WWE Legend Dustin Rhodes' Mastiff Beast Places Third at Crufts Dog Show
WWE icon Dustin Rhodes, best known for his Goldust character, swapped the wrestling ring for the parade ring by entering his prized Mastiff at the prestigious Crufts dog show, but was left frustrated as his beloved canine missed out on the top prize. The 56-year-old brought his 114kg pooch, aptly named Beast, to the NEC in Birmingham, where the colossal dog finished third in the working group open category.
From Wrestling Ring to Dog Show Arena
Rhodes, the son of WWE legend Dusty Rhodes and brother of Wrestlemania star Cody Rhodes, has made an unexpected career shift in recent years. While still an active wrestler on the AEW circuit, he now enters Beast at dog shows across America, where the four-legged giant has become the number one-ranked Mastiff in the country. This dual passion showcases Rhodes' dedication beyond the squared circle.
Beast's impressive size and appetite are notable, with the 250-pound giant consuming $250 worth of food each month. His daily diet includes eight cups of dry food supplemented with chicken, rice, and steak, reflecting the substantial care required for such a massive breed.
Disappointment at Crufts
Dogs in the working group are traditionally bred to assist and protect their owners, but at Crufts, it was the judges who needed their wits about them. Rhodes expressed confidence that Beast was the winner, stating, "I thought our dog was the best. I am biased but I thought our dog was amazing, it is a once-in-a-decade dog."
Despite the setback, Rhodes remained proud of his companion, adding, "Beast is perfect in my eyes, he weighs more than I do and he thinks he is a lap dog. He just jumps on you and he is the best dog in the world." After the competition, Rhodes gave Beast a hug, acknowledging the dog's performance while expressing his honour at participating in "the world's greatest dog show."
Balancing Passions and Recovery
Rhodes is not done with wrestling yet and is due back on tour in three weeks after a six-month hiatus following double knee surgery. At Crufts, he had to stay out of sight during Beast's competition because the dog gets over-excited when seeing him, demonstrating the unique challenges of handling such a powerful animal.
Reflecting on the breed, Rhodes praised Mastiffs as "amazing, amazing animals," noting their loyalty and loving nature. He emphasised, "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."
Crufts: A Celebration of Canine Excellence
Crufts, organised by The Kennel Club, serves as a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationships they share with their owners. The event, held from 5-8 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, highlights the diversity and talent of breeds from around the world. This year's edition featured notable participants like Rhodes and Beast, adding a touch of celebrity glamour to the traditional dog show atmosphere.
Rhodes' participation underscores the growing intersection of sports entertainment and canine competitions, bringing wider attention to dog shows and the dedication required to excel in them. His journey with Beast continues to inspire fans of both wrestling and dog breeding alike.
