Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Winner – A Pekingese Named Malachy
On Tuesday, a perfect Pekingese won the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Malachy, a four year old, beat out a German Shepherd, a Dalmatian, a Dachshund, and three other dogs. It’s the first time that a Pekingese has won the very prestigious dog show since 1990.
The dog show is held in Madison Square Gardens and it was packed for the event. The crowd roared when the winner was announced, as the dog had won them over, as well as the judges. The judge for the final round – known as the best-in-show – was not allowed in the competition until she walked into the ring for the finale. Cindy Vogels described Malachy as a “super dog.”
Winning is nothing new to Malachy, though. He’s won the toy group for the last two years and he’s got 115 best-in-show awards to his name. This one, however, is considered the top award in dog shows. Malachy didn’t trot through the ring as the others did. Instead, he favored a slow, deliberate pace that was dignified. While Malachy is described as being very relaxed and quiet outside of the ring. That changes when he’s ready to show off. Malachy can only be described as an extrovert when he’s ready to strut his stuff.
The other breeds in the finale were a Kerry blue terrier, an Irish setter, and a Doberman pinscher. There’s never been a best-in-show awarded to a Dachshund, Dalmatian, or Irish setter in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
Malachy’s handler is David Fitzpatrick. His owners are Fitzpatrick, Sandra Middlebrooks, and Iris Love. Malachy will not be showing anymore, according to Fitzpatrick. Instead, he will enjoy the life of a pampered house pet.
The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is the second only to the Kentucky Derby for the oldest sporting event in the United States.
