Westminster Dog Show 2021: Pekingese wins Best in Show

Judges:
Breed Mr. Glen Lajeski | Group Mrs. June A. Penta
Best In Show Mrs Patricia Craige Trotter

Wasabi, a three-year-old Pekingese, was named Best in Show at the 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on June 13, 2021.

“So very proud of Wasabi, winning BIS under the living legend and icon, Pat Craig Trotter – The thrill of a lifetime from perhaps the top breeder ever!! The magic of Westminster was recreated at Lyndhurst!! An unbelievable event!!!”, breeder/owner/handler David Fitzpatrick said.

The 3-year-old Wasabi’s record include:
2020 Top Dog All Breeds (96 shows)
2019 BIS AKC RC NC
1st Toy dog & youngest dog to win!
2020 RBIS AKC RC NC
2020 BIS BRED BY AKC RC NC
2020 BIS The Progressive Dog Club
50 All Breed Best in Shows

“He has showmanship. He fits the breed standard. He has that little extra something, that sparkle, that sets a dog apart,” said Wasabi’s handler, breeder and co-owner, David Fitzpatrick.

In dog shows, breeds are judged against the breed standard, a written description of the ideal dogs of that breed, written by the breed’s national club. The winner is the dog that best fits the mold that its own breed has set.

The Pekingese Club of America, established in 1909, offers up a long description of what makes an ideal Pekingese, a breed that dates to ancient China. “The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Its temperament is one of directness, independence and individuality. Its image is lionlike, implying courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy,” says the club.

“What’s not to like about (this dog)?” said Patricia Trotter, an 85-year-old Westminster icon who was the sole judge for Best in Show. “He thinks he’s 10 feet tall. He stood there as though he was a lion – that’s part of the breed standard.”

It was a poignant win that came after one of his co-owners, Iris Love, passed away last year of COVID-19. Wasabi is also co-owned by Sandra Middlebrooks and Peggy Steinman.