Pekingese takes best in show
The 2012 Westminster Dog show staged its 136th showing Feb. 13-14. Pooch lovers everywhere look forward to this all-breed benched conformation show that takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City every year.
A Pekingese named Malachy won best in show at the Westminster Dog Show 2012 after taking 1st place in the toy group. This is Malachy’s 115th best in show ribbon. The Peke triumphed over Beckham, a black cocker spaniel whom won the coveted best in show last year.
Other surprise wins included a dalmation named Ruffiana, taking the prize in the non-sporting group. This is the first time in well over 101 years that a Dalmatian has taken home a top honor at the Westminster Dog Show.
Captain Crunch, a German shepherd, won first place in the herding group. German shepherds are always popular at the annual dog show. Other crowd favorites included a Brussels Griffon named Tina Fey and Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher.
Winners in the other groups include: Gleishorbach a Dachsund in the hound group, an Irish Setter named Red Handed in the sporting group, a Doberman Pinscher named Veni Vidi Vici in the Working Group and in the terrier group, a Kerry Blue Terrier named Chelsey.
Martha Stewart was proud to announce that her dog, a Chow Chow named Ghengis Khan, won best of breed. Other proud owners include a couple from Washington state. Brad Slayton and Debbie Parsons held their wedding at the Garden after their dog Major, a Tibetan Mastiff, won his breed on Tuesday.
In order to qualify for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a breed must meet American Kennel Club criteria, and the dog participant must be registered with the AKC. There are currently 185 breeds and varieties eligible for Westminster.
