Everyone Thinks Crowd-Favorite Bean Was Snubbed at the Westminster Dog Show

In the Wild Wild West that is the American Kennel Club’s Westminster Dog Show, there are winners and there are losers. And while they’re all very good boys and girls in our hearts, some dogs just don’t make the cut.

Such was the case for 2019’s crowd-favorite Bean, a Sussex spaniel sweetie who stole everyone’s hearts with his glossy chestnut mane, long body, stately girth and yes, puppy-dog eyes. The sporting breed contender has been the overall winner in his group for the past two years, and everyone was hoping he would take this year’s Best in Show—seriously, the shine on his coat rivals the best shampoo commercials. (Ahem, Bean for Pantene? Just a thought.)

To put it into perspective: When Bean took the floor at Madison Square Garden, the crowd erupted into a chant of “Bean! Bean! Bean!”

But alas, the prestigious award was taken by King, a wire fox terrier. According to The New York Times, of the 112 Best in Show winners, 15 have been wire fox terriers (more than any other breed).

Bean’s handler Per Ingar Rismyhr, told The Times, “He definitely feeds off of [the crowd]. He feels the energy. How could you not? He tries to play it cool but he really kind of likes it.”

If there were an award for Best in Glow, Bean would certainly win. Because ya know what? Beans beans, they’re good for our hearts.