Champion dog Dukey proves to be prized pedigree

The top dog when it comes to canine competitions Dukey the Rhodesian Ridgeback now holds the UK record for certificates says owner Karen Barnard, from Pelsall in Walsall.

She said Dukey is the ‘most prolific Ridgeback in the country’ and holds an unprecedented 36 certificates.

Once a dog acquires three certificates it becomes a show champion which his owner said is like winning an ‘Olympic gold medal in the dog world.’

Dukey was imported from Holland in 2012 and he now holds the record for the challenge certificates after winning at the Blackpool Championship on Saturday.

Dogs are judged on their movement, structure, teeth, bone and every possible last detail.

Karen, aged 56, said: “It’s like winning an Olympic Gold medal in the dog world. It’s quite an achievement. Dukey is fantastic. I could’ve have done it with a better loving, loyal and faithful dog.

“He really doesn’t have a bad bone in his body.

“He’s had three puppies and all three of those have now become champions along with even their own offspring.”

The previous record was held by a woman for 10 years, who handed over the new record to Karen at the Blackpool championship.

Dukey also regularly competes in Crufts and reached the final 21 out of 20,000 in the hound group in 2014.