(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Canadian dog Ace walked away with a big prize at the Westminster Kennel Club show.

The black cocker spaniel owned by Marlene Ness of Brantford, Ont., won the best dog of his breed award Tuesday.

Ace, making his first appearance at the Westminster, beat Beckham, who was America's No. 1 show dog, to win the award.

"I should have bought a Lotto ticket," Ness said.

The fans crowded around Ring 3 seemed to sense an upset, cheering for Beckham but then yelling for the smoother-looking Ace.

Judge Donald Sturz Jr. studied them intently, checking their body type and making them run around several times before making his final choice.

On this afternoon, Ace was in the right place.

"Today was our day," Ness said. "Eye of the tiger, baby!"

Meanwhile, Malachy the Pekingese wobbled off with best in show, becoming America's dog to the delight of an adoring crowd that called his name.

The four-year-old bobbing pompom with silver and white fur won his 115th overall best in show title. He beat out a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund at Madison Square Garden.

Judge Cindy Vogels picked the winner as fans hollered for their favourites. The No. 2 show dog in America this year was clearly the most popular, and Malachy won after taking the toy group here last February.

The champion at Westminster wins a coveted silver bowl, but not a cent of prize money. Instead, the prestige of this title lasts a lifetime for any owner, and brings a wealth of opportunity in breeding potential.

This was the fourth time a Peke won at Westminster, and the first since 1990.

Right before the champion was picked, a woman was stopped by security as she appeared to try to reach the ring. A few years ago, a PETA protest took place in the centre area.

Underdogs ruled Madison Square Garden in early judging on Day 2 of America's biggest pooch parade.

An Irish setter called Emily who had a litter of 15 last May won the sporting group and a Doberman pinscher named Veni Vidi Vici took the working category. The terrier champ was to be chosen later, and judge Cindy Vogels was to pick the best in show shortly before 11 p.m.

They will be joined by a Pekingese, German shepherd, Dalmatian and wire-haired dachshund in the best-of-seven final ring after their wins Monday night.

Eira, who was favoured by many to walk away with the top dog title Tuesday night, made a real early exit. She won the prestigious National dog show that was televised on Thanksgiving Day and was the top terrier last year. That meant a lot - terriers often rule Westminster, with wire foxes winning the silver bowl more than any other kind.

Among the breed winners Tuesday were a boxer with a grand champion's name of Winfall Brookwood Styled Dream who was the country's No. 3 show dog last year and a Kuvasok that also ranked in the top 10.

It also was a big day for a Tibetan mastiff, and even more so for his owners.

Major won his breed, a nice start for Debbie Parsons and Brad Slayton. A few hours later, the co-owners from the Seattle area made it a special Valentine's Day - they got married in the backstage benching area where hundreds of dogs are housed.

With dogs brushing by, people climbing on crates to get a better view and the total crush of the crowd, it made for a somewhat chaotic scene. Cherilyn Frei, a chaplain and director of family support for Ronald McDonald House in New York and the wife of Westminster television host David Frei, performed the five-minute ceremony.

The 54-year-old Parsons wore a pale pink Vera Wang gown and the 58-year-old Slayton donned a silver tux, with each sporting accents of Westminster purple. The 120-pound Major stood right between them, giving away the bride, and they kissed him to celebrate.

"This dog brought us together," Slayton said. "Today," he added, choking up, "I bought a Valentine's Day card for my wife, not my girlfriend."