The Westminster Kennel Club Event

The Westminster Kennel Club 136th Annual Dog Show just concluded on Feb. 14 at the Madison Square Garden, and the winner was no other than Ch Palacegarden Malachy (a.k.a. Malachy) the Pekinese. The gorgeous 4-year old, 11 pound dog with cream and silvery gray hair, won the hearts of the crowd and the judges, making this his 115th overall best in show title. Malachy beat 2000 entries for the title, and over other finalists that included a German shepherd, an Irish Setter, and a Doberman pinscher.

The Westminster Kennel Club Event

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the most prestigious and popular dog show in the United States. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, a Scottish Deerhound, won the title last year. The year before that, Sadie, a perky Scottish Terrier, stole the show. Dog and animal lovers gather every year to witness one champion dog after another as they parade around the Madison Square garden. Perfectly groomed and brimming with energy, beautiful dogs of all sizes, shapes, and breeds, can be seen together at one area. The entire event is a spectacle, both in and out of the ring.

This year was no exception with the excitement palpable in the air from owners, handlers, dogs, judges, and visitors. Malachy was a surprise win for some people who found his slow walk not as graceful as those of the other competitors. However, it must be noted that the show judges do not compare breeds to other breeds, but rather, dogs to their own breed standard.

The Ideal Pekinese

Malachy is the ideal dog of the Pekinese breed, based on a breed standard description given by the Pekinese Club of America, the breed’s national club. According to the club, “the Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Its temperament is one of directness, independence and individuality. Its image is lionlike, implying courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy.”

Malachy made it to the last round last year but lost to Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound. This year belongs to him, making the Pekinese breed a winner again after 22 years. He is set to retire after his huge win as his handler’s (David Fitzpatrick) personal pet.

Although Malachy won the coveted Best in Show award in Westminster, every furry participant in the show is already a champion, and the top dog in their owner’s eyes.

Photo: http://i989.photobucket.com/albums/af17/Yve_Perez/Westminster%20Kennel%20Club%20Dog%20Show%202009/IMG_2117.jpg

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