I’m a veterinarian. This fluff piece makes me very angry. It completely ignores the suffering brachycephalic (short faced) breed dogs deal with. For example, the author didn’t even mention the blue pillow Wasabi lay on at the show was an ice pack because HE CAN’T BREATHE and was at risk of developing heat stroke.
In my opinion, and those of many of my companions, these breeds should be banned (and some countries are acting on this). They are born suffering and live their too short lives in misery. And this includes pugs- they’re not “happy and cute”- They snort and their tongues loll out because THEY CAN’T BREATHE!
Why not write an article about that.
282
@Never Forget I agree 100%!!
28
@Never Forget Wow, had no idea. Thanks for the truth!
31
Yes the dogs you see. If the dog is produced properly it will breath just fine.I have had Pekes for over 40 years, 1 at a time, and never ever have any died of heat stroke or the inability to breath. Did you want to mention the other dogs that were sitting on blue cooling towels or being misted to help keep them cool;hunting dogs, molossar dogs, other toy dogs, terriers etc. The handlers job is to keep their charge comfortable & happy, which David does, always!
44
I agree, brilliant writing.
37
I don’t love anything more than this article. Well done, Ms. Lyall.
This passage struck me especially: “Fitzpatrick said he preferred Pekingese for their lofty attitudes and proud refusal to beg for attention, abase themselves for treats, fetch sticks, herd livestock, run for help, perform feats of agility or do anything that suggests “working for a living,” as he put it.”
This is also called “a cat.”
153
So this dog sorta sounds like a cat in temperament.
A little independent and aloof. Doesn't really listen to the owner unless it wants to. Doesn't fetch.
Get yourself a kitty instead...they're a LOT less maintenance.
33
We adopted a Peke from the local humane society. Found on the side of a rural road in Vermont, they said he was eight but our vet pegged him at sixteen with congestive heart failure and bad teeth. He accepted us as his pack immediately.
He kept his name close secret, so we called him Stanley, although he never learned to come to it. Nor did he know any other commands. He let us know when he needed to go out and would respond to the tone of our voice. We thought that since live close to Quebec, his first language was French, but that proved wrong too.
Stanley was a furious guard dog that would do a great impression of an eight pound Rottweiler if he thought a visitor was a threat. He had no qualm on using those little worn down nubs in his mouth to give a more decisive warning if his cute growl or bark were ignored.
At the end of his life, getting around got challenging but he was perfectly happy to be carried. On his last day, his final embers of puppy pushed him to climb a mound of snow at the end of our driveway. When he came in, he laid down to rest and think about it. He never woke up. Like all our other dogs, he is buried under a dedicated Tulip tree in our front yard. Adieu, Stanley.
214
@back-button Thank you for this lovely story and remembrance of Stanley!
49
@back-button We planted forget-me-nots. xoxo
29
Bless you, that's wonderful!
28
I thought it was a sloth.
24
I don't understand your comments about spaniels, Mr. Fitzpatrick. My 11 year old black and tan cocker, GCH Bib and Tux Born this Way, fondly known as "Stefi" or "Miss Silly", is not needy - I am. She knows all my secrets, has gotten me through a pandemic and significant health problems, and is my constant companion. All Stefi wants is to be with me and that seems like such a small ask for the.joy she has given me. So what if she's a terrible fetch (a trait shared by another dog that could be mentioned)? She eats ice cream from a spoon and I love her to bits!
34
"all hair and hauteur"! What a fun and informative read, I'm smiling so hard right now - brava Sarah Lyall
48
Please stop promoting the AKC. Thousands of dogs die each day in shelters. Many pure bred breeds have been bred for human specifications that cause serious health problems for the dogs. Just stop.
46
What a fun article ! I really enjoyed this. Thank you .
14
Beautiful dog--I get it!
8
My favorite sporting show of all time. the Westminister Dog Show!! On my bucket list to attend one day...
7
@Jen We saw the agility trials! What a treat. The grounds at Lyndhurst are beautiful; a genuinely fun day during these strange, sad times.
3
Brilliant writing
19
It's Tricky Poo! All Creatures Great and Small....
38
@Louise so wonderful that you mentioned Tricki Woo, one of my favorite characters from James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small!
23
@Louise
I nearly spit coffee all over my keyboard! It is actually Tricky Woo.
21
Enjoyable writing, “just a tiny scrap of sentient fluff”.
32
The happiest news article I’ve read all year. Delightful, cheeky, and full of cackle-with-glee energy.
45
How do you say je ne sais quoi in Chinese?
I have a Yorkie with a similar temperament. This was a joy to read.
15
For movement's sake, get him a haircut!
7
I love the Pekingese breed. I have had two. They are quite the character. Funny and quirky and with a mind of their own.
14
I love dogs. I've been a professional dog trainer for over twenty years. Dogs are my favorite thing in the world.
That's why I hate dog shows like Westminster and the American Kennel Club (AKC) which sponsors them.
