NEW YORK (AP) — The dog was Penny. The win was priceless.
A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, netting U.S. Show dogs’ most coveted prize — and giving veteran handler Andy Linton another win after nearly four decades. Linton previously won best in show in 1989 with another Doberman, named Indy.
“Penny is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen,” Linton told a supportive crowd. Despite health problems, he guided the 4-year-old dog through an impeccably crisp performance.
“I had some goals, and this was one of them,” Linton said, adding later that as he’s winding down his career, winning at the milestone 150th annual Westminster show is “extra-special.”
The runner-up, and recipient of equally enthusiastic applause, was a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota. While Dobermans have now won five times, including this year, no retriever has ever claimed the top prize, and their supporters celebrate every encouraging sign.
Cota also appeared to relish the moment, particularly when his handler, Devon Kipp Levy, allowed him to play with his ribbon.
Other finalists included an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso called JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, an old English sheepdog dubbed Graham, and a smooth fox terrier called Wager. The judge, two-time Westminster-winning handler David Fitzpatrick, described the lineup as one “that will go down in history.”
Each dog is assessed according to how closely it matches the ideal standard for its breed. The winner receives a trophy, ribbons, and, of course, bragging rights.
Penny has been a crowd favorite at Westminster shows, consistently performing well in the ring. A throng of handlers and other dog enthusiasts cheered for the seemingly undistractable dog and for Linton in early-round action afternoon.
Ringside afterward, Penny politely nudged her nose into a visitor’s leg, seeking attention – specifically, pets. Linton later described her as generally “very chill,” but capable of becoming “pretty pumped up for a bad guy. Or a squirrel.”
Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto described Penny as “very demanding and very smart,” but also “a pleaser — she’ll do anything for food.” (Her favorite snack? “Everything.”)
Penny emerged victorious from a competition involving 2,500 dogs, representing more than 200 breeds.
Even those who didn’t reach the finals provided memorable moments. A Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco, a hairless dog, captivated the audience with his confident demeanor. A vizsla named Beamer charmed spectators by hopping into a box set out for his handler’s tools, and Storm the Newfoundland elicited laughter when he jumped up on his handler, reaching an impressive height. The crowd’s enthusiastic cheers for a golden retriever named Oliver nearly drowned out the arena’s announcer, while chants of “Lumpy! Lumpy!” resonated as Lumpy the Pekingese paraded before a judge.
One dog that made history in the semifinals was Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog. This small, agile breed was newly eligible for the Westminster show this year, and Millie successfully navigated the competition to reach the evening round.
Westminster wins often go to dogs with professional handlers or owners with extensive experience. However, simply reaching the elite, champions-only show is a significant achievement, particularly for first-timers like Joseph Carrero and his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi.
Carrero, a heavy equipment operator from Indian Springs, Nevada, had long desired a Neo and finally acquired one at age 35. He began showing the dog at the breeder’s request and now breeds and handles his Neos in the ring while maintaining full-time employment.
“It’s really hard for us to do this, but we enjoy it, and he enjoys it,” Carrero said, as visitors gathered to greet the 190-pound dog.
Boerboels, formidable guard dogs originating from South Africa, played a role in how Natalee Ridenhour met her late husband and ultimately led her to leave metropolitan life for a farm in Royse City, Texas.
On , Ridenhour and a Boerboel named Invictus competed at the Westminster show. While Invictus didn’t advance past the first round, Ridenhour noted that the experience was rewarding in itself, as she received affection from numerous admirers who were delighted to pet 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 said.
