coming home to Coldstream just yet. He’s on his way to California and will be back in the show ring in Santa Clara next weekend.

A calm and collected professional in the show ring, D’Art isn’t always so distinguished in his demeanour, Viel says.

“He can be a real clown too,” she says.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.