AT home in Beaudesert he’s affectionately known as Zeke.
And according to his owner Jody Davis he’s typical of his Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed and enjoys clowning around and being part of the family.
Visitors to Jody’s home often reach down to give him a welcoming pat and many comment he’s a striking looking dog.
They are right in their judgement because Zeke is much more than just the cute loyal family pet.
Jody bought Zeke from local dog breeder, Dee Tozer, just over a year ago with the idea of having a friendly dog in the home, and also one she could enjoy taking along to dog shows.
Many years ago it was her passion to show dogs, but that was all put on hold when her young sons starting embracing other sports such as BMX racing.
“There was no time to go to dog shows anymore, I was busy just taking my boys to their sport every weekend,” she said.
“I missed the shows and now my sons, Jacob and Jai, are in their late teens I decided to get back on the road with a suitable dog.”
To say she found a “suitable dog” to show is a gross understatement as Zeke, or “Axlstaff the Devils Justis” as he is known on the dog show circuit, is amassing award after award.
He quickly achieved 100 show points to be classified an Australian Champion in his breed and at the recent Beaudesert Kennel Club’s annual show he swept the big trophies.
“His win at Beaudesert, which attracted 700 dogs, also earned him entry to the World’s most prestigious dog show Crufts which next year will be held in Birmingham, England,” Jody proudly said.
“Crufts attracts more than 110,000 people and thousands of dogs with their breeders and handlers from throughout the world.
“I’m considering taking Zeke and it would be a dream come true if we went, but at a cost of $15,000 plus for the trip it may be a journey too far to embrace.”
If she did take her champion dog to Birmingham it would represent taking him back to where the Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed first originated in the early 1800’s.
FACT BOX:
Crufts Dog Show, first held in 1891, is regarded as the biggest dog show in the world.
The show takes place over four days.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called the Staffy or Stafford, is a small to medium size pure bred dog of the terrier group.
As a rule, they are gentle, affectionate dogs who adore people.
Their well documented love of children once earned them the nickname “nanny dog”.
As the breeder of Zeke, Dee Tozer is a registered co-owner.
