Penny the Doberman pinscher has been crowned America's top canine, earning the prestigious best in show title at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday night in New York. The four-year-old female, with a striking black-and-rust coat, hails from Ontario, Canada, and emerged victorious from a field of seven group champions in a historic competition.
A Historic Victory for Handler and Breed
Judge David Fitzpatrick selected Penny over the other finalists, which included a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, who received reserve best in show amid enthusiastic crowd applause. The final lineup also featured an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa Apso named JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, a smooth fox terrier named Wager, and an old English sheepdog named Graham.
This win marks a significant milestone for veteran handler Andy Linton, who last secured the Westminster best in show title in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy. Linton, who has publicly discussed living with Parkinson's disease and hinted at nearing retirement, described the triumph as "extra-special" due to the event's 150th anniversary. "I had some goals, and this was one of them," he remarked, emphasising the emotional weight of the achievement.
Penny's Journey to the Top
Bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan, and co-owned with Francis and Diana Sparagna, Penny navigated a rigorous selection process. Starting with approximately 2,500 dogs representing over 200 breeds and varieties from all 50 U.S. states and 17 countries, including Peru and Indonesia, breed judging occurred at the Javits Convention Center before group winners advanced to the prime-time finals at Madison Square Garden.
Dogs are evaluated based on how closely they match their breed's ideal standard, with judges assessing structure, movement, muscle tone, and overall presentation. While no prize money is awarded, the best in show ribbon is highly coveted in American dog shows and can significantly enhance breeding value.
Doberman Legacy and Breed Characteristics
Dobermans have now won Westminster's top prize five times, with victories in 1939, 1952, 1953, 1989, and 2026. Developed in late-19th century Germany by tax collector Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, the breed gained prominence in working roles, including service with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
Linton praised Penny, officially named GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, as an exceptional example of the breed, noting her balanced temperament of approachability and protectiveness. "She's a wonderful dog, she's friendly," he said. "Any one of you could come up here and she'd try to get you to pet her, but if you were a burglar, you wouldn't come in our house." This win follows last year's victory by a giant schnauzer from the working group, breaking a long-standing trend.
Behind the Scenes with Penny
Outside the competition ring, Penny is described as relaxed and affectionate. Co-owner Greg Chan highlighted her intelligence and eagerness to please, especially when food is involved, joking that her favourite snack is "everything." Meanwhile, reserve best in show finisher Cota, a five-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever handled by Devon Kipp Levy, received sustained cheers, underscoring the popularity of retrievers in the U.S., though none have ever won Westminster's top prize.
Cultural Tributes and Milestone Moments
The 150th Westminster show, the oldest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby, also celebrated its cultural impact. A video tribute honoured actor Catherine O'Hara, who passed away recently at age 71, known for her role in the 2000 mockumentary Best in Show, which playfully satirised competitive dog showing.
This year's event featured 202 breeds and varieties, from affenpinschers to Xoloitzcuintlis, with a Danish-Swedish farmdog named Millie making history by advancing deep into competition after the breed's new eligibility. Judge Fitzpatrick, a former best in show winner himself, commended the final lineup as one "that will go down in history."
What's Next for Penny
Following her win, Penny will engage in the traditional Westminster media blitz, including national television appearances and photo opportunities in New York. Afterwards, she will return to a quieter life, where her owners note she remains a driven performer when needed and a food-motivated companion otherwise. Linton reflected on the competition, stating, "You can't attribute it to one thing, but she is as great a Doberman as I've seen."
