Press Release from Town of Madison

The Madison Top Dog Contest is an annual drawing of all dogs who have had their license renewed during the month of June. The winning entrant, which is picked at random, receives tag No. 1 and earns the distinction of being the Madison Top Dog.

This year, Effie, a 60-pound Valley Bulldog, won the title of Madison Top Dog. She is a five-year-old dog who is loving and gentle, but is also powerful. Effie's proud dog parents are Michael Caine and Jennifer Shattuck. Effie enjoys playing outside with her sister Rue, who is also a Valley Bulldog.

Five years ago, Caine flew to Oklahoma to pick Effie up as a puppy from the breeder, Thundering Titans, before moving to Madison. Caine has shared the history of the breed with members of the Town of Madison, explaining that the Valley Bulldog is a dynamic crossbreed with Boxer and English Bulldog parentage. While the parent breeds are distinctly European, the Valley Bulldog's history traces back to the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada, giving them the name Valley Bulldog. He further explained that the breed is known for its playful and outgoing personality, and Effie embodies both of those traits.

The Town of Madison extends its congratulations to this year’s No. 1 tag winner, Effie!