Dogs that are bred for physical confirmation to a breed standard are among the most unhealthy, unnatural creatures on the planet. The Pekingese is exhibit B (or C, D, or E). The English Bulldog is exhibit A. Now, mind you, I've known and worked with some wonderful Pekingese and bulldogs and I've felt bad for every single one of them.
Though cute, these brachycephalic dogs (pushed-in faces) suffer from a multitude of health issues and can't live the life of a healthy active dog. So many suffer on a daily basis due to problems with their respiration, eyes, joints, and skin. Many can't even reproduce or give birth without human intervention. All to satisfy human vanity and ego.
It you truly care for dogs, please avoid buying one of these dogs from a breeder. The only way to prevent unavoidable suffering on the part of these poor creatures is to send the message that we will no longer support the unethical breeding of unhealthy animals.
72
Many breeds don't have those problems, and show breeders at least in my breed ,Rottweilers, do testing for genetic dideases in order to eliminate those diseases from the breeding pool and thus the breed. The American Rottweiler Club has strict testing requirements for its members in order to ensure healthy Rottweilers of great temperament. It's grossly unfair to paint all breeds with the same brush.
13
@PNUT And many breeds do have those problems. The point is that humans have manipulated dogs (and other animals) to serve their own purposes, mainly for making money, entertainment, and to help in police and military endeavors. That manipulation, (especially as it pertains to police and military purposes) is morally and ethically reprehesible, even if the animal has no health problems.
15
@PNUT I don't believe that I did paint all breeds with the same brush. And that certainly wasn't my intention. I specifically called out breeds with brachycephalic features.
However, I do curse the AKC for it's emphasis on physical conformity rather than overall health and god temperament. And they do continue to support and encourage the breeding of unhealthy dogs.
26
Thank you for explaining the Pekingese personality. I always wondered. Delightful!
11
I’m a former owner of a Peke. Until he died suddenly he was the best little man/dog one could want. We lived in Texas, so he could only go for walks before 9AM or after 10PM during most months. But he was happiest chasing a ball up a driveway and rolling it down the driveway. He could have made a great therapy dog for memory care facilities, but he’d sneeze on everyone new he’d meet. I now have a full-size Mountain Cur now, but there are so many times I wished my Pekingese was still sitting beside me.
25
This captures the unique personality of the Pekingese perfectly. They love hard but only their families, they couldn’t care less about anyone else, they are the anti-Golden Retriever. This has cause the breed to fall out of favor as does (and here I will inspire the ire of Peke breeders) the ridiculous, fouffy hairdo. Yes, they were bred by the Chinese thousands of years ago to look like lions while they guarded temples. But this is today, and these dogs look terrific with puppy cuts. In fact with all that high maintenence hair kept short, they are just about the perfect companion.
22
Pay Sarah Lyall more for this. It was hilarious. I read it out loud to my 14yo son, who never wants to admit when he likes something.
He liked this.
47
"Fitzpatrick said he preferred Pekingese for their lofty attitudes and proud refusal to beg for attention, abase themselves for treats, fetch sticks, herd livestock, run for help, perform feats of agility or do anything that suggests “working for a living,” as he put it."
Sounds like a cat. More specifically, one of my cats. I mean, I love them, but they're fairly useless as far as tasks go.
26
@Susan Unless the cats are catching mice, geckos or other invaders into a house.
8
Poor dog - yes, he has someone who loves him, but he has no nose, the essence of dog existence. Breeding has little to do with dogs and is rather humans, yet once again, going overboard to satisfy their ego.
14
Odd that you would say that when your country is famous for producing some of the finest dogs in the world. The ADRK , the German Rottweiler Club, the parent club of the breed is very well known for its very strict breeding standards. Rottweilers to be bred in Germany are tested in every aspect before being allowed to breed and have pups registered by the ADRK. There are extensive temperament tests , as well as health testing for current and genetic issues. The breeding pairs lineage is also examined to ensure a proper pairing. The breeders of Germany set a great example of what dog breeding should be everywhere.
8
Oh Wasabi. I know two kitties who love to fetch. Still, with your front heavier than your back, maybe you could learn to stand on your head. That I would pay money to see.
Thank you Ms. Lyall and Times photographers for much needed succor in horrific times. (Do you know who Wasabi's coiffeur is? In need of fluffing.)
I love that the judge gasped 'he stood there like a lion.' Well, at least like a portion of the mane of an actual lion. He does stand nicely though - so great: standing being his forte and sole skill. I kid.
May Wasabi enjoy his retirement and sire numerous Westminster champs who really get the standing like a lion thing.
Too, too precious. Good boy!
11
Watching this little champion walk is blissful.
10
There's something very telling about this comment section, with one faction lauding the author's wit and the other faction ready to crucify her because she seemed to support the breeding of "malformed" dogs suffering health problems.
17
@Joshua agreed. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
3
Bottom line - this is a dog that behaves like a cat
10
Great story. Once again proof that animals are generally better companions and friends than other humans.
31
Thank you, Ms. Lyall, for the charming article. I enjoyed it very much. The photos are delightful. Wasabi's regal presence certainly shines!
