Penny the Doberman Pinscher Secures Priceless Victory at Westminster Dog Show
In a momentous achievement at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a Doberman pinscher named Penny has been crowned Best in Show. The triumph marks a significant milestone for veteran handler Andy Linton, who guided the four-year-old dog to victory on Tuesday night at the landmark 150th annual event.
Handler's Historic Second Win After Nearly Four Decades
Andy Linton's victory with Penny represents his second Best in Show win at Westminster, coming almost four decades after his first triumph with another Doberman named Indy in 1989. Reflecting on this extraordinary achievement, Linton described winning at the milestone 150th show as "extra-special" and the fulfillment of a long-held ambition as he approaches retirement.
Despite Penny's previous health challenges, Linton guided her through an impeccably crisp performance that captivated both judges and audience members. The experienced handler declared Penny "as great a Doberman as I have ever seen" to an appreciative crowd that had cheered enthusiastically for the pair throughout the early rounds of competition.
Strong Competition and Memorable Moments
The runner-up position went to Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever who received equally enthusiastic cheers from spectators. While Dobermans have now claimed five Westminster victories, no retriever has ever won the top prize, making Cota's strong showing particularly encouraging for fans of the breed. The retriever appeared to relish the moment, especially when handler Devon Kipp Levy allowed him to play with his ribbon.
Other distinguished finalists included:
- Zaida the Afghan hound
- JJ the Lhasa apso
- Cookie the Maltese
- Graham the Old English sheepdog
- Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier
Judge David Fitzpatrick, himself a two-time Westminster-winning handler, praised the exceptional lineup as one "that will go down in history."
Penny's Personality and Path to Victory
Penny, who was a crowd favourite at the 2025 Westminster show, has consistently impressed in show rings with her focused performance. Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto described her as "very demanding and very smart" but also "a pleaser — she'll do anything for food." When asked about her favourite snack, Chan simply responded: "Everything."
Linton noted that while Penny is generally "very chill," she "can get pretty pumped up for a bad guy. Or a squirrel." During the competition, the seemingly undistractable dog politely but pointedly nudged her nose into a visitor's leg, seeking affection between performances.
Memorable Moments Beyond the Finalists
Penny emerged victorious from an impressive field of 2,500 dogs representing over 200 breeds who showcased their talents throughout the event. Beyond the finalists, numerous dogs provided memorable and often humorous moments that delighted the crowd:
- Spectators cheered loudly for Calaco, a hairless Xoloitzcuintli
- Beamer the Vizsla charmed audiences by hopping into a box meant for his handler's tools
- Storm the Newfoundland drew laughter by jumping up to stand as tall as his handler
- Cheers for Oliver the Golden Retriever drowned out the arena announcer
- Chants of "Lumpy! Lumpy!" resounded for Lumpy the Pekingese
Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog, made history in the semi-finals as her breed only became eligible this year. She outperformed approximately ten other farmdogs to reach the evening round, marking a significant achievement for the newly recognized breed.
Personal Triumphs Beyond the Trophy
While Westminster wins often go to dogs handled by professionals with decades of experience, merely reaching this elite, champions-only show represents a major accomplishment in the world of dog showing, particularly for newcomers.
Joseph Carrero, a heavy equipment operator from Indian Springs, Nevada, fulfilled a lifelong dream by showing his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi. Having initially started showing at his breeder's request, Carrero now breeds and handles his Neos himself alongside his full-time job. "It's really hard for us to do this, but we enjoy it, and he enjoys it," Carrero explained as visitors gathered to greet his jowly, 86-kilogram dog.
Similarly, Natalee Ridenhour, whose life has been shaped by Boerboels — formidable guard dogs from South Africa — found herself competing at Westminster with her dog, Invictus. Though Invictus did not advance past the first round, Ridenhour found her own victory in the public's reaction. As a passer-by affectionately petted the 77-kilogram animal, Ridenhour remarked: "Honestly, the big win is: You're about the 50th person who's gotten down in his face and loved on him."
The Westminster Legacy and Judging Criteria
Each dog at Westminster is judged on how closely it embodies the ideal characteristics of its breed, with the winner receiving not only a trophy and ribbons but also significant bragging rights within the international dog showing community. The competition represents the pinnacle of achievement for breeders, handlers, and owners who dedicate countless hours to perfecting their dogs' presentation and performance.
Penny's victory adds to the Doberman pinscher's impressive record at Westminster, while also cementing Andy Linton's legacy as one of the most accomplished handlers in the show's 150-year history. The emotional win serves as a testament to the dedication, skill, and partnership that defines excellence in the competitive world of dog showing.
