Will Dino Win Tomorrow's Championship?
- Dog Dude Ranch
- Nov 26, 2025
- 3 min read

Dino the Giant Schnauzer: Miamiās Hot-Dog-Powered Superstar With a Remarkable Owner Behind Him
Every so often, a dog comes along who captures both the spotlight and the heart ā and Miamiās own Dino the Giant Schnauzer is one of those unforgettable pups. Big, bold, brilliant, and hilariously devoted to hot dogs over steak or chicken, Dino is the kind of champion who reminds us that greatness and goofiness can absolutely coexist.
Fresh off earning the prestigiousĀ 2025 National Specialty Best of Breed, Dino is already a national favorite ā romping through fields, collecting colorful burrs on his paws, and trotting into the ring like the king he is. Tomorrow they will announce at the National Dog Show on NBC, if Dino is the big champion.
But behind every extraordinary dog is an extraordinary human, and Dinoās owner,Ā Joy Carr, is a Miami original with a legacy as rich as her love for the Giant Schnauzer breed.

A Dog Champion Backed by a Woman With a Pioneering Miami Legacy
Joy comes from one of Miamiās pioneer families. Her father arrived in Miami inĀ 1917, becoming theĀ first Publicity Director for the City of Miami. He owned the land whereĀ Bayside Marketplace and its parkĀ now stand, including the once-famousĀ Elsa Pier, an amusement and dance hall beloved in early-20th-century Miami.
Joy continues that heritage today as the owner of theĀ oldest historical home in Miami-Dade County, built inĀ 1911Ā ā a true piece of Florida history.
But Joyās contributions didnāt stop with preserving the past. She broke barriers too.

A Trailblazing Career in Law and Public Service
Joy wasĀ one of the first women Major Crimes prosecutorsĀ in the Dade State Attorneyās Office, serving underĀ Richard GersteinĀ and laterĀ Janet Reno. Her work put her at homicide scenes, high-stakes trials, and in the company of justiceās toughest challenges ā always accompanied by her loyal Giant Schnauzers.
She went on to serve on multiple boards, including theĀ Board of Directors of the Dade County Bar, where sheĀ chaired the Probate and Guardianship Committee for years, helping shape policy and professionalism in the legal community.
A Life of Horses, Orchids, and Rescue
Joy is also a lifelong horsewoman. She and her daughter have competed with bothĀ ArabianĀ andĀ American Saddlebred horses, winningĀ dozens of National ChampionshipsĀ across the U.S. and Canada. She currently serves on theĀ Board of the Florida Horse Park, representing South Floridaās equestrian interests.
For years, Joy and her late husband also ran aĀ commercial orchid business, participating in shows all across the country ā from the Miami Orchid Show to the famous New York show once held at the Twin Towers.
Above all, Joy is a fierce champion for animals in need. She has:
Served on the board of theĀ South Florida SPCA
Been honored by theĀ American Saddlebred Rescue Association
RescuedĀ dozens of Giant Schnauzers
Opened her farms to both dogs and horses needing refuge
Recently rescuedĀ Bibi, a well-known Big Dog Rescue alum
Her lifeās work is proof that love, care, and second chances can change the world ā one animal at a time.
Dinoās Record-Breaking Achievements
With that kind of dedication guiding him, itās no surprise Dino is one of the top dogs in America. He boasts:
Heās truly the best of the best ā with a belly full of hot dogs to prove it.
Off to the National Dog Show Finals!
The National Dog Show, taped on November 15 and airing onĀ Thanksgiving, is one of Americaās most beloved holiday traditions.
This year, Dino wonĀ Best of BreedĀ and thenĀ Best in the Working Group, placing him among theĀ Top 7 dogs in the nationĀ advancing to Best in Show.
Heāll be competing against a Belgian Shepherd, Foxhound, Shih Tzu, Bichon FrisĆ©, English Setter, and a Miniature Schnauzer.
Will Dino Bring Home Best in Show?
We sure hope so ā and South Florida is cheering loudly for him! Whether he wins the top trophy or simply wins Americaās heart, heās already a legend.
Tune in Thanksgiving Day to discover Dinoās final result ā and celebrate Miamiās newest hometown hero.



































