Data report · Updated October 2026
Westminster dog show winners: every Best in Show by year, breed and group, 1907 to 2026
Westminster has crowned 119 Best in Show winners from 1907 to 2026, with no award in 1923. The Wire Fox Terrier has won 15 times, more than any other breed, and the Terrier Group has won 47 times. The 2026 winner was Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, the breed's fifth win and first since 1989.
Key findings
- The Wire Fox Terrier has won Best in Show at Westminster 15 times, nearly twice as often as the next breed, the Scottish Terrier with 8.
- Terriers have won 47 of 119 Best in Show awards, or 39.5%, but only 3 of the last 20.
- The French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, the AKC's top three breeds in 2025, have never won Best in Show.
- Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, won in 2026. It was the breed's fifth win and the first since 1989.
- Hounds won 5 of the last 20 titles, from 2007 to 2026, after winning only 3 in the 100 years before.
- Counted as one breed, Poodles have 11 wins across the Standard, Miniature and Toy varieties.
- Only 7 dogs have won more than once; the last repeat winner was an English Springer Spaniel in 1971 and 1972.
- Females have won 42 of the 119 titles, or 35.3%, according to the club's records and its 2026 result.
- Dogs bred in the United States account for 69 of the 118 winners through 2025, and dogs bred in the UK for 38.
Which breed has won Westminster the most?
The Wire Fox Terrier, with 15 Best in Show wins from 1915 to 2019. No other breed comes close. The Scottish Terrier is second with 8 wins and the English Springer Spaniel third with 6.
Three breeds share fourth place on 5 wins each: the Standard Poodle, the Pekingese and the Doberman Pinscher. Penny's 2026 win lifted the Doberman into that group.
Five more have 4 wins each: the Airedale Terrier, Boxer, Miniature Poodle, Sealyham Terrier and Smooth Fox Terrier. Together the top 11 breeds account for 64 of the 119 titles.
Source: Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show winners list. Breeds and varieties as the club records them; Poodle varieties are counted separately. Our count, including the 2026 winner.
Show the numbers
| Label | wins |
|---|---|
| Wire Fox Terrier | 15 |
| Scottish Terrier | 8 |
| English Springer Spaniel | 6 |
| Doberman Pinscher | 5 |
| Pekingese | 5 |
| Poodle (Standard) | 5 |
| Airedale Terrier | 4 |
| Boxer | 4 |
| Poodle (Miniature) | 4 |
| Sealyham Terrier | 4 |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | 4 |
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Westminster lists breeds and varieties separately. Counted as one breed, the Poodle has 11 wins: 5 Standard, 4 Miniature and 2 Toy. On that basis it ranks second behind the Wire Fox Terrier.
In all, 50 breeds or varieties have won at least once, or 45 breeds if varieties are merged. Half of the 50, or 25, have won exactly once.
Westminster Best in Show winners by group
The Terrier Group has produced 47 winners, 39.5% of all 119. The Sporting Group follows with 20 and the Working Group with 17, after Penny's win in 2026.
The Non-Sporting Group has 13 wins, the Toy Group 12 and the Hound Group 8. The Herding Group has 2, both German Shepherd Dogs, in 1987 and 2017.
Each group's first title came at a different time. The Toy Group's first win was in 1956 and the Hound Group's first in 1957, almost 50 years after the first Best in Show.
Source: Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show records by group, plus the 2026 winner (Working Group). Our count.
Show the numbers
| Label | wins |
|---|---|
| Terrier | 47 (39.5%) |
| Sporting | 20 (16.8%) |
| Working | 17 (14.3%) |
| Non-Sporting | 13 (10.9%) |
| Toy | 12 (10.1%) |
| Hound | 8 (6.7%) |
| Herding | 2 (1.7%) |
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| Group | Wins | Share (%) | First win | Latest win | Wins 2007 to 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terrier | 47 | 39.5 | 1907 | 2019 | 3 |
| Sporting | 20 | 16.8 | 1921 | 2016 | 3 |
| Working | 17 | 14.3 | 1914 | 2026 | 2 |
| Non-Sporting | 13 | 10.9 | 1913 | 2024 | 3 |
| Toy | 12 | 10.1 | 1956 | 2021 | 3 |
| Hound | 8 | 6.7 | 1957 | 2023 | 5 |
| Herding | 2 | 1.7 | 1987 | 2017 | 1 |
The latest Terrier win came in 2019, from a Wire Fox Terrier. The latest Sporting win was a German Shorthaired Pointer in 2016.
