Malachy the Pekingese wobbled off with best in show tonight at the Westminster Kennel Club, becoming America's dog to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name.
The four-year-old bobbing pompom won his 115th overall best in show title. He beat out a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund at Madison Square Garden.
Handler David Fitzpatrick gave Malachy a little help - he carried him a short way onto the green carpet for the final line-up, shortening the long walk the ring. Malachy's pink tongue popped up from his silver-and-white fur, his eyes sparkling like black diamonds as he soaked in the cheers.
Top dog: Malachy, a Pekingese, sits in the trophy after being named best in show at the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York on Tuesday
Celebration: Judge Cindy Vogels, right, leads Pekingese Malachy and David Fitzpatrick, co-owner and handler, after they won the best in show prize
Puppy love! Owners David Fitzpatrick, centre, and Iris Love, right, hold Malachy in left photo, while the furball sits inside his silver bowl in right photo
The champion at Westminster wins a coveted silver bowl, but not a cent of prize money. Instead, the prestige of this title lasts a lifetime for any owner, and brings a wealth of opportunity in breeding potential.
Sad eyes: A Dogue de Bordeaux waits to enter the judging ring
Why the long face? Crush, a Neapolitan Mastiff, sits at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Chin up, lads: CJ, a Newfoundland, in the backstage area, left, and right, Raaza, a Komondorok, waits to go into the ring
This was the fourth time a Peke won at Westminster, and the first since 1990.
Right before the champion was picked, a woman was stopped by security as she appeared to try to reach the ring. A few years ago, a PETA protest took place in the centre area.
Several top choices lost out early as underdogs ruled the breed judging.
A black cocker spaniel called Beckham who was the nation's number one show dog and a wire fox terrier named Eira picked by many to win proved once again it takes more than a great reputation to own the green carpet.
Last run! Pekingese, Palacegarden Malachy, far right with handler and co-owner David Fitzpatrick, before the top prize was announced
Legacy to live up to: This was the fourth time a Peke won at Westminster, and the first since 1990
Home stretch: Dog Handler Adam Bernardin celebrates with Shadagee Caught Red Handed, an Irish Setter, after the dog won the Sporting Group
Something to bark about: Kerry Blue Terrier Perrisblu Kennislain Chelsey celebrates with handler Bill McFadden after winning the Terrier Group
Stride: Protocol's Veni Vidi Vici, a Doberman Pinscher, is seen with his handler while winning the Working Group
Who do you love? Ania Gabriella Kelly celebrates with Winfree's Do You Believe In Magic, an English Cocker Spaniel, after winning the Junior Showmanship competition
Hound dog : Handler Cheri Koppenhaver, right, reacts after judge Patricia Laurans, left, declared Cinders, a wirehaired dachshund, the winner of the hound group
In the ring: Dogs in the sporting group compete during the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday
Green stage: Other competing Ibizan hounds, less fortunate for the title, took to the green carpeted ring Monday
Stocky: Great Dane Lobato's JitterBug Man, centre, is led for judging
Eye-to-eye: Great Dane, Lobato's JitterBug Man, looks intently at his handler prior to judging
Close call: Banana Joe, a prized affenpinscher, was beat out by the fluffy Malachy in the show's most competitive group
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