Jayda Knight-Austin, 14, and Hoss (CH Woks Big Bonanza). Photo courtesy Woks Bullmastiffs.
As I hear and read about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in New York City this year on February 13-14, I am amazed at the talents of both the dogs and their owners/trainers. One proud handler in this year’s competition stands out to me, as she is only a freshman in high school.
It is hard for me to fathom being so expertly in charge of a huge dog, but this 14-year-old seems completely at ease handling her bullmastiff, Hoss — who just happens to be from the largest dog breed. The pooch weighs in at 130 pounds, compared to the girl’s weight of just under 85 pounds.
Jayda Knight-Austin is in the ninth grade at Sebring High School, near Tampa, Florida. Hoss, her massive pet, who is 4, will be competing in the Junior Sportsmanship Division at Westminster.
Hoss, whose official name is CH Woks Big Bonanza, was bred by Woks Bullmastiffs of Loxahatchee, Florida. The owners say their dogs are not kennel-kept — they are treated as family on their 5-acre farm. The dogs there enjoy running, playing and swimming with the other animals on the farm, which counts geese, chickens, goats and a horse among its occupants.
Bullmastiffs were originally a cross of 40 percent Old English bulldog (not the short, chubby type of today) and 60 percent English mastiff. Having been officially recognized by the AKC in 1933, bullmastiffs have not yet won the top prize, Best in Show, at Westminster.
Here is a video of bullmastiff judging at last year’s dog show:
Jayda has been showing Hoss since spring 2010. Her parents offer her support in every possible way — financially and transportation-wise, taking her and Hoss to dog shows all over the Southeast. Their payback comes in the form of Jayda displaying her talents so proudly. The teen spends countless hours training with Hoss. She works with him before and after school, keeping him with the best attitude and in the best shape possible. She has 10-plus first-place finishes so far, yet this young girl manages to maintain a 3.4 GPA at school. Awesome!
Jayda’s last competition with Hoss was in the AKC/Eukanuba National Dog Championship in Florida. Now, the family (dog in tow) is off to the biggest dog show in the country. According to Jayda’s mom, Jackie, Hoss has been really excited about the family’s 20-hour drive to New York.
With 109 juniors competing at Westminster, only eight will be chosen to move on to the Best Junior finals. If you’re watching this event on television, you might just see Jayda; she will also be showing a German pinscher.
While wishing all the competitors in the dog show the best of luck, I’ve got to tip my hat to this high-driven and talented Florida teen and her best friend, Hoss.
Sources: News Sun; Highlands Today
More Westminster Coverage 
Pets Adviser has been covering the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show since 2011. Check out these great posts from the past:
- Which Dog Won the Best in Show in 2011?
- Westminster Dog Show 2011 Photo Gallery
- 10 Mixed-Breeds We Should Have Seen at Westminster
- 11 Oldest Dogs Ever to Win Best in Show
- The Sun Will Come Out… for Chewee
- Westminster’s “Everydog” Storyline Hits New Low in 2011
- Meet the 6 New Breeds Added in 2011
- “Buzz Campaign” Not Just for Oscar Wannabes — Dog Show Contenders Do This Too
- 8 of America’s Favorite Breeds Have Never Won Best in Show
- Name Name That That Chow Chow
- Poodle Flying to 2011 Dog Show in Private Jet
- Jane Lynch Should Lighten Up!
