An 11-month-old puppy put forward for his first dog show went home with an incredible prize: the title of least obedient dog.
Alfie, a Staffy and Border Collie cross, lives in Cumbria, England, with his owner Rhianne Acton, 24, a dancer and fire performer working and living in a holiday caravan park.
Most pet owners naturally think their dog is the best dog ever, and Acton was keen to prove this to the world when she entered him in a recent dog competition—though, as she told Newsweek, “our expectations were realistic.”
Things didn’t exactly go to plan, as she shared in a wickedly funny video to her TikTok account @alfiethestaffydog, which has been viewed over 30,000 times.
It first shows a photo of Alfie, looking incredibly happy and proud of himself, smiling with his tongue sticking out, with the writing: “We entered Alfie in a dog show and he won an award.”
The video then switches to show that award: a certificate made out to Alfie, and signed by officials. Alfie had won the not-so-coveted title of “least obedient.”
Still proud of her pup, Acton wrote over the video: “Great job boy.”
Acton and her fiancé, Daniel, live on-site at the Glendale Holiday Park, which regularly puts on events—in this case, a dog show, offering prizes for everything from waggiest tail to best trick.
“Alfie never had the waggiest tail or the best trick,” Acton told Newsweek. “He did, however, win least obedient dog.”
Alfie the staffy cross had won the prestigious title of “least obedient”. He looked aptly proud of himself in a photo shared to TikTok by his owner.
TikTok @alfiethestaffydog
She revealed: “We think he got this because when he was asked by the judges to sit, he got a bit carried away and tried doing his business right in front of him!”
Alfie took it all in his stride, and “was just happy to be involved and loved the attention and applause,” Acton said, affectionately calling him a “diva.”
“He seemed thrilled with his certificate and loved being the talk of the park.”
The couple took Alfie into their family last Christmas, after being turned down by multiple rescue shelters due to not having a garden, as they live on-site at the park.
When they found an advertisement for Alfie, then 12 weeks old, they went straight to visit him—and it was “love at first sight”.
Alfie is a mixed breed, and is part Staffordshire bull terrier, known for their clever and brave natures, as well as being a playful companion, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Naturally, Acton said, Alfie “comes with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm.”
“No toy has survived longer than five minutes with him, his Staffy jaws mean he loves a good chew. He definitely keeps us both on our toes!”
Rhianne Acton and her fiancé Daniel took Alfie into their home last Christmas. He’ has become a star both online and at the caravan park they both live and work at.
TikTok @alfiethestaffydog
Acton wrote in the caption to her video: “My boy tried. He did good, he just couldn’t hold a sit and tried to poop for the judge instead, so 10/10 for efforts.”
Dozens of commenters agreed, with one writing: “You took part, that’s all that matters.”
Another joked: “If I’d known this was a category I would have entered mine years ago,” as another agreed: “Finally something my dog could win.”
And as one put it: “Well done Alfie! Top of the class!”
Acton called Alfie’s TikTok fame a “crazy journey,” calling the “love” he’s received from followers “incredible”.
“We’ve made so many friends, found some valuable advice and spread some happiness. I never expected his dog show video to reach so many people, but I’m glad it brought a smile and a bit of laughter to them!”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
