Doberman Penny Wins Westminster Best In Show Title

NEW YORK — The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show found its champion on February 3, 2026, when a Doberman pinscher named Penny claimed the coveted Best in Show title at Madison Square Garden. For Penny and her handler Andy Linton, the victory was more than just another trophy — it was a career-defining moment, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of canine excellence that lit up the world of dog shows.

Penny, a four-year-old Doberman pinscher officially known as GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, strutted her way past more than 2,500 dogs spanning over 200 breeds to take home the top prize. The win marked a remarkable return for Linton, who last stood in the winner’s circle at Westminster in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy. “You can’t attribute it to one thing, but she is as great a Doberman as I’ve seen,” Linton told a supportive crowd, according to the Associated Press. “As the judge said, this is maybe the best lineup I could ever imagine, so it’s truly a great honor to win under that judge, who is so renowned and well-thought-of.”

The event, lauded as the second-longest continuously held sporting event in America after the Kentucky Derby, returned for its second post-pandemic year to the iconic Madison Square Garden. The spectacle unfolded over two days, with breed and group judging at the Jacob K. Javits Center culminating in the dramatic Best in Show finale. Seven group winners emerged from the intense competition, each representing the pinnacle of their breed: Afghan hound Zaida, Maltese Cookie, Lhasa apso JJ, old English sheepdog Graham, Chesapeake Bay retriever Cota, smooth fox terrier Wager, and, of course, Penny the Doberman.

Presiding over the final decision was David Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, himself a two-time Westminster Best in Show winner. “It’s very exciting just to be a part of the 150th anniversary show, but to judge Best in Show really makes it a full circle moment,” Fitzpatrick remarked, as reported by the American Kennel Club. “I know what the Best in Show winner is going to feel, and it’s going to change their life.”

Penny’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. Linton, now winding down a storied career that spans nearly four decades, faced health issues in the lead-up to the show. “I had some goals, and this was one of them,” he admitted to reporters, his voice tinged with emotion. For Linton, winning at the milestone 150th annual Westminster show was “extra-special.”

The runner-up, or Reserve Best in Show, went to Cota, a five-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever handled by Devon Kipp Levy. Cota’s achievement was historic in its own right — he became the first of his breed to ever win Reserve Best in Show at Westminster. As cheers filled the arena, Cota enjoyed a playful moment, gnawing on his ribbon, much to the delight of the crowd and his handler.

The remaining finalists each brought their own flair to the ring. Afghan hound Zaida, Lhasa apso JJ, Maltese Cookie, old English sheepdog Graham, and smooth fox terrier Wager rounded out what judge Fitzpatrick called a lineup “that will go down in history.” Each dog was evaluated on how closely it matched the ideal for its breed, with the winner earning not just a trophy and ribbons but also a place in the annals of Westminster lore.

But the show was about more than just the finalists. The semifinals and breed judging were filled with memorable, crowd-pleasing moments. A Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco, hairless and brimming with confidence, charmed spectators with his easy gait. Vizsla Beamer hopped into a box intended for his handler’s tools, sparking laughter. Newfoundland Storm drew smiles by jumping up on his handler, standing nearly as tall as she did. The golden retriever Oliver received such loud cheers that the arena’s announcer was drowned out, while the Pekingese Lumpy inspired rhythmic chants of “Lumpy! Lumpy!” from enthusiastic fans.

History was also made in the semifinals by Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog. This spry, small breed was eligible for the Westminster show for the first time in 2026, and Millie bested about ten other farmdogs to advance to the evening round. “It’s been a very exciting journey to establish the breed in the U.S.,” said Brita Lemmon, who has been involved with Danish-Swedish farmdogs since 2000, according to AP.

The Westminster stage is often dominated by handlers and owners with decades, sometimes generations, of experience. Yet, the 150th show also celebrated the dreams and efforts of first-timers. Joseph Carrero, a heavy equipment operator from Indian Springs, Nevada, realized a lifelong ambition by showing his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi. “It’s really hard for us to do this, but we enjoy it, and he enjoys it,” Carrero shared as visitors gathered to greet his 190-pound, jowly companion.

For Natalee Ridenhour of Royse City, Texas, the Westminster experience was deeply personal. Competing with a Boerboel named Invictus, Ridenhour reflected on how the breed led her to her late husband and a new life on a farm. Though Invictus did not advance past the first round, the real reward was in the connections forged ringside. “Honestly, the big win is: You’re about the 50th person who’s gotten down in his face and loved on him,” she said, as reported by AP.

Penny’s triumph also added to the Doberman pinscher’s legacy at Westminster. The breed has now claimed Best in Show five times: in 1939, back-to-back in 1952 and 1953, in 1989 with Linton, and now again in 2026. It’s a rare feat, underscoring both the breed’s enduring appeal and the exceptional partnership between Penny and Linton. Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto described Penny as “very demanding and very smart,” but also “a pleaser — she’ll do anything for food.” (Her favorite snack? “Everything.”)

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held annually since 1877, continues to be a showcase of tradition, competition, and canine charisma. For Penny, Linton, and all those who took part — from seasoned professionals to passionate first-timers — the 150th edition was a night to remember, filled with unforgettable moments and the promise of more to come in this storied event’s future.