35
Several years ago I had the pleasure of owning a Pekingese rescued from owners who were no longer able to care for her, and I also fell hard for Wasabi after he won Westminster. Thank you for publishing this piece - it captured this breed’s personality perfectly!
39
I couldn't stop laughing! Tres drole!
31
Inbreeding to select for cosmetically desirable traits while loading dogs with generically caused medical issues is unethical. Look at bulldogs. Great Danes. And lots of other breeds.
All of this fanaticism with dog breeds started in England about 125 years ago and had direct parallels to eugenics.
42
AKC breeders are at the forefront of having their dogs checked for health issues prior to breeding them. Mixed breed dogs are equally prone to health issues but are not generally cleared of issues prior to producing puppies. These health clearances cost a lot of money but are done to preserve the breeds in as healthy a state as possible. For example, Portuguese Water Dogs would not have made it in this country since the early dogs came with genetic issues that needed to be cleared. But the people that lived the breed took it upon themselves to gather the money and find the right veterinarians and geneticists to solve the problem of storage disease, which was a killer in the breed. This breed has come through in a incredible way!!! Thanks to the dedication of breeders. This is but one example of what AKC breed fanciers will do to protect and advance their breeds.
19
@Gini Denninger Actually, mixed breed dogs are statistically more healthy and far less Prime to disease. And no amount of screening will spare an English Bulldog from the misery of his/her physical conformation. Each and every one breeds for pain and suffering.
19
@ c
And the Cat Fanciers are just as guilty if not more so.
5
Thank you for the smile on my face.
No matter the size, age, agility, or temperament of a dog loved by it’s human is a child to the owner opening channels of love, trust and dependent care. A dog that loves in return is a gift to the owner. The relationship is reciprocally blind to appearances.
My dogs would throw themselves in front of trucks for me as I would for them. I do my best to make that situation impossible.
35
Sarah Lyall is a treasure.
25
Thank you this article made me smile and laugh. And yes, I remember Cousin Itt. My favorite character of the AAdams Family!
13
Your article touched my heart. Thank you.
14
No offense to Wasabi, his ancestors or heirs, but to continue breeding dogs when there are so many in shelters & rescues is a travesty.
40
My dogs have gotten me through COVID. Are they National Anything Winners? Are they competitive or any kind of champion? Are they coming from a very, very selective line of famous relatives?
No. My two are my friends, my loyal canine comrades, my steadfast day after day adoring living partners in every day stuff.
They have kept the world here in my house what it is, a place to live, a place to engage, a place to call our home.
Thank you Lucky, thank you Sophie. You are the best hero and heroine I could ever have in my life. Just plain thank you.
Watching the AKC gathering gives us a taste of the pure breads, the qualifications, the joys of canine compassion - but look around, the woof from any dog, could really mean “I just want to be your friend!”
58
@MIMA every dog is a winner when they get to be next to their human, because they couldn’t be happier than in that moment. The Times did a brilliant article (or rather published an opinion piece) on how dogs are the embodiment of optimism and all hopeful things in this world. Anyway, your dog doesn’t need a trophy or ribbon when they have you. Every dog with their human or finding a home is a winner.
36
Lovely sentiment, beautifully expressed. My warmest wishes for long and happy lives to you and your wonderful dogs. All of you are the perfect pack.
7
So nicely said
1
Watching Wasabi brought me joy this past year. I am just a tad concerned of how he will take it when he learns that his name is distinctly Japanese with no connection to his Royal Chinese heritage. Let us know in the follow up.
37
All dogs are wonderful. Rewarding breeders who raise dogs according to “breed standards” just continues the cycle of super unhealthy dogs with single branch family trees. It also leaves wonderfully adoptable dogs to languish in shelters as short-attention-spanned citizens drop big $ on dogs for looks and ‘grammable traits.
Our current foster dog is a AKC Shih-tzu that a person impulsively bought for $2,000 and then couldn’t handle so they gave her up after a year. Poor dog has had basically had the brains bred out of her and it is almost impossible to get her fully trained. We have fostered for 20 years and love dogs but I will take a mutt over an pure breed any and every day. There is valid science behind the phenomenon of “hybrid vigor.”
40
@SD In my uneducated opinion, the best way to improve a purebred lineage is to infuse it with some mutt genes.
6
What a wonderfully written piece about a fabulous dog and his doting owner who loves Wasabi, yet is clearly in on the joke. Needed an article like this today! Thank you to the Times for publishing.
51
Loved the writing!
26
This helped solve an enigma in our home. Our dog has a three syllable name, which many trainers recommend against. Obviously she is one of those rare dogs that can bask in her multi-syllabic glory, just like Wasabi, unlike monosyllabic mutts, even though she happens to be a mutt.
10
Cute dog, but it acts like a cat. Actually, I have a couple of cats that are bigger than that dog.
19
I'm sure this is a wonderful animal that gives its owner (and apparently others) great pleasure. I wish it a long and happy life. But it's not a dog. It's just not.
11
Except that he IS !!!
6
I've only met two Pekingese inn my life, both belonging to an elderly Englishwoman who said she put up with them because "they make me laugh." And they were pretty funny, I'll admit.