The club's records assign each winner to the group it competed in. A few early winners, such as the 1914 and 1975 Old English Sheepdogs, are listed under Working.
Terriers ruled the early decades
Terriers won 27 of the 39 titles from 1907 to 1946, a share of 69.2%. Every winner from 1907 to 1912 was a terrier.
The share fell after the Second World War. From 1987 to 2026, terriers won 9 of 40 titles, or 22.5%.
The 1960s were the last decade terriers dominated, with 6 of 10 wins. Since 2020, none of the 7 winners has been a terrier.
Source: Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show records. Groups as the club's own records assign them. 2020s covers 2020 to 2026. No award in 1923. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Label | Terrier | Sporting | Working | Non-Sporting | Toy | Hound | Herding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1907 to 1909 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1920s | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1930s | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1960s | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1970s | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 1990s | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010s | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 to 2026 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
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| Decade | Total | Terrier | Sporting | Working | Non-Sporting | Toy | Hound | Herding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1907 to 1909 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1910s | 10 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1920s | 9 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1930s | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1940s | 10 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 1960s | 10 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1970s | 10 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 1990s | 10 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 10 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010s | 10 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 to 2026 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
The 1950s were the most mixed decade. Six groups won that decade, and terriers took only 1 of 10 titles.
Westminster winners in the last 20 years
The last 20 winners, from 2007 to 2026, came from 16 different breeds, or 17 if the Standard and Miniature Poodle are counted separately. Counting Poodle varieties as one breed, only the Beagle, Wire Fox Terrier, Pekingese and Poodle won twice in that span.
Hounds led with 5 wins: Beagles in 2008 and 2015, a Scottish Deerhound in 2011, a Bloodhound in 2022 and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen in 2023. The Hound Group had won only 3 times in the 100 years before 2007.
Sporting, Terrier, Non-Sporting and Toy dogs won 3 times each. Working dogs won twice, in 2025 and 2026, and Herding once.
Source: Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show records. Our count.
Show the numbers
| Label | wins |
|---|---|
| Hound | 5 |
| Sporting | 3 |
| Terrier | 3 |
| Non-Sporting | 3 |
| Toy | 3 |
| Working | 2 |
| Herding | 1 |
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| Year | Dog | Breed | Group | AKC rank 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds | Doberman Pinscher | Working | 15 |
| 2025 | GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB | Giant Schnauzer | Working | 52 |
| 2024 | GCHG CH Surrey Sage | Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | 6 |
| 2023 | CH Soletrader Buddy Holly | Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | Hound | 161 |
| 2022 | GCHB Flessner's Toot My Own Horn | Bloodhound | Hound | 59 |
| 2021 | GCHG CH Pequest Wasabi | Pekingese | Toy | 90 |
| 2020 | GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | 6 |
| 2019 | GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | 107 |
| 2018 | GCHP Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love | Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | 49 |
| 2017 | GCH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn | German Shepherd Dog | Herding | 4 |
| 2016 | GCH VJK-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey | German Shorthaired Pointer | Sporting | 9 |
| 2015 | Ch. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound | 7 |
| 2014 | GCH. Afterall Painting The Sky | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | 107 |
| 2013 | GCH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari | Affenpinscher | Toy | 153 |
| 2012 | GCH. Palacegarden Malachy | Pekingese | Toy | 90 |
| 2011 | GCH. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind | Scottish Deerhound | Hound | 156 |
| 2010 | Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | 57 |
| 2009 | Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee | Sussex Spaniel | Sporting | 175 |
| 2008 | Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound | 7 |
| 2007 | Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | 27 |
Most of these breeds are rare as pets. Across the last 20 winners, the median 2025 AKC rank of their breeds is 54.5 of 202. Six rank outside the top 100.
