Wrestling Legend Dustin Rhodes Adds Canine Championship to His Legacy
Professional wrestler Dustin Rhodes, renowned for his championship victories across multiple wrestling promotions, has now secured a unique title through his beloved mastiff, Beast. The dog recently achieved third place in the working group open category at Crufts 2026, held in the United Kingdom, which is widely recognized as the world's largest and most prestigious dog show.
From the Ring to the Show Ring: A Surprising Transition
Rhodes, who has competed in organizations like World Wrestling Entertainment, All Elite Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and Ring of Honor, never anticipated entering the dog show business. However, over the past two years, he has found remarkable success with Beast, describing the experience as "incredible" and emphasizing the decision to "go big or go home" by participating in such a high-profile event.
In an interview with Fox News, Rhodes expressed his admiration for Crufts, stating, "It's an incredible, incredible show. I guess this is the world's largest dog show, so, we decided to go big or go home. Amazing, amazing show." This achievement adds a new dimension to his storied career, blending his passion for wrestling with a growing interest in canine competitions.
Meet Beast: The Mastiff That Outweighs His Owner
Beast is not just any dog; he weighs an impressive 250 pounds, surpassing Rhodes' own weight, and requires a substantial diet to maintain his health and strength. Rhodes spends approximately $200 monthly on food for the mastiff, who consumes eight cups daily, including a mix of dry food, chicken, rice, and steak. This regimen ensures Beast remains in peak condition for shows and daily life.
Rhodes praised Beast's intelligence and temperament, noting, "He's a very smart dog. Mastiffs are amazing, amazing animals, man. I would never own another breed besides a mastiff, and I've had all kinds of dogs over my life and mastiffs are just everything – pure, loyal, loving, just crawling on your lap, hurt your bones." Beast competes in the working group, which includes dogs bred to assist and protect their owners, and Rhodes highlighted his ability to detect changes in blood pressure, showcasing his protective instincts.
Future Ambitions and Team Support
With this recent success, Rhodes is setting his sights even higher. He aims to achieve a best in show record, targeting 29 wins, with Beast currently holding 13 victories. Rhodes shared his ambitious plans, saying, "So, we're gonna do our best in the next year and a half, two years, really campaign the dog and advertise the crap out of it. Hopefully, we'll get there."
His team includes his wife, Ta-rel Runnels, and handler Terry Smith, who provide crucial support in preparing Beast for competitions. This collaborative effort underscores Rhodes' commitment to excelling in this new venture, demonstrating that his competitive spirit extends beyond the wrestling ring.
As Rhodes continues to balance his wrestling career with dog shows, his journey with Beast serves as an inspiring example of how passions can evolve and lead to unexpected successes. The wrestling community and dog enthusiasts alike are watching closely to see what this dynamic duo achieves next.
