Wasabi
Tarrytown, NY (77WABC)-Held on the grounds of the sprawling historic Lyndhurst Esatte in Tarrytown, NY due to the viral pandemic, a Pekingese named Wasabi won best in show at the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Wasabi came out on top of a finalist pack that also included a whippet, a French bulldog, an old English sheepdog, a German shorthaired pointer, a Samoyed, and a West Highland white terrier.
The Pekingese beat out 2,500 other champion dogs, in what is considered the nation’s most prestigious canine event following two days of competition which included the Best of Breed, Group, and Best in Show competitions.
The Westminster Kenn Club Dog show is usually held in February instead of June but it underwent big changes this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, moving out of New York City for the first time since its 1877 founding.
“He has showmanship. He meets the standards of the breed. He has a small extra, shine that makes the dog stand out,” wasabi handlers, breeders and co-owners. Said David Fitzpatrick. Show judge Patricia Trotter simply said, “What do you like about this dog? … he stood there like a lion.”
A whippet named Bourbon was repeated as the runner-up.
Organizers say the iconic dog show will return to Manhattan and Madison Square Garden in January 2022.
