Westminster Dog Show 2026

By Sarah A

January 1, 1970

About this collection

## Westminster 2026: Penny's Historic Win This collection documents the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where **Penny**, a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher, claimed Best in Show at Madison Square Garden. Handler Andy Linton secured his second Westminster victory—37 years after his 1989 win with another Doberman—making this only the fifth time the breed has won top honors. **Competition Structure**: Over 2,500 dogs across 204 breeds competed in seven groups (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Sporting, Working, Terrier). Group winners advanced to Best in Show, judged by David Fitzpatrick. **Cota** the Chesapeake Bay Retriever earned Reserve Best in Show. **Key Themes**: The milestone 150th anniversary emphasized tradition, handler expertise, and breed-specific excellence. Coverage highlighted the rigorous judging criteria—structure, movement, and functional conformation—particularly evident in the Herding Group analysis. Penny's win underscores the enduring appeal of working breeds and the strategic importance of experienced handlers in elite competition. **Cultural Significance**: Westminster remains America's oldest continuously-held dog show and second-oldest sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, maintaining its status as the pinnacle of U.S. show dog achievement.

Curated Sources

Doberman Pinscher 'Penny' Wins Westminster Best in Show

The Westminster Kennel Club has crowned its 150th Best in Show winner: Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher, at the 2026 event held at Madison Square Garden. Handled by Andy Linton and owned by Francis Sparagna, Diana Sparagna, Theresa Connors-Chan, and Gregory Chan, Penny secured the title on February 3 during the 150th anniversary show. Judge David Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, PA, selected Penny from seven group winners after two days of competition featuring over 2,500 entries. Linton, a veteran handler, previously won with Doberman 'Indy' in 1989, making this his second Best in Show victory after a 37-year gap. The Working Group winner, Penny joins four prior Doberman Best in Show wins (1939, 1952, 1953, 1989). Reserve Best in Show went to Chesapeake Bay Retriever 'Cota,' the first of its breed to achieve this honor. The event marked the second post-pandemic return to Madison Square Garden since 2020, continuing Westminster's legacy as America's second-longest continuously held sporting event behind the Kentucky Derby.

Key Takeaways

Doberman Pinschers have now won Best in Show at Westminster five times, demonstrating the breed's enduring competitive prestige
Handler Andy Linton's 37-year return to Best in Show victory highlights long-term dedication in dog showing
The Working Group's consecutive wins in 2025 and 2026 suggest shifting judging preferences or training advancements
Chesapeake Bay Retriever 'Cota' made history as the first of his breed to earn Reserve Best in Show at Westminster
The 150th anniversary event underscored Westminster's status as a cornerstone of American dog sports culture

Meet the 2026 Westminster Group Winners

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held at Madison Square Garden from February 2–3, 2026, crowned its group winners. The Hound Group was won by Afghan Hound "Zaida," handled by Wilmer Santiago and owned by four individuals, who received the first-ever Vin-Melca Trophy. The Toy Group winner was Maltese "Cookie," owned by Tammy Simon and Dr. Diana Egnor, defeating 25 competitors. Lhasa Apso "JJ" took the Non-Sporting Group, owned and handled by Susan Giles, marking her fifth decade attending Westminster. Old English Sheepdog "Graham" claimed the Herding Group for handler Colton Johnson. Chesapeake Bay Retriever "Cota" won the Sporting Group, handled by Devon Kipp Levy, who expressed lifelong dreams of this achievement. Doberman Pinscher "Penny" secured the Working Group for handler Andy Linton, who previously won with a Doberman in 1989. Smooth Fox Terrier "Wager," bred and handled by Amy Rutherford, won the Terrier Group. All group winners advanced to compete for Best in Show on Tuesday night, continuing the prestige of America’s oldest dog show.

Key Takeaways

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show highlighted historic milestones, including the inaugural Vin-Melca Trophy awarded to the Hound Group winner.
Handlers and owners emphasized emotional connections, with Amy Rutherford noting "Wager" was her 'heart dog' spanning eight generations of her breeding lineage.
Group victories serve as critical stepping stones for Best in Show, with past AKC National Championship winners like Lhasa Apso "JJ" demonstrating the prestige of these competitions.
The event showcased diverse breeds, from the elegant Afghan Hound to the energetic Smooth Fox Terrier, reflecting the AKC’s recognition of varied canine talents.
Judging panels, including veterans like Eugene Blake, underscored the rigor and expertise required to determine group champions among hundreds of competitors.

