Westminster Dog Show 2012: Pekingese, Dalmatian, German Shepherd Win Big

Keith Paladino of Lodi, N.J., second from left, works with a 15 inch Beagle as they line up in the ring for competition at the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

NEW YORK — Wobbling the whole way, a people-pleasing Pekingese made quite a walk down the green carpet at Madison Square Garden.

A Dalmatian and a German shepherd were in more of a hurry to win at America's most prestigious dog show.

Malachy the Peke drew cheers that grew louder with every tiny step Monday night and repeated as the top toy at the Westminster Kennel Club event. Pink tongue peeking out from his black face, he beat a prize affenpinscher called Banana Joe in a most competitive group.

"He doesn't run. He has a dignified Pekingese gait," handler David Fitzpatrick said.

Malachy also has 114 best in show ribbons on his resume, and is aiming to add this title. His early work done here, he rested on a cool pack after competing.

A lively Dalmatian with black spectacle markings around his eyes took the nonsporting group. In well over 101 years, no Dalmatian has ever won Westminster's top honor.

"That's what they just told me," handler Michael Scott said.

Captain Crunch the German shepherd romped to victory in the herding group. Handled by old pro James Moses, his champion attracted ample applause, as German shepherds always do at the Garden.

"The crowd really had him up," Moses said. "He handles the carpet well."

A wire-haired dachshund called Cinders led the hounds, then wanted to sit rather than stand for her victory picture.

"She's a clown," handler Cheri Koppenhaver said.

More than 2,000 entries in 185 breeds and varieties were at the 136th Westminster. The best in show will be chosen Tuesday evening.

Still to come: a wire fox terrier who won the National show and a standard poodle who took the Eukanuba event. There's also a black cocker spaniel who was the No. 1 show dog last year – he's named Beckham, maybe a good omen since a 12-story ad featuring soccer star David Beckham posing in his underwear is painted on a building that overlooks the Garden.

Beckham the dog, by the way, beat out Malachy as the country's top-winning show dog in 2011.

Oh, and a Valentine's Day treat on tap, too: A couple from Washington state with a Tibetan mastiff plans to hold their wedding among all the pooches.

Breed winners included a chow chow co-owned by Martha Stewart and a xoloitzcuintli called Giorgio Armani, a nice start for the alphabetically challenged contestant during Fashion Week in New York City.

A Brussels griffon named Tina Fey, a barking petits bassets griffons vendeen and a sprightly Chihuahua were among the fan favorites. Also getting noticed was a Manchester toy terrier, a breed that can live to be 20 years old.

Banana Joe was among the top contenders to be standing in the coveted silver bowl at the end. Nearly 5, he was a big winner in Europe before coming to the United States.

Affens and Brussels griffons are related way back. They're similar in size and stature, but Banana Joe's handler, Ernesto Lara, drew a distinction.

"Griffons are wonderful dogs," he said. "Affenpinschers are wonderful people."

Celebrities are fairly common at Westminster – Glenn Close, Kristin Davis and Mary Tyler Moore have made appearances – and Stewart made her presence known with her dog called GK.

"Ghenghis Khan did it!" she tweeted. "Best of Breed at Westminster!!!! Big deal."

The xoloitzcuintli (shoh-loh-eets-KWEEN'-tlee), formerly known as the Mexican hairless, is among six new breeds at this year's show. They're called a "show low" (SHOH'-loh) for short and Giorgio Armani drew cheers from the fans crowded around the ring when he was picked as the best of his breed.

"They're wonderful, they're an ancient breed, it's like a best-kept secret," Lara said.

In a few years, there could be up to 240 breeds at Westminster. But there won't be a puggle, labradoodle or Maltipoo among them. A "designer dog" is more than OK for the White House – President Barack Obama and his family considered a labradoodle before getting a Portuguese water dog – but they're absent at the Garden.

