A placid Pekingese trotted to victory on Tuesday at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, beating a Dalmatian, a German Shepherd, a Dachshund and three other canines to become the first of his breed to win the prestigious annual event since 1990.
Malachy, a four-year-old dog formally known as Ch. Palacegarden Malachy, charmed the packed Madison Square Garden arena crowd his way to his 115th best-in-show title. Over the two days, more than 2,000 dogs representing 185 breeds have competed.
Handler David Fitzpatrick said the little dog would now retire to the life of a house pet, saying "he won't be doing commercials, he's been working hard enough for the past two years."
When an 11-pound Pekingese posed next to the silver cup after winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night, there wasn’t a bigger dog in the ring.
In a competition with more than 2,000 dogs and 185 different breeds and varieties, there were several upsets. But Malachy, a 4-year-old Pekingese, was one favorite who delivered at Madison Square Garden.
Malachy, who will retire after Westminster, is the No. 2 dog in the country and has won 115 best in shows. “He’s a lot of dog in a small package,” handler David Fitzpatrick said.
Malachy beat six other group winners to become the fourth Peke to win Westminster and the first since 1990.
Reclining on a blue ice pack after his victory, Malachy looked ready for retirement. Fitzpatrick said the Peke can look forward to a life of chasing squirrels in the yard. Here’s guessing the squirrels aren’t too worried.
As the others trotted around the ring, Malachy ambled doing a miniature lap in comparison.
Emily, an Irish setter, who gave birth to a litter of 15 puppies in May, won the sporting group. Emily hadn’t competed in a year as she and her coat recovered. Dogs typically “blow their coats” after giving birth, and Emily lost her beautiful auburn coat, which takes about a year to fill back out.