32
I can't get enough of this dog. He is just so adorable. I'm a bit obsessed with Wasabi.
17
While I understand everyone has their own preference when it comes to dogs, cats, or any other companion pet for that matter, I never understood the appeal of flat faced breeds like pekingese, pugs and French bull dogs. These flat faced dogs are like the equivalent of humans with severe Downs syndrome. They suffer from the moment they are born because their flat faces don't allow them to breathe normally like dogs with regular snouts do. I normally don't support the banning of breeds, but due to all the health issues inherent with flat faced breeds of dogs and cats, those breeds should be banned. Its a form of animal abuse no matter how some people think they are cute creatures.
14
I would be a bit more careful with your analogies in the future. The conclusion you draw about banning certain breeds does not reflect well on you, considering the humans you just compared them to.
10
@rjhemedes Nothing like Down syndrome occurs in dogs. Maybe you mean achondroplasia.
3
I showed my Cardigan Welsh corgi under judge Pat Trotter. Wonderful lady. I, unfortunately, didn't win. Sniff.
15
@MrsFitzDarcy Cardigans should win automatically just based on personality. I have one.
8
@n.paul Sorry, Pembroke Welsh corgis reign, just like their most famous enthusiast,HM. (Still grieving my long lost Pembroke, but comforted by my Yorkie.)
4
I am VERY HAPPY. to hear that his owner does not ask him to do tricks and amuse him. Thank you!!
He’s got that right. Bravo. Dogs only need to come when called, sit, stay. No need to teach them tricks for our amusement. They are sentient beings and just need to be what they are. Loving beings . Animals .
38
@MOLLIE P. I agree 100%. I think it's disrespectful to have dogs do "tricks" or perform. They give us enough without having to endure such insults!! they just need to be who they are!!!
17
Great read. Wasabi sounds a lot like a cat.
23
Thank you. This is the most fun I’ve had reading NYT since pre-lockdown.
18
Pekingese breed standards should go the way of foot binding from imperial China. The BBC just had an article about breeds with brachycephalic muzzles, and how if people don’t buy them, maybe breeders will get the hint and adjust these breed standards to allow for healthier dogs. I had a lovely Boston terrier who did not know when to quit running, had to take her into our car with the air on to keep her from overheating and breathing difficulties. Temperament and good health should be first for breeders; a little less hair, more muzzle and longer legs would make a lovely Peke .A few years ago the Times magazine had an article about the medical problems of bulldogs and how a group of breeders were trying to amend these rigid standards. I have other “purebreds”,Scottie and welsh springer, they both come from breeders who value health as much as looks, it can be done.
27
Fun read. Wasabi sounds a lot like a cat.
20
My black lab, Molly, never misses that dog show when it’s on TV so I believe we must have seen Wasabi. You’re telling me now that was a dog? At the time we probably thought there was some clean up going on. Too funny.
13
At this day in age, with over 900,000,000 million dogs in the world and about 400,000,000 in shelters or homeless, wouldn’t it be great if breeders stopped breeding dogs and do something else.
Help rescue dogs and find forever homes.
Or go into Interior Design.
18
AKC Breeders have the largest rescue network in the nation. Each breed club and specialty clubs have a rescue committee.
7
@MOLLIE P. You are absolutely right. The Westminster Dog Show sickens me.
2
People in the dog world are some of the people who do the most for dogs. After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey the American Rottweiler Club and its members saved hundreds of Rottweilers. I show dogs and have also fostered more than I can remember for rescues around the country. The problems of overpopulation and unwanted dogs do not belong to the breed clubs and show breeders. People who want a specific breed for specific tasks are not going to adopt a shelter dog anyway. The issue is the pet owners who don't spay and neuter their pets , or the pet owner who decides overnight that they're going to breed their pet quality dog because it has " papers ". Another issue is people getting dogs who are not prepared for the type of dog that they acquire , and those too ignorant or lazy to train their dog that then turn them into the shelter because it's " uncontrollable ".
10
He looks regal, although he’s probably clueless. Clueless in Paradise. Sounds like a metaphoric title Joan Didion would have coined.
Fleas will probably have a field day.
6
I love dogs. and cats
8
I am smitten by that gorgeous Samoyd dog!
5
Judging by his behavior and temperament, Wasabi may be a clever cat that successfully conned everyone into believing he's a prize winning show dog.
35
Won't fetch the ball???
Not a proper dog I'm afraid.
Tricki Woo sends his regards.
52
Delightfully funny and accurate. Great reporting in a time of clickbait. I laughed! I cried! It was better than Cats. I mean Dogs.
11
It's not fair that the TIMES always writes articles on the Westminster Kennel Club shows, but never on the CFA's cat shows. Why the prejudice? I love both my cat and my dog.
15
Wow, reading all the comments from Vets and other dog experts, it is pure evil to promote this breed. Pure cruetly for what? Shouldn't the first standard the first requisite be for a dog to be able to breath properly? Shouldn't only healthy dog breeds win prizes? What insane selfishness in man continues to keep breeding these defective dogs and others like it. Great you have yourself a dog who suffers because some think it is cute. Wouldn't it be more humane to have a battery operated plush toy? And poor English bulldogs to boot. Aw jeeeze, have a heart humans.
