A Doberman pinscher named Penny has been crowned best in show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York. The four-year-old female, handled by veteran Andy Linton, beat six other group champions in the final round at Madison Square Garden.
Judge David Fitzpatrick selected Penny over the reserve best in show, a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, who received loud support from the crowd. The win marks Linton's second Westminster triumph, having previously won in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy. Linton, who has spoken about living with Parkinson's disease, described the victory as 'extra-special' given the milestone anniversary.
Penny, bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan and co-owned with Francis and Diana Sparagna, emerged from a field of roughly 2,500 dogs from over 200 breeds. The competition began with breed judging at the Javits Convention Center before group winners advanced to the finals.
Dobermans have now won Westminster's top prize five times, with the breed's history tracing back to 19th-century Germany. Linton praised Penny's temperament, saying she is friendly but protective, embodying the breed's traditional character.
Organisers paid tribute to actor Catherine O'Hara, who died last week at 71, with a video montage during the terrier group judging. O'Hara was known for her role in the film 'Best in Show'. No prize money is awarded, but the best in show ribbon remains the most coveted honour in American dog shows.
