Meet Malachy — the peculiar looking creature that was crowned king of the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
At first glance, Malachy looks like a Furby, but he is actually a Pekingese, and the first of his breed to be named top dog since 1990. The fluffy pup, formally known as as Ch. Palacegarden Malachy, beat out a Dalmatian, a German Shepard, a Dachshund and three other canines to win the prestigious annual event.
The 4-year-old 11-pound Malachy trotted to victory in front of his adoring fans at Madison Square Garden. He won over the crowd with his fluffy mop of hair and soulful glances. Malachy’s handler, David Fitzpatrick, described the winning dog as “an extrovert in the ring.”
“He’s dignified, devoted, and a wonderful companion. He’s charming,” Fitzpatrick said.
Judge Cindy Vogels echoed that sentiment, calling Malachy “a super dog who had a stupendous night.”
“He was spectacular,” she said of the dog who has been number-one in the toy group for the past two years and has won 115 best-in-show titles.
“He conforms to the (breed’s) standard so magnificently … tonight, he was flawless,” she said.
What’s next for Malachy? His handler said he lives a fairly typical dog life when he’s not globetrotting to glamorous public appearances.
“Running around the house and chasing squirrels outside — all the normal things,” Fitzpatrick said, describing Malachy’s average day.
Congrats to Malachy! This tiny ball of fluff has won our hearts!