23
I feel the same. My dog doesn't do tricks. He knows just enough commands to keep him safe from eating something horrid, and after that his sole task is to chew a bone and let me stare at him.
15
This article was delightful! Here's hoping Wasabi enjoys his retirement to the fullest.
18
Dog breeders are like everyone else: There are the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hundreds of thousands of responsible breeders consider their primary goal to be the improvement of the breed, while perpetuating the legacy of purebred dogs. Then there are the many unethical breeders, who are only out to make a buck. Even with my relatively limited exposure to the world of dog shows and dog breeders, I have come across examples of both. Don't condemn the good with the bad.
17
Thank you Sarah Lyall & photographers Karsten Moran & Andrew Mangum for writing this insightful & utterly delightful piece on Best In Show Winner of 2021 Wasabi & his idyllic life with owner/ handler David Fitzpatrick. I have owned Pekingese my entire life & would not even consider owning another breed. As David pointed out, there are people who for whatever reason don't understand the Pekingese & their fascinating ancestry & never will. And that's ok- they can have their golden doodles & terriers. That's the beauty of dogs- there are breeds for all of us to love. David did such a wonderful job of handling Wasabi all the way to Best In Show just as he did with Malachi. So happy for them & those Darling little legacies.🙂
26
How about a shout out to all the non purebred amazing dogs who make wonderful friends and companions to so many of us. Beauty contests for canines are no better than the meat shows trump savored.
12
Why do we have to turn everything into a competition? Historically, dogs were bred for many different reasons, none of which involve prancing around and looking as little as a a real dog as possible. I have three. They like to nap, they like to play catch, chase balls, run around the yard, bark at strangers and other dogs, go for rides and enjoy an occasional treat but, most of all, they like go for walks. None of these things involve being pampered beyond all reasonable recognition. I'll bet if a retired Wasabi could talk, he'd say, "Yup, this is the life."
7
Show dogs also do and enjoy the same activities as your dogs. Mine love to go swimming in the river nearby , they chase each other around and wrestle , they love pushing their herding balls around the yard, and going for rides is their absolute favorite. Show dogs are dogs too.
5
My dog - a DSG - Danish Swedish Gårdshund (farmdog) is healthy breed, active and inteeligent.
She will play catch and return - which seems frowned upon for a P - but most importantly will come and demand we play when she is bored, wnt to train her brain, go for walks and preferably run.
She is very much her own dog and not disabled through breeding to the extent where the only thing the can do is lie around.
She is a small breed, but still looks an functions as a dog.
Shameful we should be making these breeds .
8
Well, if there was dog philosophy akin to Rene Descartes, I’m sure the first principle applicable to Wasabi would be “I won, now let me be.”
10
2022 will be The Year Of The Basset Hound.
5
A tactically unkempt dust-mop, not a canine
1
More. Pictures. Of. Doggo. Please.
14
We need to stop breeding animals with deformed features that end up with horrible respiratory problems and other health issues. Bulldogs, for instance, whose chests are so enlarged that the mothers can't birth them.
15
But can he breathe?
7
As an owner of Pekes, they can breath just fine.
11
Dog shows seem like such an anachronism. Give me a mutt any day of the week over these canine odes to human vanity.
5
Wasabi, you’re the perfect dog for a cat person.
Sincerely,
A cat person 🙂
16
Wasabi, you precious little mutt, you.
Strut your stuff with a wah-wah pedal.
Okay, okay, you’ve made it clear. You’re not a mutt at all.
8
Very cute. Thank you so much fo this.
When I had my Komondor she would get a similar response from people who though she was a rag mop - until all 110 pounds of her got up and gave them a kiss.
If only PEOPLE respected diversity amongst themselves as they do dogs!
18
It's a dawg's life!
3
This article was lovely. I was left with the conviction that Wasabi fully deserves Mr. Fitzpatrick, who is a dog owner after my own heart. (I, too, fetched the ball that my dog chased and then stared smugly over at me.) May they enjoy Wasabi's trophies and each other's company for many years to come.
23
Every time an article is published about a Pekingese, the haters come out of the woodwork to post comments about how "unhealthy" they are. While they have their issues, they are a long-lived and pretty healthy breed. I've had two Pekingese in the last fourteen years, along with a Pug, a German Shepherd and a Goldendoodle. I have also been a hospice caregiver for our local Pug rescue. The Pekes have easily been the healthiest and happiest of the bunch. German Shepherds are so cancer-prone, their average lifespan is just nine to eleven years. (Our vet is a GSD lover, but even he recommends against them.) Though I love them, Pugs suffer from extensive health issues and poor breeding is a major part of that. The Goldendoodle, a "healthy mutt," has never-ending skin and ear problems. His coat is also much harder to maintain than our fluffball Pekes.
Pekes have been around a long, long time and haven't changed much. The back issues are real, but the answer is to train them not to jump on and off of furniture. With a proper haircut, they fare as well in our Texas heat as most other dogs. Haters, focus your attention elsewhere.