To get to Westminster, a breed must meet American Kennel Club criteria – there has to be an ample population with a three-generation pedigree, a geographic spread of those dogs and a parent club to establish breed standards.

"All dogs are lovable," said the AKC's Lisa Peterson. "But a crossbreed is not a breed."

Loading Slideshow

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Pekingese Malachy poses for photographers after winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Samoyed Grand Champion Mcmagic's Candied Ham of Pebblesrun competes in the Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Pekingese Malachy carried by David Fitzpatrick, co-owner and handler, are congratulated by runners up after they win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• A handler holds down the tail of a Portu

  A handler holds down the tail of a Portuguese water Dog in the judging ring during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Irish Setter Grand Champion Shadagee Caught Red Handed, winner of the Sporting Group, is handled by Adam Bernardin at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Malachy, a Pekingese, after winning Best

  Malachy, a Pekingese, after winning Best in Show during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Doberman Pinscher Grand Champion Protocal's Veni Vidi Vici (R) wins the Working Group in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Malachy, a Pekingese, after winning Best

  Malachy, a Pekingese, after winning Best in Show during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Doberman Pinscher Grand Champion Protocal's Veni Vidi Vici wins the Working Group in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Irish Setter Grand Champion Shadagee Caught Red Handed, winner of the Sporting Group, is handled by Adam Bernardin at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Irish Setter Grand Champion Shadagee Caught Red Handed, winner of the Sporting Group, is handled by Adam Bernardin at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Pekingese Malachy carried by David Fitzpatrick, co-owner and handler, are congratulated by runners up after they win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Irish Setter Grand Champion Shadagee Caught Red Handed, winner of the Sporting Group, is handled by Adam Bernardin at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Pekingese Malachy is held for photographers by David Fitzpatrick, co-owner and handler, after winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Raaza, a Komondorok, waits to go into the ring during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• CJ, a Newfoundland, in the backstage area during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• A Dogue de Bordeaux waits to go in the

  A Dogue de Bordeaux waits to go in the judging ring during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• Jackson, a 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Argyle, Texas, is photographed at the Spot Suite at the Affinia Manhattan hotel, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in New York. There are 2,000 top dogs in town for Monday's start of the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel club show. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Elvis, a 4-year-old Bearded Collie works out on a dog tread in the Green Room Salon and Spa at the Pennsylvania hotel, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in New York. There are 2,000 top dogs in town for Monday's start of the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel club show. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Westminster Kennel Club Director of Communications David Frei, right, leads a dog procession across 7th Ave with last years' champion Hickory, a 5-year old Scottish Deerhound, ahead of a news conference, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 in New York. The Westminster Kennel Club introduced six new breeds in advance of the Westminster Dog Show.(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Hoss, a 5-year old Entlebucher Mountain Dog, is photographed during a news conference, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in New York. The Westminster Kennel Club introduced six new breeds in advance of the Westminster Dog Show. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Lorraine Shore, of Sequim, Washington, grooms Dazzle a 2-year-old Papillon at the Green Room Salon and Spa at the Pennsylvania hotel, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in New York. There are 2,000 top dogs in town for Monday's start of the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel club show. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Jenna, a 4-year-old Great Dane from Japan takes advantage of the facilities at the Spot Suite at the Affinia Manhattan hotel, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in New York. There are 2,000 top dogs in town for Monday's start of the 136th Annual Westminster Kennel club show. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

• Sitting in the lap of her costumed owner Gena Oddo, of Carriere, Miss., Sophia Oddo, a white pomeranian, attends the 2012 Pre-Westminster Fashion Show Friday Feb. 10, 2012 in New York. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)

• This undated photo courtesy of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show shows a Cesky terrier. Six breeds will make history this year as the newest breeds eligible to compete at Westminster. (AP Photo/Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show)

