Culture

Malachy the Pekinese Faces Backlash After Best in Show Win

Perhaps the greatest badge of honor for a dog is to be awarded the grand prize of dog-hood, Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Tell that to some folks on the Internet who apparently can't stand this year's winner.

By Jen Doll
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Perhaps the greatest badge of honor for a dog is to be awarded the grand prize of dog-hood, Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Tell that to some folks on the Internet who apparently can't stand this year's winner. Malachy, the Pekinese who ran off with that honor to the pride of his owner and the grave disappointment of many, bested "a German shepherd, a Dalmatian, a Kerry blue terrier, a Doberman pinscher, a wire-haired dachshund and an Irish setter" for, among other reasons, his "spotless demeanor." That's something the Internet commenters bent on destroying Malachy could learn from.

A sampling of the many people pissed -- for reasons ranging from aesthetics to functionality to a dash of xenophobia -- about Malachy's win:

"That dog is a genetic mutant." —New York Times commenter, Lou

" A caterpillar on steroids. Creepy." —New York Times commenter, Bob

"All our self-loathing, insecurity and need to control wrapped in non-functional fur. Bring back real dogs that work and play and protect. This mutt should be called Bonfire of the Vanities."  —New York Times commenter, j24

And some are just incredulous:

Fortunately from what we know of Malachy, he will take any nastiness in stride. According to his owner, “He’s a very happy dog," and also "a little more mature this year," reports Richard Sandomir in the New York Times. Malachy is now retiring, and will chase squirrels, be pampered, and, with any luck, learn to bark "Haters gonna hate." Take that, mean Internet commenters.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.