Tyra Banks, Alaska canine superstar, is fastest on 4 legs

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Her full name is Spring Wind’s Dressed to Impress at Bell Creek, but owner Patti Engleman calls her agility dog the name of her favorite supermodel, Tyra Banks.

The 7-year-old canine isn’t known so much for her good looks but rather for her speed. She’s a Xoloitzcuintli, a Mexican breed that is usually born hairless, but this one is a Xolo with a sleek, glossy coat.

“They are actually one of the oldest breeds in the world, if not the oldest. There’s debate on that,” Engleman said, adding that Xolos were favorites of the Aztecs.

“So you guys used to be sacrificed on special occasions,” she said looking at Tyra. “That’s why they say she’s so fast — it’s survival of the fittest.”

And Tyra is fast. For the last four years, she’s been the number one Xolo for agility in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.

In mid-December, she earned another title. Engleman was invited to bring Tyra to the AKC Agility Invitational in Orlando, Florida. She finished the course in 29.597 seconds, winning the 12-inch height division, something Engleman said was a first for her breed.

The win was made more special, Engleman said, because Tyra has a condition known as Cushing’s Disease, which could end her career at any time.

Engleman said making it to invitationals was on her bucket list for Tyra.

“Invitationals was one thing I really wanted to accomplish with her in her lifetime … and we made finals, and we won,” Engleman said. “I didn’t expect to win, it was beyond what my goal was for her, because honestly, she’s incredible. I know I’m really lucky to have this dog.”

Engleman said Tyra can lead a full life with treatment, but as long as her agility days are uncertain, she isn’t taking their time as competitors for granted.

“It’s okay, we are going to manage it, and we are going to keep having fun but that’s part of the reason I’m trying to enjoy as much time as I can with her,” she said.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.