Dustin Rhodes' Mastiff Dominates at Crufts: A Look at the Competition

A Unique Partnership on the Big Stage

When you think of Dustin Rhodes, the mind instantly races to the wrestling ring—the dynamic moves, intense rivalries, and championship belts. Yet, at Crufts, the world's largest dog show, he showcased a different kind of partnership: his beloved mastiff, aptly named Beast. Together, they made a remarkable impression, securing third place in the competitive working group category on March 5, 2026.

"It's an incredible, incredible show," Rhodes exclaimed. "I guess this is the world's largest dog show, so we decided to go big or go home. Amazing, amazing show."

Beast: More Than Just a Pet

Beast isn't your ordinary mastiff; he has turned heads in the dog show circuit, adding accolades to his growing list. With a weight of 250 pounds, he's not just a big dog—he's a star. Rhodes described him as not only impressive in size but also in intelligence, claiming, "Beast is really good with seeing somebody who has high blood pressure or low blood pressure, and we'll go check them out. He's a very smart dog." This isn't merely a show dog; Beast doubles as a service animal, demonstrating the profound capabilities of his breed.

The Role of the Working Group

At Crufts, the working group features breeds bred to perform tasks such as guarding and herding, reflecting the strength and loyalty often associated with these animals. Rhodes emphasized the importance of these characteristics: "Mastiffs are amazing, amazing animals, man. I would never own another breed besides a mastiff. They are pure, loyal, loving, and just want to be around you." This camaraderie and mutual respect between Rhodes and his mastiff shine brightly against the competitive backdrop of Crufts.

The Cost of Excellence

Rhodes' unwavering commitment extends beyond the training; it permeates into the details of Beast's care. Spending $200 a month on food, he ensures that Beast receives a nutritious diet that includes a mix of dry food and home-cooked delicacies like chicken, rice, and steak. The wrestler prides himself on caring for Beast just as he would for a championship belt—both require dedication and strategic management.

A New Venture in Dog Shows

Despite his tremendous success in wrestling, Rhodes admitted that entering the dog show arena was an unexpected detour in his career. "I never thought I'd get into the dog show business but have found immense success about two years into the endeavor. Now, I have my eyes on the top of the charts," he said, illustrating the tenacity that has driven his entire career.

The Road Ahead

Rhodes isn't finished with Crufts—or his ambitions—for Beast. With his sights set on breaking records, he hopes to campaign Beast as a contender for Best in Show. "Twenty-nine I think for mastiffs. We have 13 right now. So, we're going to 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," he shared, reflecting an unyielding spirit that fans of both wrestling and dog shows can admire.

Conclusion: Sports in All Forms

Whether in the wrestling ring or the dog park, the same vigor, strategy, and love for the sport emerge in Dustin Rhodes' life as they do in his performance. As we celebrate his achievements—both on the canvas and on the canine competition stage—it's clear that sportsmanship transcends its traditional boundaries. We may want to stay tuned for which accolades the partnership of Dustin and Beast will chase next.