Penny the Doberman pinscher wins 150th Westminster dog show
NEW YORK, Feb 4: At the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a Doberman pinscher named Penny captured Best in Show, giving veteran handler Andy Linton his second Westminster victory nearly 40 years after winning with another Doberman, Indy, in 1989.
Despite health challenges, Linton guided the 4-year-old through an impeccable performance, calling Penny “as great a Doberman as I have ever seen.”
Runner-up honors went to a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, a first for the breed in the show’s history, earning enthusiastic applause from fans. Other finalists included an Afghan hound, a Lhasa apso, a Maltese, an old English sheepdog, and a smooth fox terrier—a lineup judge David Fitzpatrick described as “one that will go down in history.”
Penny, already a crowd favorite from previous shows, charmed spectators with her calm demeanor and playful personality, nudging visitors for pets and responding eagerly to treats.
Co-owner Greg Chan said she is “very demanding and very smart” but also a pleaser who will do anything for food. Cota also delighted audiences, happily playing with his ribbon.
The semifinals featured numerous memorable moments. A hairless Xoloitzcuintli, Calaco, strutted confidently around the ring; a vizsla named Beamer hopped into a tool box; Storm, a Newfoundland, stood on her handler; and golden retriever Oliver drew chants that drowned out the announcer. Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog competing at Westminster for the first time, advanced to the evening round.
First-time competitors also left an impression. Joseph Carrero showcased his 190-pound Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi, while Natalee Ridenhour presented her 170-pound Boerboel, Invictus.
Though neither advanced far, both dogs captivated visitors, highlighting that Westminster is as much about interaction and affection as competition.
With over 2,500 dogs spanning more than 200 breeds competing, Penny’s win represents decades of dedication and training.
Her victory, alongside memorable moments from other dogs and first-time competitors, underscored the joy, skill, and bond between handler and dog, securing her place in Westminster history and delighting fans worldwide. (AP)
