• Jason DeCrow, AP
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    The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a canine institution, celebrating it's 136th year in 2012. This year, as always, the competition was biting, the participants were top-notch (and adorable) and the potty breaks were plentiful. 

    Check out the choicest bits of kibble from this year's show, including the top dogs, a back stage wedding and Martha Stewart. 

    BEST IN SHOW

    The biggest bit of need-to-know info from Westminster is who won the grand prize. This year, Best in Show went to a Pekingese named Malachy. It may be hard to spot the legs on this ball of fluff, but Malachy strutted his stuff and earned the big title, plus a lovely silver bowl -- which seems to makes a perfect seat for the Pekingese. 

  • Seth Wenig, AP
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    HERDING GROUP

    Captain Crunch claimed the number one spot in the Herding Dogs category. No, it wasn't the cereal-loving sailor who won, it was a gorgeous German Shepard. Though we're sure this Captain enjoys a full breakfast, too.

  • Jason DeCrow, AP
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    Malachy had some tough -- and physically bigger -- competition to beat to snag the Best in Show title. Check out what dogs dominated their groups and also competed for the coveted silver bowl. 

    TERRIER GROUP

    She may have missed out on top dog, but Kerry Blue Terrier, Kennislain's Chelsey, fetched top Terrier this year. After checking out that fancy swagger, we can believe it. 

  • Jason DeCrow, AP
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    HOUND GROUP

    Don't be fooled, this Wirehaired Dachshund may have a beard, but she is all woman. Cinders out-pranced all of her competitors to earn the title of Best Hound. In this case, the shortest dog won one of the highest honors.  

  • Jason DeCrow, AP
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    SPORTING GROUP

    We want to know what conditioner Irish Setter, Caught Red Handed, is using. CRH was showing off her luxurious, autumn locks all over the place during the sporting group competition. All the fur-flipping must have done some good, because she went home with a Best in Group prize in her paws. 

  • Seth Wenig, AP
    6 of 14

    WORKING GROUP

    Doberman Pincher, Veni Vidi Vici, really knew how to "work it" in her group round. Veni enchanted the judges and earned herself the title of top Working Dog. Perhaps she casted a spell on the crowd.

  • Seth Wenig, AP
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    NON-SPORTING GROUP

    Dalmatian Spotlights Ruffian had all his dots connected, impressing the judges and bringing home a Best in Group win. Luckily, Cruella De Vil was not on the panel or things might have gone differently.

  • Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images
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    NEW GUYS IN TOWN

    The Westminster Dog Show welcomed six new breeds this year. One of these rookies is the mohawk-sporting dog pictured. He is a Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, which is the national dog of Mexico. The five other breeds that made their debut were the Norwegian Lundehund, Finnish Lapphund, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Cesky Terrier and American English Coonhound.

  • Seth Wenig, AP
    9 of 14

    PUPPY LOVE

    Plenty of dog handlers spent Valentine's Day lovingly prepping their pooches for the show, but only two of those canine-crazed folks added a little extra love by getting married. Debbie Parsons and Brad Slayton tied the knot behind the scenes in benching, while their Tibetan Mastiff, Major, and hundreds of other dogs watched on. There were no objections, just a few barks. 

  • Splash News
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    GHENGIS KHAN DOES GOOD THINGS

    Martha Stewart isn't just a master in the home, she is pretty talented at picking out dogs, too. Her Chow Chow, Ghengis Khan, took Best in Breed at the show. Look at that proud pet parent! 

  • Charles Eshelman, Getty Images
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    TOUR DE BARK 

    The celebration for snagging top prize at Westminster doesn't end when the Best in Show dog collects his/her bowl and ribbon. Malachy was also treated to a VIP excursion through the Big Apple after the competition concluded. 

    First stop, ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Who knew one paw could hold so much power?

  • Ilya S. Savenok, Getty Images
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    TOUR DE BARK CONTINUES...

    With the show behind him, Malachy finally got a chance to relax and feel the wind through his fur ... on top of one of the tallest buildings in the world. Both the prize Pekingese and his owner received a private tour of the Empire State Building, complete with views from way above.

  • Craig Ruttle, AP
    13 of 14

    TOUR DE BARK: THE FINALE

    After an active day of sight-seeing and bell-ringing, Malachy was treated to a meal of chicken and rice at the famous NYC eatery, Sardi's. The life of Westminster's leading dog is a tough one. 

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