Pekingese Wins 136th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW on USA Network

Malachy, a Pekingese, won 'Best in Show' in yesterday's 136th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW which aired on the USA Network. The WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW is presented by Purina Pro Plan. Co-hosting the event was David Frei and sports analyst Mary Carillo with NBC Sports’ Tiffany Simons as sideline reporter. The Madison Square Garden competition was televised  on Tuesday, February 14, from 8-11pm ET/PT, including the crowning of Best In Show.

David Frei returned as co-host for his 23rd consecutive year. Frei is a longtime breeder, owner, handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs, he has enjoyed much competitive success with his Afghan Hounds, Brittanys and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. In November 2011, Frei published a book titled Angels On A Leash, featuring his work with therapy dogs and breeding. Also returning as co-host this year was Mary Carillo, NBC Sports staple, best known for her coverage on the Olympic Games. Winner of two Peabody Awards for her work on HBO documentaries, Carillo also serves as a tennis analyst and ski reporter. Sideline reporter Tiffany Simons returned to this year’s show. She currently reports for NBC Sports and hosts Mets Weekly throughout the Major League Baseball season.

This year, six new breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club made their debut at Westminster. Two additions to the Herding Group include the energetic Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the agile Finnish Lapphund. The Terrier Group added the Cesky Terrior, a short legged, extremely loyal hunting terrier. For the Non-Sporting Group, the cheerful but mischievous Norwegian Lundehund and the keenly intelligent Xoloitzcuintli were introduced. The sixth addition is the strong and pleasant American English Coonhound to the Hound Group.

Monday’s competition included Hounds, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups while Tuesday’s contest consisted of Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups followed by the 2012 crowning of Best In Show. This year’s Best In Show was judged by Cindy Vogles from Greenwood Village, CO. She heads a panel of 38 judges from 19 states.

A total of 2,077 dogs were entered into this year’s competition, in addition to 105 Junior Showmanship entries. Representing 47 states and 10 countries, the most dogs were entered from New York (204), followed closely by California (187).

For the second year in a row, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were the highest entry breed with 40 followed by French Bulldogs (39), Labrador Retrievers (38), Golden Retrievers (32), and Vizslas (29).

Photo credit: Anthony Behar/USA Network

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