York-area pooch is nation’s top dog
A bobbing little pompom put on a peak performance at the Westminster Kennel Club.
Malachy the Pekingese, owned by Iris Love of East Berlin and two other people, wobbled off with Best in Show Tuesday night, becoming America’s top dog, much to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name.
“He saved all his energy for the ring today,” handler David Fitzpatrick said.
The 4-year-old Peke won his 115th overall best in show title. He beat out a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and a wire-haired dachshund at Madison Square Garden.
Fitzpatrick gave his 11-pound champ a bit of help — he carried him a short way onto the green carpet for the final lineup, shortening the long walk to the ring. Malachy’s pink tongue popped out from his black face, his eyes sparkling like black diamonds as he soaked in the cheers.
“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.
‘Super dog’: Judge Cindy Vogels chose the winner as fans hollered for their favorites. The No. 2 show dog in the nation this year was clearly the most popular. Malachy had heard it before, having taken the toy group here last February.
“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 of prize money. Instead, the prestige 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’s also a co-owner, said Malachy was likely headed back home for a life in retirement.
“He’ll probably chase squirrels, and he’ll be pampered,” Fitzpatrick said.
Another retiree: Another area pooch is also looking forward to retirement after the most prestigious dog show in the country.
Tanner, a 6-year-old Bernese mountain dog owned by Dawn Cox of Hanover, received an award of merit in his breed Tuesday.
“He can retire on a high note,” Cox said. “I was proud with the way he showed. He really is quite the showman.”
During the afternoon judging, Tanner was a crowd favorite and garnered a number of cheers from the audience, Cox said.
Of course, Cox would have liked to see Tanner make it all the way to the Best in Show competition, but she’s a proud owner nonetheless.
“It was exciting to be competing against the top dogs in your breed,” she said.
Reported by GREG GROSS of the York Dispatch from YORK, Pa. Reach him at 505-5434, ggross@yorkdispatch.com, or follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/greggrss.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
