Pekingese Malachy wins Westminster (PHOTOS)

Big things come in small packages, some so small they fit inside their championship trophies. Such is life for Malachy, a Pekingese crowned top dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on Tuesday night.

You couldn’t have found a better resting place for the 4-year-old winner, who plans to retire after winning his 115th overall best in show title.

What’s in store for Malachy? “He’ll probably chase squirrels and he’ll be pampered,” handler David Fitzpatrick told The Associated Press.

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A Pekingese won Westminster for a fourth time, and the first since 1990. Malachy edged out a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund at Madison Square Garden.

“He’s a super dog who had a stupendous night,” judge Cindy Vogels told the New York Times.

He also enjoyed the spotlight to himself; security stopped two PETA protesters before they could enter the judging ring, the AP reported.

More than 2,000 dogs and 185 breeds compete at Westminster, the second-longest running American sporting event behind the Kentucky Derby. The winner receives an elegant silver bowl, but no prize money. That didn’t seem to bother Fitzpatrick, or co-owner Iris Love.

“He saved all his energy for the ring today,” Fitzpatrick said.

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