King’s Mtn. Dandie Dinmont Named ‘Higgins’ Is No. 1 Terrier

The No. 1 Terrier in the country is “Higgins,” a 3 ½-year-old male Dandie Dinmont Terrier who has become the king of the mountain with his eye-catching appeal and tenacious temperament. The winner of six Bests in Show earned in just the first four months of 2021, MBIS GCHB King’s Mtn. Henry Higgins is the No. 3 all-breed dog in the country and No. 1 Dandie all systems.

Bred by Betty-Anne Stenmark of Grass Valley, California, Sandra Pretari Hickson of San Bruno, California, and B.J. Pumfrey of Vancouver, British Columbia, Higgins represents the 12th generation of King’s Mtn. Dandies since the bloodline began in 1976. Higgins is not only King’s Mtn.’s top-winning male, he also is the top-winning American-bred Dandie Dinmont male of all time.

Higgins is likened to his most famous relative, NZ/AUST/AM CH Hobergays Fineus Fogg, known as “Harry,” a male who crosses both sides of Higgins’ pedigree four times. A Dandie Dinmont from Australia, Harry came to the U.S. in 2006, where he won a phenomenal 63 Bests in Show over 14 months handled by Bill McFadden. That tally led to Harry being the No. 1 all-breed dog in the country in 2006. He took Best of Breed at the 2006 Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America National Specialty and Terrier Group First at the 2007 Westminster Kennel Club before retiring from showing.

“Higgins is an incredibly balanced dog from front to rear, and he has great length of body, correct tail set and carriage, and is low to the ground and shapely,” Stenmark says. “He moves wonderfully with evident drive from behind while holding a correct topline. His impressive, masculine head and big dark eyes show off an affectionate dog who like Harry has never met a dog show he didn’t want to be at.”

Handled by Luiz Abreu of Starr, South Carolina, and owned by Teresa (Puna) Bell of Kailua, Hawaitt, Higgins is fed Purina Pro Plan SPORT Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula dog food.