54
@Brandon Nah, man, when they breed Pekingnese that can breathe, I'll stop hating. GSD ARE also poorly bred, as are many AKC breeds. My last Dutch shepherd mutt lived to be 18 years old, though.
3
@Brandon Why would you think veterinarians and others who want all dogs to live healthy lives able to breathe and move freely are "haters"?
Seems the opposite to me.
I have a cancer-prone breed, and instead of claiming people who want change are "haters," we acknowledge the issue and work to fix it.
5
What a delightful read, so well written. This made my day!
34
We collect dog photos, primarily from the era between the Civil War and World War I. None of the dogs in the photos would be admitted to a registered dog show today. Mostly, they are companions of their human families, and they frankly look like mangy mutts. But the love and mutual admiration you see expressed between dogs and their owners is so evident it breaks your heart. Maybe we need to look into these older breeds. They have a quality we have lost in many or most of today’s purebred incarnations. They are heirlooms.
33
@Reader Pekingese look almost exactly like they did 100 years ago. The wire-coated dogs are more popular now than the spaniel-coated, a reverse from back then, but both types look roughly the same. The Pekingese is an ancient breed, one of the oldest in existence... a true "living heirloom."
20
@Brandon Nice! I will look for some old photos to add to our collection.
6
I have Lowchen for over 42 years. I too collect old photos, do you have any of Lowchen?
I feel for these dogs which people have bred out of their comfortable existence.
I am sure its supposed family is not moving to Russia or Canada so that the poor dog won't die of heat stroke. It's a living dog, for God's sake, not furniture.
13
@Dawit Our Pekes do fine in the Dallas heat. Most Peke owners trim their dogs' hair during the warmer months. Though no dog, Peke or otherwise, can be safely left outside during our summers here.
16
Dogs are such loyal companions, it is hard to deny any size or breed of their value. Interesting how some commenters are doing just that.
32
"Once a dog reaches the pinnacle of success, what does he do next?"
Sarah Lyall -- I laughed and smiled throughout this article. Wishing Wasabi a long, fruitful, and pampered retirement with Fitzpatrick.
82
What wonderful writing! Such a splendid dog. Heart warming and humorous article.
51
Roomba makes a mop out of hair? with teeth and it barks? but what it leaves behind could be a problem.
Can you put it in the washing machine too?
11
Not seeing what makes this particular dog unique. Looks like 10 dogs in my neighborhood.
“He loves it when people visit; he thinks everybody’s here to see him,” He's not wrong...
65
Wasabi stole the crown from Bourbon the Whippet.
9
our pekinese is the opposite! needy and loving and full of energy. dogs are just as unique as people are.
21
He seems to have really let himself go. Sad.
20
@Pacificus Best comment yet!
1
I don't understand why they would choose a dog that is bred to struggle to breathe its entire life.
30
A French Bulldog is my owner.. sounds very familiar..She will be entertained .. but only on her terms.. I spend a lot of time shopping and cooking for her..I wish it was the other way around.. but it is what it is .. as another wag put it..
15
My great Uncle Joe, always the comedian, trained his Pekingese to stand on his front paws and walk while urinating. This kept the dog’s fur dry, but also attracted a lot of attention, which was the goal.
Not particularly distinguished, but it was special.
21
I've had spaniels, setters and retrievers for 70 years and read every book on dogs in the school and Seattle public libraries before I was out of grade school, so I have some prejudices about this.
After a while it began to dawn on me that these experts on the east coast -- the Westminster Dog Show & AKC -- don't make much sense.
All you need to figure that out is to review pictures of their winners.
Mostly, they range from ridiculous to impractical to cruel.
They usually miss the point of what most of us think a dog should be.
Look at what they've done to Rin Tin Tin's rear end!
(And tell me, do they still pin Doberman's ears?)
Phooey on the AKC, I will continue to prefer and revere the judges who proved their knowledge and experience with the great books they wrote.
Jim Kjelgaard's Big Red Series, Jack London's Buck and White Fang, Havlah Babcock's coonhounds, like Bugle Ann...E.B. White's reflections on his doxies, Fred and Minnie.
The Times has to stop believing Westminster and the AKC are everything they claim to be.
30
I thought it was a rabbit
10
@John Welsh rarebit?
2
Dogs are the embodiment of happiness. They want little more than to be safe and play. A trainer of police dogs once told me the best reward for training a dog wasn’t food, it was play. People could learn a little something from their loyalty and joy in life.
41
Bourbon the Whippet should have been crowned Westminster champion in 2021.
11
Fabulous article, what a delightful refuge from the relentless stream of bad news recent weeks have brought. I look forward to more like this.
64
Thank you for this delightful article. Written with such wit and humor--made my day.
86
I think the most famous Peke is Tricky-Woo, from the PBS series All Creatures Great and Small. Very funny little guy and big loving eyes.
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@K Hanna Tricky Woo is definitely a most beloved character as is Wasabi & his grandfather Malachi who all won Best In Show🙂👑
17
Reminded me of that episode with flying pancakes from Star Trek.
