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Penny the Doberman Pinscher Takes Top Honors at 150th Westminster Dog Show
NEW YORK – A Doberman pinscher named Penny has claimed the coveted Best in Show title at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, marking a significant victory for handler Andy Linton, who secures his second win at the prestigious event after nearly four decades. Linton previously won Best in Show in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy.
Penny, a four-year-old Doberman, delivered an “impeccably crisp performance,” according to Linton, despite facing some health challenges. “She is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen,” Linton shared with an enthusiastic crowd. He later told reporters that winning at the milestone 150th show is “extra-special” as he begins to wind down his illustrious career.
The runner-up, a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, received equally loud cheers from the audience. While Dobermans have now won Best in Show five times, a retriever has yet to claim the top prize, fueling the excitement of their dedicated fans. Cota, appearing to relish the moment, particularly enjoyed playing with the ribbon presented to his handler, Devon Kipp Levy.
The esteemed panel of finalists included Zaida the Afghan hound, JJ the Lhasa apso, Cookie the Maltese, Graham the Old English sheepdog, and Wager the smooth fox terrier. Judge David Fitzpatrick, a two-time Westminster-winning handler himself, lauded the lineup as one “that will go down in history.”
Dogs are judged based on how closely they conform to their breed’s ideal standards. The winner receives a trophy, ribbons, and the ultimate bragging rights in the world of show dogs.
Penny has been a crowd favorite at Westminster since the 2025 show, consistently impressing in the ring. During Tuesday afternoon’s early rounds, a throng of handlers and dog enthusiasts cheered for the seemingly unflappable Doberman and her handler.
Off-ring, Penny, described by Linton as “very chill” but capable of getting “pretty pumped up for a bad guy. Or a squirrel,” politely sought pets from visitors.
Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto characterized Penny as “very demanding and very smart,” but also a “pleaser – she’ll do anything for food.” Her favorite snack, he added, is “everything.” Penny’s triumph came after besting approximately 2,500 dogs from over 200 breeds that competed in the show.
Beyond the finalists, many dogs created memorable moments that charmed the audience. Spectators roared for Calaco, a hairless Xoloitzcuintli, who moved with an undeniable confidence.
Beamer the Vizsla delighted the crowd by hopping into his handler’s tool box, while Storm the Newfoundland elicited laughter by standing as tall as his handler. Cheers for Oliver the Golden Retriever were so loud they overshadowed the arena announcer, and chants of “Lumpy!
Lumpy!” echoed for Lumpy the Pekingese as he paraded before the judge.
Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog, also made history in the semifinals. This small, agile breed only recently became eligible for Westminster this year, and Millie advanced to the evening round after outperforming roughly ten other farmdogs on Tuesday afternoon.
Westminster victories often go to dogs with professional handlers or owners with extensive experience. However, simply qualifying for the elite, champions-only show is a significant achievement in the canine world, particularly for newcomers like Joseph Carrero and his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi.
Carrero, a heavy equipment operator from Indian Springs, Nevada, fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a Neapolitan mastiff at age 35. He initially began showing Dezi at the breeder’s request and now breeds and handles his Neos in the ring while working full-time. “It’s really hard for us to do this, but we enjoy it, and he enjoys it,” Carrero stated as visitors gathered to greet his jowly, 190-pound dog.
For Natalee Ridenhour, Boerboels, formidable guard dogs originating from South Africa, were instrumental in her meeting her late husband and her eventual move to a farm in Royse City, Texas. On Tuesday, Ridenhour and her Boerboel, Invictus, embarked on another unexpected journey: competing at the Westminster show.
Although Invictus did not advance past the first round, Ridenhour expressed her satisfaction as a passerby affectionately petted the 170-pound animal. “Honestly, the big win is: You’re about the 50th person who’s gotten down in his face and loved on him,” she happily remarked.