Westminster Dog Show 2012: Malachy the Pekingese Was Not the Best in Show

Experienced Malachy wowed judges and walked away with a silver bowl he never should have won. This was a strong field, with beautiful and poised dogs that were more deserving of the honor, but Malachy was boosted by a hard-earned reputation. 

This was Malachy's 115th overall win and it was obviously the easy choice, but that doesn't mean it was the right one. 

This little Pekingese has a unique visual appeal and certainly won over a strong section of the crowd, but it was outdone by others in the field. 

Malachy was in the final group with a Wirehaired Dachshund, Ian the Dalmatian, Capi the German Shepherd, Emily the Irish Setter, Fifi the Doberman and Chelsey the Kerry Blue.

So let's take a look at the dog that should have won the top honors. 

Ian the Dalmatian 

This is the pooch that should have taken the top honors, but that is just not the way that Westminster works. A dalmatian has never won the silver cup. 

Ian was enough for the judges to get the win in the non-sporting group, but that is where his run ended. 

This is a beautiful dalmatian with a smooth gate and was remarkable poised in the big spotlight of this show. 

This pooch was also brimming with personality. After the win in the non-sporting group the Associated Press—via the Telegraph—quoted Ian's handler, Michael Scott, as saying: 

"

He's silly, crazy and pretty wonderful to live with.

"

And that personality shone through in big ways. This was a lovable dog from a recognizable breed—a breed that has never been recognized by the Westminster—and the judges blew it by not awarding Ian with the silver cup.