• Dog Fashion Show Held Ahead Of Next Week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Miu Miu, a Chihuahua, poses at the pre-Westminster Fashion Show at Hotel Pennsylvania ahead of next week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Dog Fashion Show Held Ahead Of Next Week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: A dog rides in a stroller at the pre-Westminster Fashion Show at Hotel Pennsylvania ahead of next week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Dog Fashion Show Held Ahead Of Next Week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Sophia, white Pomeranian from Mississippi, sits on Jena Oddo's lap at the pre-Westminster Fashion Show at Hotel Pennsylvania ahead of next week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• Dog Fashion Show Held Ahead Of Next Week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Grace Forester, who stars in a reality series 'Doggie Moms,' holds Rosie (L) and Portia (R) at the pre-Westminster Fashion Show at Hotel Pennsylvania ahead of next week's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• This undated photo courtesy of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show shows an Entlebucher mountain dog. Six breeds will make history this year as the newest breeds eligible to compete at Westminster. (AP Photo/Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show)

• This undated photo courtesy of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show shows an American English coonhound. Six breeds will make history this year as the newest breeds eligible to compete at Westminster. (AP Photo/Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show)

• This undated photo courtesy of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show shows a Finnish Lapphund. Six breeds will make history this year as the newest breeds eligible to compete at Westminster. (AP Photo/Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show)

• Michelle Paulin and Storm,a Dogue de Bor

  Michelle Paulin and Storm,a Dogue de Bordeaux, in the judging ring during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• Ripley, a Golden Retriever, during the

  Ripley, a Golden Retriever, during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• Dillon, a Sealyham Terrier, during the

  Dillon, a Sealyham Terrier, during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• Bentley, a Cocker Spaniel, in the backs

  Bentley, a Cocker Spaniel, in the backstage area during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• Trinity, a Neopolitan Mastiff, waits to

  Trinity, a Neopolitan Mastiff, waits to go in the judging ring during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Champion Sandale-Paj Captain Barbosa, a Great Dane, rests at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Dogs go to the bathroom at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• World's Top Dogs Compete At Westminster Dog Show

  NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Dogs and their significant others ride in the freight elevator as they leave Madison Square Garden on the last day of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 14, 2012 in New York City. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images)

• A young girl watches judging during the

  A young girl watches judging during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden February 14, 2012 in New York. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

• A "Dogs Against Romney" press event in f

  A 'Dogs Against Romney' press event in front of Madison Square Garden during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show February 14, 2012 in New York. The protest is sponsored by Dogs Against Romney - and will seek to focus more public attention on the fact that US presidential candidate Mitt Romney forced his dog to ride for 12-hours on the roof of his car. AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)

Comments

[TOMHERMAN]

07:31 PM on 02/17/2012

THAT WAS A TERRIABLE PICK IN BEST OF SHOW.THERE SHOULD BE MORE THEN ONE JUDGE! THE JUDGE HAD TO BE FRIENDS.

[phyllis owqens]

05:53 PM on 02/16/2012

i have been told by many,many that the doberman was by far the winner. The dog is from here in Ohio and has won more titles in history than any other dog. Why do i not see a lot written about this perfect looking animal?

[Julie Tower]

09:59 AM on 02/16/2012

Congrats little Malachy. I am happy that a "pushed in face" dog finally won. I have a pug and a Boston terrier I love smooshed face doggies.

[rich0151]

08:32 PM on 02/15/2012

Can anyone tell me if Rin Tin Tin and Bullet were full-bred German Shepherds? I've heard for years discussions on what breeder have done to some dog breeds. l fail to see how Captain Crunch can be said to have "romped" anywhere. I winced at watching him haltingly, almost teeteringly, move his hindquarters after his handler, recalling as a kid how I watched Bullet and "Rinnie" race alongside horses in the opening credits. To me this represents a sad unnatural "evolution" of a wonderful animal at the hands of so-called dog lovers. Or am I missing something?

[sablegsd]

02:15 PM on 02/17/2012

No, you are not missing anything. Show dog breeders ruin every breed they touch.