2026 Best in Show - The Westminster Kennel Club

The 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan concluded with GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds "Penny" taking Best in Show honors. Penny, a Doberman Pinscher bitch born June 12, 2021, is owned by Francis Sparagna, Diana Sparagna, Theresa Connors-Chan, and Gregory Chan, and was bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan. Her sire is CH Connquest All The Right Reasons V Kelview, and her dam is CH Connquest Fallen Angel, with AKC number WS 75832602. Reserve Best in Show went to GCHP CH Next Generation's Accelerate "Cota", a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog born January 20, 2021, owned by Melissa Schumann, Dana Bleifer DVM, Dr. Katherine Scribner, Adam Levy, and Dr. Trevor Gerardi-Miller. Cota's sire is GCHG CH Next Generation's Have Mercy MH QA2, and her dam is GCH CH Next Generations Off The Rails JH CGC TKN, bred by Adam Levy with AKC number SS 24624503. The event featured comprehensive historical records linking to all winners from 1907 through 2025, along with press releases for previous years' group and Best in Show winners. Attendance information, ring schedules, and additional event details are accessible through the Westminster Kennel Club website.

Key Takeaways

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show marked a historic milestone in canine competition history
Penny the Doberman Pinscher became the first of her breed to win Best in Show at this year's event
The competition structure includes seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding) leading to the ultimate Best in Show determination
Detailed pedigree information and breeding history are publicly available for all top winners through AKC records
Historical records provide continuity for tracking breed popularity and competition trends over more than a century

Westminster Dog Show results, winners, TV and how to watch

The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluded with Penny the Doberman Pinscher winning Best in Show, marking the fifth Doberman victory in the event's 150-year history and the first since Royal Tudor's Wild As The Wind in 1989. Penny, a four-year-old, triumphed over six other group winners: Graham the Old English Sheepdog (Herding), JJ the Lhasa Apso (Non-sporting), Cookie the Maltese (Toy), Zaida the Afghan Hound (Hound), Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Sporting), and Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier (Terrier). Cota was named Reserve Best in Show. The competition, held at Madison Square Garden, featured seven breed groups judged based on each breed's standard set by parent clubs, evaluating ideal proportions, weight, size, head shape, and gait. Group results saw Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier winning the Terrier group, Graham the Old English Sheepdog taking Herding, JJ the Lhasa Apso claiming Non-sporting, Cookie the Maltese winning Toy, Zaida the Afghan Hound leading Hound, and Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever securing Sporting. The event broadcast on FS1 and FOX One, with the Best in Show announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Key Takeaways

Penny the Doberman's Best in Show win is historically significant as only the fifth Doberman to achieve this honor in 150 years of the Westminster Dog Show.
The competition structure divides dogs into seven groups, each judged against their breed's ideal standards rather than direct comparison with other breeds.
Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as Reserve Best in Show, represents strong competition from the Sporting group, highlighting the depth of talent in the 2026 event.
This year's results continue Westminster's tradition of showcasing breed-specific excellence, with each group's winner exemplifying their breed's unique characteristics.
The event's return to Madison Square Garden and broadcast details underscore its status as a premier canine competition, drawing national attention.

Photos: Scenes from the 150th Westminster Dog Show : The Picture Show : NPR

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 4, 2026, marking a historic milestone for the iconic canine competition. Over two days of fierce competition, hundreds of dogs across various breeds vied for top honors. Penny, a Doberman pinscher, claimed the ultimate prize of Best in Show, while Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, secured the runner-up position. The event showcased a vibrant array of breeds, with competitors including a Sealyham terrier, German Shorthaired pointer, Bichon Frise, French bulldog, borzoi, Boston terrier, bulldog, Old English sheepdog, and Portuguese Podengo. Photographers captured intense moments from behind the scenes – dogs being groomed, handlers preparing their charges, and dramatic judging sequences – providing a comprehensive visual narrative of the competition. The show highlighted not only the athleticism and training of the animals but also the dedication of their handlers and the meticulous care involved in presenting each competitor. This anniversary edition underscored the enduring legacy of the Westminster Dog Show as a premier showcase for canine excellence and a celebration of the bond between humans and their pets.

Key Takeaways

The 150th Westminster Dog Show represents a significant historical milestone in canine competition, emphasizing the event's enduring cultural relevance and tradition.
Penny the Doberman's victory illustrates the breed's growing prominence in high-profile dog shows, reflecting shifts in competitive preferences within the canine community.
The extensive photo coverage provides unprecedented behind-the-scenes access, revealing the meticulous preparation, handling strategies, and emotional investment required in elite dog competitions.
The diverse range of participating breeds highlights the Westminster platform's role in celebrating both popular and rare canine varieties, fostering breed awareness and appreciation.
The event's structure – combining live competition with media coverage – demonstrates an effective model for blending sporting tradition with modern visual storytelling to engage broader audiences.

