South Bay Best in Show: Naughty Rickie Roo

Photo: Tien Tran

From owner Deb Davidson-Harpur:

Breed: Rat Terrier

Name: Rickie was a birthday gift to me from her breeder. She came with the registered name Bur Way it's Like this -- and the call name of Rickie. I added the Roo when I got her because she hops up and down like a kangaroo. Now she's Rickie Roo. We often call her Rik or Rooster too.

Where did you find your best friend? Rickie Roo came to me from Bur Way Stars in Forestburg, Texas, and breeder Barbie Trannel. I had known of Barbie and her dogs for years because she is one of the top breeders of Rat Terriers in the U.S., but never dreamed I would get one of her dogs. Rickie roo's daddy was the No. 1 UKC Rat Terrier and Barbie always has lots of dogs in the top 10 for UKC Conformation. Since I don't show in Conformation, only in agility, who would think she'd let one of her dogs come to me? As it turns out, Rickie Roo was a natural born athlete and Barbie wanted her to go to a top performance home. She says my reputation as an agility handler and the way I love my dogs were among the reasons Rickie Roo was able to come to CA to me.

Personality: Rickie Roo is VERY naughty. She is full of spunk and is smart. If she gets in trouble, instead of looking sad like my other Rat Terrier, Gigi, Rickie Roo boldly stands there and acts as if she doesn't care if she is in trouble at all. She is a very talented agility dog who has a very strong work ethic. She is very, very fast and will work for other handlers, too. Her conformation is outstanding and she is an excellent example of her breed. She is also a doggie model, actress and athlete. If she were a person, she'd be like Gabrielle Reese.

Favorite trick? She does a very nice Huppy Puppy -- that is when she is running around and leaps up into my arms at chest level.

Best/worst habits: She's a hard worker and focused. Her worst habit is chewing up odd things like my eyeglasses, cell phones and pens.

Favorite things to do with your dog: My dogs do everything with me. I think Rickie Roo's favorite thing to do is go to agility class, kill her stuffed toys and go for rides in the car.