They came, they saw, they slobbered. Over the two days of the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show, held Feb. 13-14, thousands of pooches took to the world’s most famous arena—Madison Square Garden—and captured the canine-loving hearts of fans and national TV audiences. Dozens of dogs trotted away as winners in their respective breeds while a male Pekingese named Malachy took home the grand prize. Check out the best pictures from the yearly competition, including cocker spaniels, poodles, and every other canine beast in between.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
A lady was the champ last year, but a male Pekingese named Malachy took home the grand prize at this year’s 136th Westminster Kennel Annual Dog Show. Malachy now has 115 best-in-show ribbons under his belt, having been crowned the top toy of America’s most prestigious dog show on Tuesday night.
Seth Wenig / AP Photo
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the staging area.
Mastiffs compete in the Best in Breed category.
\Shannon Stapleton / Reuters
A Standard Poodle in the staging area.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
Sugar Baby, a Miniature Poodle, is groomed in the benching and grooming area before competition.
Mike Segar, Landov / Reuters
Katrina, a Cesky Terrier, looks up at its handler during a news conference showing the six new breeds that will make their first appearance in competition.
Mike Segar / Reuters
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are among the many breeds on display.
Neapolitan Mastiff Trinity waits for judging.
Craig Ruttle / AP Photo
Emma Echols competes with her Yorkshire Terrier named Tucker in the Junior Showmanship Competition preliminaries.
Michael Nagle / Getty Images
A Standard Poodle waits in the staging area during the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden. February 13, 2012.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
Trinity looks relaxed while waiting to be judged.
Raaza, a Komondorok, is ready to go into the ring.
A Standard Poodle named Sophie gets groomed.
Craig Ruttle
Handlers in the ring with Bulldogs.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
A Dogue de Bordeaux prepares to enter the judging ring.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
A handler and a Standard Poodle in the staging area.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP / Getty Images