[pslcitizen]

03:57 PM on 02/15/2012

This ugly mutt is the best they can do with all those beautiful dogs..?

[Itsafact]

05:20 PM on 02/15/2012

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[muted3]

10:17 AM on 02/16/2012

The Pekingese has 115 Best in Show wins I think that you know nothing about beautiful dogs.

[muted3]

11:50 AM on 02/15/2012

Congratulations Malachy he is a beautiful Pekingese with 114 Best in Show wins, and now 115 Best in Show wins, under his belt. The Pekingese is a playful and fearless dog who is extremely loyal to his people. I should know I have one and I think that they are great!

[vans346]

11:37 AM on 02/15/2012

I'm sorry but the Shepherd, Doberman, Irish Setter, or the Terrier would have been a better choice. That was a mop with eyes, you couldn't even see it's legs.

[Kjonesfitchburg]

08:57 AM on 02/15/2012

What is clear about all of these comments is that Football fans have nothing on Dog Show fans.....from the sounds of many of these posts, I'm surprised there wasn't rioting in the streets. I'm not an expert, but clearly judging is a combination of phenomenal knowledge about dogs, breeding and the lines as well as a humanly inherent bias that our species has.

As for me, I am happy to see this pick...it certainly has given the "experts" something to talk about and those of us who like smaller breeds a "hooah" moment.

[Itsafact]

02:55 PM on 02/15/2012

A lot of these people just want to harangue and fight. It goes beyond their claim that they have the right to comment, they want to pick apart every post (and apparently dog) that does not conform to their OWN opinions which in their eyes are ALWAYS right. I posted a couple of things last night about the Peke (I would rather have seen another breed win but I thought the Peke was as deserving as the others) and was met with a barrage of attacking posters who harangued for hours about how breeders are irresponsible, the show should be eliminated, I was wrong in my assessments about EVERYTHING, and so on and so forth.

Here is a tip for all of you who harangue ceaselessly about breeders of show dogs, and puppy mills, and how breeds have been ruined etc. Get OFF the boards and take it to the breeders. Or go on a campaign against puppy mills. But endlessly haranguing here on the HP against these things is rather pointless. Especially against a poster (such as me) who stated they enjoyed the show, thought another dog should have won but did not dislike the Peke, and will watch again next year.

Congrats to the Peke. Congrats to MSG for putting on a great show, and to all the owners, breeders, and those who truly love and respect dogs. And if you PETA people or those with a hard on against breeders feel otherwise, contact the proper parties!

[dranyamelknur]

01:22 AM on 02/15/2012

Judging Best in Show is like comparing apples and oranges. It is absurdly ridiculous. Even worst is group judging. How can a crippled looking German Shepherd beat a Rough Coated Collie?

[Itsafact]

02:56 PM on 02/15/2012

What?

[JRHP]

12:33 AM on 02/15/2012

The judges husband probly manufactures in China, thus Pekinese !

[Darwinita]

09:43 AM on 02/15/2012

That is a totally stupid comment.

[Wendy Ashley]

12:18 PM on 02/15/2012

Nicely said JRHP!

[lelakitty]

12:23 AM on 02/15/2012

So sorry to see the shepard didnt place first in show!!!!!!! what happened? and WHAT DID HAPPEN behind the lines as judges stood in the bleachers.. some ruckus? someone threw something at a man standing behind the judges before the last event?

