Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher, wins Westminster Best in Show, capturing the top prize at the 150th annual event. The prestigious dog show was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The champion Doberman beat over 3,000 dogs from 50 states and 17 countries. Penny, representing the working group, stood out in the final round against seven group winners. Her perfect posture and confidence impressed both judges and viewers.
Handler Andy Linton, who has publicly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis, guided Penny to victory. Linton previously handled Indy, the last Doberman to win Best in Show in 1989. Commentator Jason Hoke noted the special bond between Penny and Linton. “The dog was giving it back to Andy because Andy has had his own struggles, and that’s what dogs do—unconditional love,” Hoke said.
Penny was bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan and co-owned with Francis Sparagna and Diana Sparagna. This win marks the fifth time a Doberman wins Westminster, highlighting the breed’s elegance and strength.
Reserve Best in Show went to Cota, a 5-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever from the sporting group. Other finalists included Zaida, an Afghan hound; Cookie, a Maltese; JJ, a Lhasa Apso; Graham, an Old English sheepdog; and Wager, a smooth fox terrier. Judge David Fitzpatrick described the final lineup as “one that will go down in history.”
Judges evaluate dogs by comparing them to breed standards, checking muscle tone, movement, and overall appearance. Dobermans were originally developed by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in the late 19th century for protection and later served in police and military roles, including the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II.
Penny’s remarkable performance and poise earned her the honor, showing why the Doberman breed continues to impress in competitions. With this win, Penny proudly adds her name to the elite list of dogs that wins Westminster Best in Show, inspiring fans and breeders alike.
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