Penny the Doberman Wins Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

In an unforgettable triumph, a Doberman pinscher named Penny secured the prestigious best in show title on Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, clinching one of the most esteemed accolades in U.S. dog show circles. This victory also added another laurel to the experienced handler Andy Linton’s career, marking another significant win after his first with a Doberman named Indy back in 1989.

Linton expressed his elation to the audience, proudly declaring Penny as one of the finest Dobermans he had ever encountered. Even amidst personal health challenges, Linton skillfully led the 4-year-old dog through an impeccable performance. Achieving victory at this, the 150th annual Westminster Dog Show, held a special sentimental meaning for Linton as he moves towards retiring from his longtime career in dog show handling.

The runner-up, garnering nearly as much applause, was a Chesapeake Bay retriever known as Cota. Remarkably, while Dobermans have now been crowned five times, no retriever has yet clinched top honors, despite their encouraging participation and the enthusiastic cheers from their admirers. Cota seemed to relish the occasion, especially when his handler, Devon Kipp Levy, allowed him to playfully engage with the ribbon.

The competition’s other distinguished finalists included a variety of notable breeds: Zaida, an Afghan hound; JJ, a Lhasa apso; Cookie, a Maltese; Graham, an old English sheepdog; and Wager, a smooth fox terrier. The judging panel, led by two-time Westminster-winning handler David Fitzpatrick, considered this lineup a historic ensemble.

Dogs are evaluated based on the degree to which they embody their breed’s ideal characteristics. The victor earns a trophy, ribbons, and, importantly, bragging rights within the dog show community.

Penny, a favorite in the 2025 Westminster show, has rapidly become a celebrated presence in show rings. She received vocal support from a crowd of handlers and enthusiasts as she displayed her undistracted focus during the show’s initial rounds. Additionally, Penny showcased her friendly nature by nudging a visitor’s leg for attention in between ringside moments, seeking affectionate pets. According to Linton, Penny is generally quite laid-back, though she can be animated when stimulated by potentially concerning figures or just a wandering squirrel.

Penny’s co-owner, Greg Chan from Toronto, described her as both demanding and exceptionally intelligent. Nevertheless, she remains eager to please, especially when offered food, her preference being universal: anything edible.

Out of more than 2,500 dogs, representing over 200 breeds competing at the event, Penny emerged triumphantly. While many did not advance to the finals, numerous memorable and fun moments were shared that delighted spectators.

Over the course of two semifinal nights, certain dogs became crowd favorites. Notably, Calaco, a Xoloitzcuintli (a hairless breed), charmed audiences with his uninhibited demeanor. Beamer, a vizsla, amused attendees by jumping into his handler’s tool box, while Storm, the Newfoundland, entertained by playfully rising to stand as tall as the handler. A golden retriever named Oliver captured hearts with cheers so loud they overpowered the arena’s announcer, and the audience chanted in support of Lumpy the Pekingese as he proudly paraded before the judges.

Moreover, this year’s show saw history in the making with Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog. This agile breed was newly eligible for the Westminster competition, and Millie advanced past approximately ten competitors in her breed to reach the evening round.

Success at Westminster often favors dogs with professional handlers or those with family histories steeped in the dog show tradition. Nevertheless, qualifying for this illustrious, champion-exclusive show is an impressive feat, particularly for novices like Joseph Carrero and his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi.

Inspired by a long-held ambition to own a Neo, Carrero finally acquired one at age 35. Originally introduced to dog shows by the breeder’s request, Carrero now actively participates by handling and breeding Neos while managing his full-time job as a heavy equipment operator in Indian Springs, Nevada.

Boerboels, recognized for their strength and guarding capabilities, were integral in Natalee Ridenhour’s introduction to her late husband and her eventual decision to transition from urban living to farm life in Royse City, Texas.

In a surprising twist, Ridenhour and her Boerboel, Invictus, found themselves in unanticipated territory: competing at the Westminster show. Although the dog could not progress beyond the first round, Ridenhour delightedly observed countless visitors warmly interacting with the 170-pound dog, remarking that their genuine affection was, in itself, a significant victory.