Malachy the Pekingese Assumes Throne at Westminster Dog Show

The crowd at Madison Square Garden grew louder with every tiny step Malachy took, and he sure took a lot of them just to get halfway around the dog show ring.

That was perfect for this Pekingese. Gave him more time to soak in the cheers and look around the stands at his adoring fans Tuesday night.

Moments later, the Peke whose smushed-in face frames a mop of flyaway fur and whose pace rivals a snail’s, became America’s top dog by winning best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

This little stump of a dog beat out the likes of a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund. A 4-year-old pompom, Malachy wobbled to his 115th overall best in show title.

“He saved all his energy for the ring today,” handler David Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick gave his 11-pound champ a bit of a boost — he carried him onto the green carpet for the final lineup, shortening his long walk. Malachy’s pink tongue popped out from his black face, his eyes sparkling like black diamonds.

“No other dog moves like this,” Fitzpatrick said. It’s true, as a Pekingese is supposed to move with a “slow and dignified” gait.

Malachy chilled out after his win, resting his silver and white coat on a cool pack. He had plenty of time to get ready, having won the toy group Monday night.
“I kept him quiet all day,” Fitzpatrick said.

More than 2,000 purebred dogs in 185 breeds and varieties competed in the nation’s most prestigious pooch parade. When it came down to a best of seven, Malachy was the last to enter the darkened ring.

Judge Cindy Vogels studied them before making her pick. The No. 2 show dog in the country came close last February after taking the toy group here.

“Super dog, and he had a stupendous night,” she said. “There’s a lot of dog in a small package.”

The champion at Westminster wins a coveted silver bowl, but not a cent. Instead, the honor of this title lasts a lifetime for any owner, and brings a wealth of opportunity in breeding potential.

This was the fourth time a Peke won at Westminster, and the first since 1990. Fitzpatrick, who co-owns Malachy with Iris Love and Sandra Middlebrooks, said the cute pompom was likely headed back to East Berlin, Pa., for a life in retirement.