The 2009 winner, a Sussex Spaniel, is the rarest on this list at No. 175. The PBGV that won in 2023 ranked No. 161 in 2025.
Who won Westminster in 2026?
Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, won Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 3, 2026. Her registered name is GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds.
She beat 2,499 other dogs from 204 breeds, CNN reported. The Reserve Best in Show went to Cota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever from the Sporting Group.
Penny was born on June 12, 2021, according to the club's results page. She was 4 years and 7 months old on the night she won.
| Year | Dog | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1939 | Ferry v Rauhfelsen of Giralda | Giralda Farms |
| 1952 | Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm | Mr. & Mrs. Len Carey |
| 1953 | Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm | Mr. & Mrs. Len Carey |
| 1989 | Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild As The Wind | R. & C. Vida, B. Wilhite, and A. & S. Korp |
| 2026 | GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds | Francis Sparagna & Diana Sparagna & Theresa Connors-Chan & Gregory Chan |
The other 5 finalists in 2026 were an Afghan Hound, a Lhasa Apso, a Maltese, an Old English Sheepdog and a Smooth Fox Terrier, CNN reported. Penny was the 42nd female to win.
The Doberman ranked No. 15 in the AKC's 2025 registration count. Her win came 37 years after the breed's last title in 1989.
America's most popular dog breeds rarely win Best in Show
Five of the AKC's 10 most popular breeds in 2025 have never won Best in Show. They are the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Dachshund and Rottweiler.
The top 10 breeds have 20 wins between them, and 11 of those belong to the Poodle. The German Shorthaired Pointer has 3, and the German Shepherd Dog, Beagle and Bulldog 2 each.
The Labrador was America's most registered breed for 31 years, AKC says, yet has no Westminster title. See our most popular dog breeds report for the full ranking. The French Bulldog, No. 1 since 2022, has none either.
Sources: AKC 2025 registration rankings; Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show records, 1907 to 2026. Poodle wins combine three varieties. Our count.
Show the numbers
| Label | wins |
|---|---|
| French Bulldog (No. 1) | 0 |
| Labrador Retriever (No. 2) | 0 |
| Golden Retriever (No. 3) | 0 |
| German Shepherd Dog (No. 4) | 2 |
| Dachshund (No. 5) | 0 |
| Poodle (No. 6) | 11 |
| Beagle (No. 7) | 2 |
| Rottweiler (No. 8) | 0 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer (No. 9) | 3 |
| Bulldog (No. 10) | 2 |
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| AKC rank 2025 | Breed | Best in Show wins | Winning years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Bulldog | 0 | Never won |
| 2 | Labrador Retriever | 0 | Never won |
| 3 | Golden Retriever | 0 | Never won |
| 4 | German Shepherd Dog | 2 | 1987, 2017 |
| 5 | Dachshund | 0 | Never won |
| 6 | Poodle | 11 | 1935, 1943, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1961, 1973, 1991, 2002, 2020, 2024 |
| 7 | Beagle | 2 | 2008, 2015 |
| 8 | Rottweiler | 0 | Never won |
| 9 | German Shorthaired Pointer | 3 | 1974, 2005, 2016 |
| 10 | Bulldog | 2 | 1913, 1955 |
The gap runs the other way too. Popularity also varies by place, as our most popular dog breed by state report shows. The Wire Fox Terrier ranked No. 107 in 2025 and the Sealyham Terrier, a 4 time winner, No. 163.
Repeat winners, oldest winners and top handlers
Seven dogs have won Best in Show more than once, taking 15 titles between them. A Smooth Fox Terrier named Warren Remedy won the first 3, in 1907, 1908 and 1909.
No dog has repeated since 1972, when the English Springer Spaniel Chinoe's Adamant James won for a second straight year. A Doberman named Rancho Dobe's Storm won in 1952 and 1953.