[JRHP]

12:15 AM on 02/15/2012

Perfect example world today, reason were in this economic nightmare GREED! Dishonest people with money in charge & control of situations & decisions they have NO BUSINESS Dealing with, their only interest EGO & personal financial gain !!! Shame on you !!! Hoped there might be somethings left to good judgement,Madoff Doctrine lives on ! Knew from the get go when " The Princess came out to judge, not going to be good ! An LI Princess living in CO proably in Aspen married to a mega rich financial guy looking for somthing to do ! So Daddy said "Honey !! Would you like to judge the Westminister Dog Show as a Valintines Day present make you feel important! Knew from her tacky atire and nip tuck NG ! Mind your own business get your nails done, polish your diamonds ! That dog proably reminded you of one of your favorite purses or belonged to one of your friends from the 5 towns. You took that honor away from the real winner. I bet you dont even own a dog. Congratulations to the real Winner ! It was a spectular showing , extremely difficult decision, for the best of the best. Maybe next year the decision should be based on popular vote like on American Idol ! One by Qualified Judges and Twoith by popular vote. Thank You for all the hard work, wonderful people and dog lovers through out the world that brought The WMDS together !! Peace &

[USCGret]

12:30 AM on 02/15/2012

How does one reasonably respond to this post...you obviously don't have a clue what it takes to be a dog show judge. While you may not have liked her pick...she has bred, shown, trained, cared for and finished championships on dozens of dogs for dozens of years. Sorta like the same way most people get what they have....they earn it...
Do a bit of research...

[JRHP]

01:02 AM on 02/15/2012

For some one who does not have a clue, Ive done pretty well, picking the winner 3 out of the last 5 years. You are entitled to your opinion as am I, however we have not heard the last of this. Its kinda like how GW Bush won the election. See where that got us. Pet your dog good nite for me.

[Imago1122]

12:24 PM on 02/15/2012

I heard she owns Morgan horses. Do you know what breed(s) of dog(s) she's specialized in by any chance?

[muted3]

11:48 AM on 02/15/2012

Your complete ignorance is showing. First the judge was extremely qualified to judge Best In Show. Next the Pekingese was a beautiful dog with 114 best in show wins under his belt. That should tell you, if you were of even adverage intelligence, that he had the history of wins to back up his win as Best in Show at Westminster. In fact the Pekingese is a great companion dog and is fearless in dealing with bigger dogs. They are playful and loyal companions to their people. If you had any knowledge or back ground in dogs you would know this. Thank God people like you don't have anything to do with judging dogs.

[phyllis owqens]

05:53 PM on 02/16/2012

I am above average intelligence,with a140iq so i am here to tell you, you cannot spell correctly! The Doberman from Ohio has more title and wins than any dog has ever accomplished. Thank you! (average does not have an D)

[muted3]

01:25 PM on 02/19/2012

The Pekingese deserved to win. As for the Doberman, the German Shepherd, the Irish Setter, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Wire Haired Dashound they were all beautiful, but the judge at Westminster picked the Pekingese to win. He was the closest to the breed standard and he showed beautifully. Just because there are people out there who have the macho dog blindness to anything other than a big dog does not mean the Pekingnese deserved to win
Best in Show. The poster was an idiot.

[whatsit2yadudes]

11:53 PM on 02/14/2012

Where's Caesar Milan when ya need him...to judge dogs?

[Imago1122]

11:33 PM on 02/14/2012

I was rooting for the Irish Setter myself; she was truly fiery and her stride---as a comment pointed out below---was awesome and ground devouring. Of course I'm a bit biased. But I also thought the Shepherd and Doberman were quite amazing in their own rights, moving beautifully and holding their stacks perfectly.

When the announcer pointed out Dobermans were one of the most intelligent dogs, I couldn't help remembering one from puppy school fifteen years ago while I was still in college. I used to call her the Scholar. She had such focus and learned everything in a hurry.

Dogs rule.

[whatsit2yadudes]

11:09 PM on 02/14/2012

Pekingese wins Best of Show. Not a surprise as a woman judging the final group. The Doberman was stunning, then the GSD and the Irish Setter had an awesome, beautiful "in-the-field" stride. But of course, she thinks this little toy-purse dog is "cute"...so why not award this one.

[Jelliott]

11:17 PM on 02/14/2012

Yeah, a freakin' CAT won! WTF?!?!