owner Barbara Bishop announced his retirement from the show ring. Rufus retired as the most successful Colored Bull Terrier of all time, with 35 all breed Best in Shows, 135 Best in Group firsts and the BTCA National Speciality on three occasions. Retirement After winning at Westminster, Rufus was presented with a proclamation by the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders at a meeting in Freehold, New Jersey. Following his retirement, Rufus retrained as a therapy dog, visiting schools, nursing homes and senior citizen programs. Rufus was the center star for his debut on Animal Planet's "Dogs 101". In 2010, he was one of the winners at the 11th AKC Humane Fund Awards Award for Canine Excellence (ACE). Death Rufus died on August 9, 2012, aged 12 years. References External links YouTube video of Rocky Top's Sundance Kid 2000 animal births Best in Show winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show