17
I’m thinking the famous Tribbles episode from the original Star Trek, as mentioned in the article. But flying pancakes work, too!
7
My personal definition of a dog is someone who weights at least 35 pounds, no more than 60 pounds. Long walks a must, fetching talent preferred, prefers humans to dogs is a good add-on quality.
The “best” dog, however, is the one the dog’s people love the most. So I confess, I really enjoyed getting to know Wasabi, and also her peeps.
Great writing style and photos!
45
@Karen, sorry my dog is an 80 pound German Shepherd. I love big dogs!
4
I love this article and the beautiful pictures of Wasabi.
84
Champions who don’t compete are the new thing. Ben Simmons, Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, Ariadne Titmus, and Wasabi. Life style issues are now the thing. And it has be hard to go from one extreme to the other. So I offer the services of my mutt Mookie, who loves to roll in foul smelling things. A Westminster champion who rolls in foul smelling things has completed the journey from high pressure competition to being in touch with your real self.
17
Sarah Lyall had me in her very first sentence describing Wasabi as "all hair and hauteur." The wit and elegance continued, matching the observations of little Wasabi's dignified playfulness point for point. I wish for more of this uncommon voice in the pages of the Times.
205
This is not a dog, this is a dust mop. The best dogs are large mutts from the pound.
47
@Mr Isaac any dog or cat from the pound, especially at a year or older when adopted, make the best pets.
Tho he is an adorable mop!
5
My eccentric aunt owned a Peke, perfectly named Puff.
It was a sweet little dog, never begged and laid at her feet most of the time. As a child, my cousin would carry it to bed with us and it would snore like a child due to its little pushed in face.
Thanks for the article and glorious pictures. I haven't thought of Puff in years and it brought back wonderful memories.
96
Wasabi was one of my favorite Westminster winners ever. I’d never been partial to Pekingese but it was an absolute thrill when he won. Such a precious little doggie.
46
'Support my shine or be blinded by it" attitude.
Loved him.
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I love this: "Fitzpatrick said he preferred Pekingese for their lofty attitudes and proud refusal to beg for attention, abase themselves for treats, fetch sticks, herd livestock, run for help, perform feats of agility or do anything that suggests “working for a living,” as he put it."
I have a much loved long-haired Chihuahua who shares many of these same traits. We always said he was closely related to the pillow family. If anyone falls down a well around him, I'm afraid they're out of luck.
98
Dogs are the best.
55
Except for cats
12
Please do a web search for BOAS -- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Dogs such as the Peke, Pug and English Bulldog suffer for extreme features such as this dog shows, and veterinarians all over the world are speaking out about the need to moderate the extreme features of these dogs.
In your own NYT archive there are articles about the problems with extremely short-muzzled breeds. Some countries have moved to control the breeding of dogs with extreme features.
Wasabi is a nice dog, I'm sure, but the problems with these breeds are very real. (And also expensive to treat/manage!)
It's irresponsible to encourage present a fluff piece that might encourage even more such dogs without addressing the problems they have.
"Dogs presenting with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome suffer from multilevel obstruction of the airway as well as secondary structural collapse. Stenotic nares, aberrant turbinates, nasopharyngeal collapse, soft palate hyperplasia, macroglossia, tonsillar hypertrophy, laryngeal collapse, and left bronchial collapse are described as the most common associated anomalies. " -- Krainer D, Dupré G. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2022 May;52(3):749-780. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.01.013. Epub 2022 Apr 1. PMID: 35379494.
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@Gina Spadafori Thank you. Too many people blinded by the cute factor (not to my taste in this instance) and ignorant of the suffering created by the freaks of nature.
7
Thank you for being the one to point this out. I’d hate to think that this article could lead to even more dollars lining the pockets of greedy breeders.
Please, please, please: adopt, don’t shop.
12
@Gina Spadafori can you just let this be what it is intended to be: a welcome break from the constant alarmist headlines about war, recession, mass shootings, etc.?
10
Fun story. Wasabi clearly has quite the personality. Now, the political statement (sorry): cows, pigs, goats, and chickens have personalities too. What we do to them to fatten 'em up as quickly as possible and get them en masse into our food supply is hypocritical, inhumane, and very bad for the planet.
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@The Beat Goes On
Ironically, your beloved dogs and cats eat these animals too...
4
@Margot The best thing any individual can do to help the environment is to stop or greatly reduce meat eating. I have been very proud of my son for going vegetarian for 5 years now; my diet now is almost meatless. Unfortunately, our dog and cats negate our efforts
1
@Laura I do know this, and I also make efforts to reduce my meat consumption and eat mostly locally sourced, sustainable products. It's more that these blanket statements regarding "all animal agriculture is bad" - this is an ignorant and untrue statement. Our cattle live their full lives out on pasture, are intensively grazed; our land is kept open and free of development through agricultural easements. We time our grazing and hay production around grass-nesting birds, keep our animals out of rivers/streams and actively promote biodiversity and soil restoration through careful grassland management. Our cattle live quality lives and we have less of a carbon footprint consuming them than we do eating tofu, for example. Yes, so many problems exist with mass-scale animal production- and most pet foods DO source from this method - but to say "all" animal agriculture has negative consequences ignores all the positives in conservation and restoration that are associated with proper management.
