Dachsund from Stony Brook Shines at Westminster Dog Show

Dora the Explorer sat lounging in her blue armchair, almost perfectly still except for her breath, and posed for photos. The 1-1/2 year old miniature dachsund had just finished a long weekend of competition – which culminated Monday in her achievement at the Westminster Dog Show: She was named a winner's bitch, an honor given to the best female in her class.

Her proud owner is Robin Gianopoulos of Stony Brook.

"[She is] tired for a few days after the dog shows. This week they were tough because of the weather," Gianopoulos said. "But she loves to show. She gets in there and does her little thing."

She said Dora, who weighs a little under 10 pounds, is nearly ready to compete at the champion level. In her career as a show dog Dora has tallied 11 points – two of which have come from major shows. A dog needs 15 points, with at least two majors, in order to show as a champion.

Gianopoulos, who retired from her position as a technician at Brookhaven National Laboratory 12 years ago, said she has been breeding and showing dachsunds for 55 years.

Gianopoulos, who moved to Stony Brook in 1959, got her first dachsund in 1952. She currently has eight dachsunds, of both miniature and standard size and both short- and long-haired. Not only do several of her dogs compete in shows, but they've also done some modeling for magazine shoots – and even television, including appearances on Saturday Night Live and Conan O'Brien.

"They're a great breed," Gianopoulos said. "They're very good with each other. They're one big, happy family."

According to a history published by the American Kennel Club, dachsunds historically are hunting dogs that primarily hunted badger. The history reads:

"The Dachshund can be found in historical accounts dating back to the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, when illustrations reflected badgers being hunted with dogs with elongated bodies, short legs and hound-type ears. The dogs of medieval Europe were noted to have the tracking ability of hounds and the proportions and temperament of terriers, much needed to pursue their main quarry of badgers."

Gianopoulos said her favorite part of the hobby is raising the puppies.

"I put a lot of emphasis not just on their beauty but also on their temperament," she said. "That's very important to me."