In a historic moment for one of America's oldest sporting events, Penny the Doberman pinscher was crowned Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night, marking the fifth time the breed has captured the coveted title. The sleek 4-year-old canine triumphed over more than 2,500 competitors from over 200 breeds, with veteran handler Andy Linton securing his second Westminster victory nearly four decades after his first win with another Doberman in 1989.
How Penny Captured the Crown: Inside the 150th Westminster Dog Show
The final judging at Madison Square Garden featured what judge David Fitzpatrick called a lineup that "will go down in history." Penny faced formidable competition from six other group winners: an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso called JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, an old English sheepdog dubbed Graham, a smooth fox terrier called Wager, and the crowd-favorite Chesapeake Bay retriever Cota, who would ultimately claim the Reserve Best in Show honor.
"Penny is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen," Linton told the enthusiastic crowd after the win. Despite recent health challenges, the 69-year-old handler guided the dog through what observers described as an "impeccably crisp performance." Linton later revealed this victory held special significance as he contemplates retirement: "I had some goals, and this was one of them. As I'm winding down my career, winning at the milestone 150th annual Westminster show is extra-special."
From Opening Ceremony to Best in Show: The 2026 Westminster Timeline
The historic 150th edition unfolded over two days at New York's Madison Square Garden, beginning with breed judging on Monday, February 2. By Tuesday afternoon, the seven group winners had been determined, setting the stage for the evening's final competition. The Sporting Group victory went to Cota the Chesapeake Bay retriever, while Penny claimed the Working Group title earlier in the day.
At 8:42 PM Eastern Time, the seven finalists entered the ring for the ultimate judging. For 25 tense minutes, judge Fitzpatrick examined each dog according to how closely they matched their breed's ideal standard. At 9:07 PM, he pointed to Penny, sparking thunderous applause from the capacity crowd. The win marked the second consecutive year a member of the Working Group has taken home Best in Show, following Monty the Giant Schnauzer's victory in 2025.
Why This Win Matters: The Significance of Penny's Victory for the Doberman Breed
Penny's triumph represents more than just another ribbon for the Doberman pinscher breed—it marks a return to Westminster glory after a 37-year drought for the breed at this competition. The last Doberman to win Westminster was Indy in 1989, coincidentally also handled by Andy Linton. This historic connection makes Linton the only handler in Westminster history to win Best in Show with the same breed nearly four decades apart.
Equally significant was Cota's performance as the first Chesapeake Bay retriever to reach the Reserve Best in Show position. "The crowd roared as Cota, the powerful and charismatic Chesapeake Bay Retriever, claimed the runner-up spot," reported one eyewitness. The breed, often called "America's dog" for its origins in Maryland, has never won Westminster's top prize, making Cota's achievement a breakthrough moment for retriever enthusiasts.
Where the Winners Are Now: Post-Show Celebrations and Next Steps
Following her victory, Penny enjoyed a chef-prepared gourmet meal at a Manhattan restaurant, a traditional reward for Westminster champions. Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto described the winning Doberman as "very demanding and very smart, but she's also a pleaser—she'll do anything for food." When asked about her favorite snack, Chan laughed: "Everything."
Cota's handler, Devon Kipp Levy, reported that the Chesapeake Bay retriever celebrated in his own way—by playing with his ribbon after the ceremony. The dog's local roots in Chatfield, Minnesota, made him a particular favorite among Midwestern spectators, with his achievement sparking celebrations at his home kennel, Fireside Pet Lodge.
The Future of Westminster: What to Expect in 2027
With the milestone 150th show now complete, attention turns to what's next for America's most prestigious dog show. Westminster officials have hinted at potential format changes for 2027, including expanded opportunities for newer breeds and possibly introducing additional categories for mixed-breed dogs in companion events. The Danish-Swedish farmdog, which made its Westminster debut this year with competitor Millie, represents the type of newer recognition the show may continue to embrace.
For Penny and Cota, the win means increased breeding interest and potential appearances in other major shows throughout the year. Historically, Westminster champions often see a "puppy boom" for their breeds in the following months, something Doberman and Chesapeake Bay retriever breeders are already anticipating.
Key Points from the 150th Westminster Dog Show
- Historic Milestone: The 2026 show marked the 150th anniversary of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, making it one of America's longest-running sporting events.
- Breed Significance: Penny's win represents the fifth Westminster victory for Doberman pinschers, while Cota's runner-up position is the highest ever for a Chesapeake Bay retriever.
- Handler History: Andy Linton becomes the only handler to win Westminster Best in Show with the same breed (Doberman) 37 years apart.
- Record Participation: Over 2,500 dogs from more than 200 breeds competed, with several breeds making their Westminster debut this year.
- Future Impact: The victories are expected to increase popularity and breeding interest in both the Doberman pinscher and Chesapeake Bay retriever breeds.
As the dog show world processes this historic outcome, one thing remains clear: the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show delivered exactly the kind of drama, excellence, and unforgettable moments that have made it an American institution for a century and a half.
