Pekingese Wins Best in Show at Westminster

A Pekingese – or was that a dust mop? – won the coveted Best in Show title last night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Four-year-old Malachy was the first Pekingese in 20 years to score the title. Five other Pekes have won in the show’s 136-year history.

“He went out there tonight and did more than anyone could expect from a Pekingese to do,” judge Cindy Vogels said at a press conference. “He was spectacular.”

Malachy’s competitors for the title included a Blue Kerry Terrier, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher (named Fifi!), German Shepherd, Irish Setter and Wire-Haired Dachshund.

Not all viewers were happy with Vogels’ choice for top dog.

Dr. Patrick Mahaney, who is i Love Dogs’ Ask a Vet and attended the event at Madison Square Garden, tweeted, “Are you kidding! All other contenders were more conformationally sound. I’m disappointed!” Pet expert Nikki Moustaki joked on her Facebook page, “My hamster just won Westminster!”

Although he didn’t make the final six, Martha Stewart’s Chow Chow, Ghengis Khan, won Best in Breed. Pit Bull enthusiasts were pleased that an American Staffordshire Terrier named Matty placed fourth in the Terrier group.

Many dog lovers boycotted the broadcast of the show because Westminster officials dumped Pedigree as a sponsor. Spokesman David Frei said the company’s commercials featuring shelter dogs were “too sad” and made viewers change channels.

Over on Comedy Central, Steven Colbert agreed wholeheartedly with Frei. “I’m sure shelter dogs are wonderful in their own way, but just not Kennel Club material,” he said on last night’s “The Colbert Report.” “These dogs are the canine 1 percent: The job creators for groomers, trophy makers and judges who fondle ball sacks.”

PHOTO: Pleple2000