Westminster Dog Show: Penny the Doberman Pinscher outshines the field to win Best in Show | CNN

Penny the Doberman Pinscher was named Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Emerging from the Working group, the four-year-old Doberman beat out 2,499 other canines across seven groups—Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working—to claim the prestigious award. This marked the fifth time a Doberman has won Westminster’s top prize and the 42nd time a female dog has taken the honor. The competition featured winners from each group, including Graham the Old English Sheepdog (Herding), Zaida the Afghan Hound (Hound), JJ the Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting), Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier (Terrier), Cookie the Maltese (Toy), and Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Sporting, Reserve Best in Show). Judge David Fitzpatrick, tasked with selecting the winner from the seven finalists, called the lineup "one that will go down in history." Penny’s handler, Andy Linton, praised her as "as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen," noting this was the fifth Doberman victory at Westminster and the first since 1989. The event, America’s oldest continuously held dog show and the country’s second-oldest sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, drew widespread attention, with New York crowds reserving their loudest cheers for Penny during the final arena lap.

Key Takeaways

Penny’s victory marks the fifth Doberman Pinscher to win Westminster’s Best in Show, reinforcing the breed’s historical success in the competition.
The 150th edition featured 2,499 dogs across seven groups, underscoring the scale and competitive depth of America’s oldest dog show.
Westminster’s status as a cultural institution is highlighted by its longevity—it is the nation’s second-oldest continuously held sporting event, trailing only the Kentucky Derby.
Judge David Fitzpatrick’s comment about the historic quality of this year’s finalists reflects the unusually strong field of competitors.

Doberman pinscher wins Westminster's best in show | AP News

The Herding Group 🐕 Westminster Kennel Club 2026

The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Herding Group competition showcased 33 breeds judged on structure, movement, and breed-specific functions. Judge Sheree Moses Colmes, a seasoned German Shepherd expert, prioritized movement and working traits. Highlights included the Australian Cattle Dog’s rugged stamina, the Border Collie’s legendary herding prowess, and the Old English Sheep Dog’s crowd-pleasing presence. The competition featured Belgian breeds (Malinois, Tervuren, Sheep Dog), collies, corgis, and specialized herders like the Bouvier de Flandres. Graham, an Old English Sheep Dog, won after demonstrating exceptional movement and confidence, edging out strong contenders like the German Shepherd and Briard. The event emphasized breeds’ historical roles in herding, with judges evaluating gait, build, and obedience. Participants ranged from 9-year-old retiring Bearded Collies to agile Pyrenean Shepherds, underscoring the group’s diversity and the importance of functional breeding traits.

Key Takeaways

Herding breeds are judged on functional movement and structure, reflecting their historical working roles rather than purely aesthetic traits
Legacy breeding lines significantly impact competition success, as seen with German Shepherds dominating recent Herding Group wins
The Old English Sheep Dog’s victory highlights the ongoing appeal of breeds with distinctive coats and versatile temperaments
Judging criteria balance breed-specific standards with universal traits like confidence and agility
Westminster’s Herding Group remains a key stage for showcasing breeds that blend intelligence with physical capability

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the judging criteria for Doberman Pinschers evolved between Andy Linton's 1989 win with Indy and his 2026 win with Penny, and what does this reveal about changing breed standards?
What specific movement patterns and structural traits did judge David Fitzpatrick prioritize when selecting Penny over Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever for Best in Show?
Given that the Herding Group transcript emphasizes 'functional adaptations' tied to historical working roles, how did Penny's Working Group background (Dobermans as guard dogs) compare to the evaluation criteria for herding breeds like Graham the Old English Sheepdog?
What competitive advantages does a 37-year handler career provide in reading judges' preferences at Westminster, and how might Linton's institutional knowledge have influenced his presentation strategy with Penny?
How does the 'very demanding and very smart' temperament that kept Penny focused during competition compare to the temperament profiles of other recent Westminster Best in Show winners?
What patterns emerge when comparing the seven 2026 group winners (Graham, Zaida, JJ, Cookie, Cota, Penny, Wager) in terms of breed popularity trends, handler experience levels, and breeding program strategies?
Given Westminster's status as America's second-oldest sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, what structural factors have enabled its 150-year continuity despite declining participation in traditional dog shows?
How does the Reserve Best in Show designation for Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever translate into tangible breeding program value compared to Penny's Best in Show win?
What role did the 150th anniversary milestone and heightened media attention play in shaping judge David Fitzpatrick's selection process and the competitive dynamics among the seven finalists?
Based on the Herding Group's emphasis on 'movement efficiency' and 'body conformation,' what specific gait characteristics distinguished Penny's movement from the other Working Group competitors like Bodacious the Saint Bernard?