Professional wrestler Dustin Rhodes, known for his extensive championship career across multiple organizations, has gained recognition outside the ring as well. His mastiff, named Beast, took third place in the working group open category at Crufts 2026, the world‘s largest dog show held in the United Kingdom. This milestone adds to Beast’s growing reputation as a top show dog.
Beast’s Unique Abilities and Rhodes’ Admiration for Mastiffs
The working group category at Crufts features dogs bred to assist and protect their owners, and Beast embodies these qualities. Rhodes described Beast’s ability to detect fluctuations in blood pressure, showcasing the dog’s intelligence and usefulness beyond typical pet roles.
“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,”
he said.
“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.”
—Dustin Rhodes, Professional Wrestler and Mastiff Owner
Weighing in at approximately 250 pounds, Beast’s size demands a substantial diet, costing Rhodes around $200 per month. The mastiff’s daily food intake includes dry food supplemented with chicken, rice, and steak.
Rhodes’ Unexpected Journey into Competitive Dog Showing
Though initially surprised to enter the dog show scene, Rhodes has embraced this venture wholeheartedly. After two years of competing, he is determined to reach the pinnacle of the sport with Beast and set new records among mastiffs.
“Go for the (best in show) record,”
Rhodes explained.
“Twenty nine I think for mastiffs. We have 13 right now. 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.”
—Dustin Rhodes, Professional Wrestler and Mastiff Owner
Rhodes credits his team, including his wife Ta-rel Runnels and handler Terry Smith, for supporting Beast’s rising success in dog shows.
The Growing Impact of Dustin Rhodes’ Mastiff on the Show Circuit
Beast’s achievements at Crufts and other dog shows enhance the profile of mastiffs as exceptional working dogs and companions. Rhodes’ dedication highlights the bond between handler and dog, underlining the importance of training, care, and promotion in competitive dog showing. The goal to break records points to a promising future for Beast within the international circuit, potentially inspiring new interest in mastiff ownership and showcasing.
