“`html
Penny the Doberman Pinscher Crowned Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Table of Contents
- Penny the Doberman Pinscher Crowned Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
- Hound Group Highlights: Zaida the Afghan Hound Leads the Way
- Toy Group Triumph: Cookie the Maltese advances
- Non-Sporting Group: JJ the Lhasa apso Secures a Spot
- Herding Group: Graham the Old English Sheepdog completes Monday’s Lineup
- Sporting and Working Groups Contribute Finalists
- Terrier Group Representation: Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier
The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluded with a stunning victory for Penny,a Doberman Pinscher,who took home the coveted “Best in show” title. The prestigious competition, held at Madison Square Garden, saw group judging for Sporting, Working, and Terrier breeds on Tuesday, following earlier events on Monday featuring Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding dogs.
The annual event, a cornerstone of the canine world, showcased the beauty, athleticism, and temperament of dogs from across the nation. Cota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, earned the honor of “Reserve Best in Show,” marking a strong showing for the sporting breed.
Hound Group Highlights: Zaida the Afghan Hound Leads the Way
The Hound Group competition kicked off the show with Zaida the Afghan Hound, formally GCHB CH Kismet’s Royal Empress, securing the first spot in the Best in Show field. This group featured 260 entries and 14 Afghan Hounds. The Beagle was the most represented breed in this group, with 30 entries. Afghan Hounds are known for their elegant appearance and independent spirit, historically favored by royalty in Afghanistan.
In the Toy Group, Cookie the Maltese, formally GCHB CH Ta-Jon’s Made From Scratch, claimed the second position in the Best in Show field. This group featured 360 total entries and 10 Maltese, with the Pomeranian being the most represented breed at 33 entries. Maltese are known for their valiant, friendly, and sociable nature, and historically were valued for their perceived healing qualities by the aristocracy.
Non-Sporting Group: JJ the Lhasa apso Secures a Spot
Representing the Non-Sporting Group, JJ the Lhasa Apso, officially GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, advanced as the third contender for Best in Show.This group, the second-smallest in the competition, comprised 297 entries and six Lhasa Apsos. The French Bulldog was the most numerous breed in this category, with 48 entries. Lhasa Apsos, originating from Tibet, are known for their courageous, friendly, and sociable demeanor, and were historically used to guard temples.
Herding Group: Graham the Old English Sheepdog completes Monday’s Lineup
Rounding out the dogs selected on Monday night was Graham the Old English Sheepdog, officially GCHB CH Bugaboo’s Give Me S’more, who secured the final spot in the Best in Show competition from the Herding Group. The Herding Group was the second-largest, with 385 entries and 11 Old English Sheepdogs. The Australian Shepherd was the most-entered breed in this group, with 33 entries.Old English Sheepdogs have a lineage dating back to the 1870s, prized for their expertise in livestock management during the booming wool and textile industries.
Sporting and Working Groups Contribute Finalists
Cota the chesapeake Bay Retriever earned the fifth spot in the Best in Show lineup, recognized as the winningest of his breed with 51 all-breed Best in Show titles, including a win at the 2024 American Chesapeake club National Specialty. The Sporting Group, with 440 entries representing 33 breeds, was the largest in the competition, led by 52 Golden Retrievers.
Penny the Doberman Pinscher secured the sixth and final spot, bringing the Working Group into the Best in Show ring. Penny has already achieved significant success, with 65 Best in Show wins as of December 2025 and continued success in January 2026. Doberman Pinschers are renowned for their sleek appearance, power, and protective instincts.
Terrier Group Representation: Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier
Completing the seven finalists was Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier, a top-ranked competitor known for multiple Best in show wins. Wager’s handler, Amy Rutherford, is affectionately known as “Cali Girl.” Fox Terriers are energetic and feisty dogs originally bred for hunting foxes and rodents, and remain alert watchdogs requiring significant exercise.
Penny’s victory marks a triumphant end to the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club dog Show, celebrating the dedication of breeders, handlers, and the enduring bond between humans and their canine