The oldest winner was a Sussex Spaniel in 2009, aged 10 years, 2 months and 10 days. Our dog lifespan by breed report shows how long breeds typically live. The youngest was a Rough Collie in 1929, aged exactly 9 months.
| Dog | Breed | Wins | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ch. Warren Remedy | Smooth Fox Terrier | 3 | 1907, 1908, 1909 |
| Ch. Matford Vic | Wire Fox Terrier | 2 | 1915, 1916 |
| Ch. Conejo Wycollar Boy | Wire Fox Terrier | 2 | 1917, 1920 |
| Ch. Pendley Calling of Blarney | Wire Fox Terrier | 2 | 1930, 1931 |
| Ch. My Own Brucie | Cocker Spaniel (Black) | 2 | 1940, 1941 |
| Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm | Doberman Pinscher | 2 | 1952, 1953 |
| Ch. Chinoe’s Adamant James | English Springer Spaniel | 2 | 1971, 1972 |
Source: Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show records by handler. Handlers for 8 early years are unknown.
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| Label | wins |
|---|---|
| Percy Roberts (1926, 1927, 1934, 1937) | 4 |
| Peter Green (1968, 1977, 1994, 1998) | 4 |
| Donald Munro (1907, 1908, 1909) | 3 |
| Anne Hone Rogers (1956, 1959, 1961) | 3 |
| Gabriel Rangel (2010, 2014, 2019) | 3 |
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| List | Year | Breed | Age at win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oldest | 2009 | Sussex Spaniel | 10 years, 2 months, 10 days |
| Oldest | 1999 | Papillon | 8 years, 1 month, 10 days |
| Oldest | 1987 | German Shepherd Dog | 7 years, 9 months, 6 days |
| Oldest | 2003 | Kerry Blue Terrier | 6 years, 8 months, 13 days |
| Oldest | 2007 | English Springer Spaniel | 6 years, 8 months, 4 days |
| Youngest | 1929 | Collie (Rough) | 9 months exactly |
| Youngest | 1938 | English Setter | 10 months, 25 days |
| Youngest | 1918 | Bull Terrier (White) | 1 year, 6 months, 1 day |
| Youngest | 1922 | Airedale Terrier | 1 year, 7 months, 4 days |
| Youngest | 1907 | Smooth Fox Terrier | 1 year, 8 months, 5 days |
Percy Roberts and Peter Green share the handler record with 4 wins each. Green's came in 1968, 1977, 1994 and 1998.
The club's records count 77 male and 41 female winners through 2025. Penny made it 42 females in 2026.
Where Westminster winners were bred
Of the 118 winners from 1907 to 2025, 69 were bred in the United States. US-bred dogs make up 58.5% of the total.
The United Kingdom bred 38 winners and Canada 6. Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland bred 1 each.
British-bred dogs dominated early. They won 23 of the 33 titles from 1911 to 1944, according to the club's list. From 1967 to 2025, only 8 of 59 winners were bred in the UK, most recently the 2023 PBGV.
Source: Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show winners by country of breeding (through 2025; the 2026 winner is not yet listed).
Show the numbers
| Label | winners |
|---|---|
| United States | 69 |
| United Kingdom | 38 |
| Canada | 6 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| Netherlands | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
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Westminster dog show winners by year: the full list
The table below lists every Best in Show winner from 1907 to 2026, with breed, group and owners. You can sort it by breed or group and download it.
There was no award in 1923. The AKC barred interbreed competition that year and adopted new group and Best in Show rules for 1924, the club's records say.