5
I love that his ribbon is bigger than he is!
49
Pekes were bred for the Chinese Imperial Family. One was sneaked out of China in the 19th Century--for Queen Victoria, a dog lover if ever there were one.
36
Congratulations to the proud papa, Wasabi. Those puppies are beyond cute!
34
Wasabi for President!
16
Omg that little face! So cute!
23
The fluffiest of fluff pieces. This little dude is magnificent.
65
I had no idea that winners at Westminster don't receive a prize other than a giant garish ribbon. What's the point? I've attended the event in person and the stands were packed with spectators ... So the organization makes money, but the winners only get bragging rights for a year? Seems like they are being taken advantage of, if you ask me.
44
@Paul
Stud fees, in the case of a male, which can be hefty and lucrative for the owner. Puppies, in the case of females, hopefully profitable, but not necessarily.
2
@Paul Well, I'd guess the stud rates are some compensation.
Great article! I almost fainted one day when I saw a fuzzy ET-like mound that seemed to be levitating - just as the author said. My brain couldn't compute it at first. Then, he moved and I saw what it was.
32
"Fitzpatrick brought two of them out, in a small flower basket. They declined to comment, being only a couple of weeks old, but did briefly open their eyes"
Literally the best sentence I've read in months. I loved this article.
347
Dogs, better than us.
138
@Paul DOG BLESS AMERICA to a secular.
21
My parents adopted an older Pekingese named Gizmo. Your story of Wasabi described him perfectly. Every year I made a calendar of photos for them until he died. My parents had many dogs but they only had one Gizmo. He was loving and stubborn.
127
We must stop promoting these malformed breeds of dogs. It is literally killing them due to our shortsightedness and focus on only vain characteristics we find cute and endearing as humans. Unfortunately they genetically lead to breathing difficulty, orthopedic disease, chronic eye, skin, and ear disease, cancers, other chronic disease such as heart issues and kidney disease. These traits have known to be problematic for a long while, only recently have we gotten the data to prove this. We must choose to realize our responsibility for the wellbeing of these wonderful beings. If we love dogs as much as we purport to do, then we must make better choices.
200
@Dr.C It's true that dogs, like humans, are prone to a wide range of diseases and health problems, and some breeds are much more prone to problems than others. With that said, you picked on the wrong breed to make your point. Pekes are not known for unusually poor health. Their average lifespan, 13-15 years, puts them squarely in the range of so-called "healthy," well-formed breeds. The bottom line is that good breeders and breeding programs along with good owners working with vet science seem to be managing pretty well, your opinion notwithstanding.
152
@Gdawg : Most Pekingese these days are born by c-section; the head has been bred to be too large for the birth canal. Perinatal mortality is higher than for similar-sized breeds. Even most "good breeders" recommend against allowing them to romp around the yard in the summer, because their malformed upper respiratory system leaves them prone to severe breathing difficulties, sometimes fatal, and they are at enhanced risk of death during routine anesthesia. Their short legs and long back leave them vulnerable to disk disease; only Dachshunds have a higher risk of paralysis. Hip dysplasia is also pretty common: the dog will live, but has a high likelihood of being in constant pain and/or needing expensive surgery.
97
@Gdawg you think 13-15 years is a long life span for a small dog? That's the average life span for a full-sized border collie (without AKC papers). Pekes should live way longer - up toward 20 years - except AKC and the so-called breed clubs have manipulated their biology to the point that something as simple as breathing is difficult. Granted Pekes historically never did much of anything except lay around. Sadly, that's all they can do now.
57
A lovely article whose author highlights the great beauty and dignity of this ancient breed, while appreciating that Wasabi is a dog nevertheless who enjoys a romp in the garden. The photographer should also be complemented for capturing the regal bearing of Wasabi along with his joyful romp.
109
Love this little furball!
43
“a tiny scrap of sentient fluff” ….. beyond brilliant.
262
Wasabi is a darling - thanks for revealing him in all his glory and doggieness!
61
I stan.
28
Bravo! A welcomed break from the awfulness of the news most days. Dogs are a great gift to us. Greats pics also.
274
@Earthent
"Dogs are a great gift to us".
You are 100% right. Our 5 year old Hovawart and 10 year old Calico improved our mood enormously during the 2 year long lockdown, keeping us family calm.
Without these "kids" we would have lost our minds completely.
6
This is the best article that's ever been written for the NYT. I would now do anything for Wasabi and wish his reign could last forever. Long live Wasabi!
142
@Maria May you live one thousand years from Turandot.
5
What a delightful article. Thank you, Sarah Lyall, for your witty portrayal of this "little lion," his owner and a glimpse into Pekingese royalty.
350
@Miranda George My mother-in-law had a Pekingese. I must say that they resembled in other in looks. As for temperament, both were a bit regal as well.
19
@EB
Oops. That was supposed to say "they resembled each other in looks."
8