A four-year-old Pekingese called Malachy has won “Best in Show” at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Gardens, New York.

It was the 115th ttile won by the 11-pound dog handled by David Fitzpatrick, who had to carry his charge onto the carpet to be examined by the judge, Donald Sturz Jr

Malachy  saw off a Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Irish Setter, a Kerry Blue Terrier and wire-haired Dachshund to the biggest prize in the American show ring.

The fourth of his breed to win the top award at Westminster and the first since 1990, Malachy will now be retired from the world of showing and is looking forward to a future of relaxation.