NEW YORK — The name of the dog was Penny, and the victory was invaluable.
A Doberman pinscher named Penny captured best in show on Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, securing the most desired accolade for U.S. show dogs and providing veteran Andy Linton another triumph after almost four decades. Linton previously won best in show in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy.
Penny “is as remarkable a Doberman as I’ve ever seen,” Linton expressed to an enthusiastic audience. even with persistent health issues, he expertly guided the 4-year-old dog through an impeccable performance.
“I had specific goals, and this was one of them,” Linton shared.
The runner-up, who received cheers just as enthusiastic, was a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota. though Dobermans have won five times, including this year, no retriever has ever triumphed, and their supporters celebrate every positive indicator.
Cota appeared to relish the moment, especially when his handler allowed him to play with the ribbon.
Among the other finalists were an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso known as JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, an old English sheepdog called Graham, and a smooth fox terrier named Wager.
Each dog is evaluated based on how closely it aligns with its breed’s ideal. The winner receives a trophy, ribbons, bragging rights, and the honor of taking home the milestone 150th annual Westminster show title.
A fan favorite at the 2025 Westminster show, Penny has been a standout in the rings since. A crowd of handlers and dog enthusiasts rallied behind her and the well-liked Linton during the early rounds on Tuesday afternoon.
Afterward, ringside, Penny gently nudged her nose into a visitor’s leg, seemingly seeking something—pets, as it turned out.
Co-owner Greg Chan from Toronto shared that Penny is “very demanding and very intelligent,” but she is also “a pleaser—she’ll do anything for food.” (What’s her favorite snack? “Everything.”)
Penny emerged victorious after two days, 2,500 dogs, and over 200 breeds that showcased their talents at the Westminster Kennel Club.
Many others created meme-worthy moments or lightened the atmosphere, even if they didn’t reach the finals.
During the two nights of semifinals, the audience erupted with excitement for a Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco, a hairless dog who breezed around the ring like a pro. A vizsla named Beamer charmed onlookers by jumping into a box meant for his handler’s tools, while Storm the Newfoundland garnered laughter as he jumped up on his handler, standing nearly as tall as she was. The crowd cheered so enthusiastically for a golden retriever named Oliver that they drowned out the arena’s announcer, and chants of “Lumpy! Lumpy!” rang out as Lumpy the Pekingese paraded in front of a judge.
One dog that made headlines in the semifinals was Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog. This small, spirited breed just became eligible for the Westminster show this year, and Millie triumphed over about 10 other farmdogs on Tuesday afternoon to advance to the evening round.
“It’s been a thrilling journey” to establish the breed in the U.S., remarked Brita Lemmon, who received her first farmdog in 2000 and competed Tuesday with one named Coyote.
Westminster victories often go to canines with professional handlers or owners possessing decades, even generations, of experience. yet, merely qualifying for the elite, champions-only show is a significant achievement, particularly for first-timers like Joseph Carrero and his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi.
After dreaming of owning a Neo since his teenage years, Carrero finally acquired one at age 35. A heavy equipment operator from Indian Springs, Nevada, he began showing the dog at the behest of the breeder. Now, Carrero breeds and handles his Neos in the ring, all while maintaining a full-time job and then some.
“It’s quite challenging for us to accomplish this, but we enjoy it, and so does he,” Carrero said as onlookers gathered to meet the 190-pound, jowly dog.
Boerboels, sturdy guard dogs originally from South Africa, played a crucial role in Natalee Ridenhour’s journey, leading her to leave city life for a farm in Royse City, Texas.
On Tuesday, Ridenhour and a Boerboel named Invictus achieved something she once never imagined: competing at the Westminster show.
The dog didn’t progress past the first round. But as a visitor affectionately petted the 170-pound canine, Ridenhour remarked, “Honestly, the real victory is: You’re about the 50th person who’s come down to his level and shown him some love.”
