Wasabi the Pekingese Wins Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Delights Fans

Wasabi, a Pekingese dog, has been crowned the winner of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Sunday night and has won thousands of fans in the process.

Wasabi's handler and breeder, David Fitzpatrick, said: "He has showmanship. He fits the breed standard. He has that little extra something, that sparkle, that sets a dog apart," according to the Associated Press.

When asked how 3-year-old Wasabi will celebrate his victory, Fitzpatrick said: "He can have a filet mignon. And I'll have Champagne."

Fitzpatrick, of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, also won the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2012 with Wasabi's grandfather, Malachy.

Wasabi beat out a whippet named Bourbon (the runner-up), and other finalists including Mathew the French bulldog, Connor the old English sheepdog, Jade the German shorthaired pointer, Striker the Samoyed, and a West Highland white terrier named Boy.

The Pekingese's victory was well-deserved in the eyes of his fans, who took to social media with praise and congratulations for the dog.

Twitter users were especially delighted by Wasabi's flowing locks, like one who said: "I need to know where this doggo got his blowout," and another who said: "Well he's certainly having a super awesome hair day."

Others have compared Wasabi to other creatures, like one fan who said he "looks like a Pokémon character," while news anchor Anita Sharma said: "Wasabi may be a winner but he looks like mini Cousin It."

Another who joked: "BREAKING: Best in Show at this year's Westminster Kennel Club show has been won by a thing created by crossing a Roomba with a mop."

The Pekingese dog has also been compared to a tribble—a furry creature from Star Trek—as well as a footstool, a wig, and less favorably, a creature from the Critters franchise.

Nevertheless, Wasabi has gained thousands of adoring fans, like comedian George Wallace said: "Please sign my petition to make Wasabi my sidekick and Wasabi will get into all kinda messes and I'll say. 'Wasabi, what am I gonna do with you?' and I'll shake my head and Wasabi will roll over for belly rubs and I won't be able to stay mad and also we'll solve crimes and whatnot"

The 145th Westminster Kennel Club dog show looked a little different this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. The annual competition was held at an estate in Tarrytown, New York, instead of its regular venue at Madison Square Garden, in Manhattan, and took place around four months after it usually does.

One of the most noticeable differences this year is that the contest was closed to spectators. Still, fans of the dog show got to enjoy the competition and see Wasabi's victory live on TV.