| Year | Dog | Breed | Group | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds | Doberman Pinscher | Working | Francis Sparagna & Diana Sparagna & Theresa Connors-Chan & Gregory Chan |
| 2025 | GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB | Giant Schnauzer | Working | Sandra Nordstrom, Katherine Bernardin & Cherlann Ambrose |
| 2024 | GCHG CH Surrey Sage | Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | Cathy Gauche |
| 2023 | CH Soletrader Buddy Holly | Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | Hound | Janice Hayes, Lizzie Cadmore, Cathy O'Neill & Donna Moore |
| 2022 | GCHB Flessner's Toot My Own Horn | Bloodhound | Hound | Chris & Bryan Flessner, Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar |
| 2021 | GCHG CH Pequest Wasabi | Pekingese | Toy | Sandra Middlebrooks, Peggy Steinman, Iris Love & David Fitzpatrick |
| 2020 | GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | Connie S Unger & William Lee |
| 2019 | GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Victor Malzoni Jr |
| 2018 | GCHP Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love | Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | Patrina & Bruce Odette, Lindsay Van Keuren, Lorrie Carlton & Larry Letsche DVM |
| 2017 | GCH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn | German Shepherd Dog | Herding | Deborah Stern, Pamela Buckles, Patti Dukeman, Pamela McElheney & Kent Boyles |
| 2016 | GCH VJK-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey | German Shorthaired Pointer | Sporting | Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, Alice Manning & Yvonne Hassler-Deterding |
| 2015 | Ch. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound | Eddie Dziuk & Lori Crandlemire & Kaitlyn Crandlemire |
| 2014 | GCH. Afterall Painting The Sky | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Victor Malzoni, Jr., Torie Steele & S. & M. Olund & D. Ryan |
| 2013 | GCH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari | Affenpinscher | Toy | Zoila Truesdale & Mieke Cooymans |
| 2012 | GCH. Palacegarden Malachy | Pekingese | Toy | Iris Love, S. Middlebrooks & D. Fitzpatrick |
| 2011 | GCH. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind | Scottish Deerhound | Hound | Sally Sweatt, Cecilia L. Dove & Dr. R. Scott Dove |
| 2010 | Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Amelia Musser |
| 2009 | Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee | Sussex Spaniel | Sporting | Cecilia Ruggles, Beth Dowd & Scott Sommer |
| 2008 | Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound | Caroline Dowell & Eddie Dziuk & Jon Woodring & Kathy Weichert |
| 2007 | Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | Teresa Patton & Allen Patton & R. Dehmel & D. Hadsall |
| 2006 | Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid | Bull Terrier (Colored) | Terrier | Barbara Bishop & W. F. Poole & N. Shepherd & R. P. Pool & Dorothy Cherry |
| 2005 | Ch. Kan-Point’s VJK Autumn Roses | German Shorthaired Pointer | Sporting | L. & R. Stark, C. Cronk & V. Nunes-Atkinson |
| 2004 | Ch. Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove | Newfoundland | Working | Peggy Helming & Carol Bernard Bergmann |
| 2003 | Ch. Torums Scarf Michael | Kerry Blue Terrier | Terrier | Marilu Hansen |
| 2002 | Ch. Surrey Spice Girl | Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | Ron L. Scott & Barbara Scott |
| 2001 | Ch. Special Times Just Right | Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | C. Ruggles, E. McDonald, and F. Werneck |
| 2000 | Ch. Salilyn ‘N Erin’s Shameless | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | C. Blain, F. Sunseri & J. Gasow |
| 1999 | Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being | Papillon | Toy | John Oulton |
| 1998 | Ch. Fairewood Frolic | Norwich Terrier | Terrier | Sandina Kennels |
| 1997 | Ch. Parsifal Di Casa Netzer | Standard Schnauzer | Working | Rita Holloway & Gabrio Del Torre |
| 1996 | Ch. Clussexx Country Sunrise | Clumber Spaniel | Sporting | Judith & Richard Zaleski |
| 1995 | Ch. Gaelforce Post Script | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Dr. J. Kinnarney & Dr. V. Huber |
| 1994 | Ch. Chidley Willum The Conqueror | Norwich Terrier | Terrier | Ruth Cooper & Patricia Lussier |
| 1993 | Ch. Salilyn’s Condor | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | D. & R. Herzig, MD & J. Gasow |
| 1992 | Ch. Registry’s Lonesome Dove | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Marion W. & Samuel B. Lawrence |
| 1991 | Ch. Whisperwind On A Carousel | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | Dr. & Mrs. Frederick Hartsock |
| 1990 | Ch. Wendessa Crown Prince | Pekingese | Toy | Edward B. Jenner |
| 1989 | Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild As The Wind | Doberman Pinscher | Working | R. & C. Vida, B. Wilhite, and A. & S. Korp |
| 1988 | Ch. Great Elms Prince Charming, II | Pomeranian | Toy | Skip Piazza & Olga Baker |
| 1987 | Ch. Covy Tucker Hill’s Manhattan | German Shepherd Dog | Herding | S. Braunstein & J. Firestone |
| 1986 | Ch. Marjetta’s National Acclaim | Pointer | Sporting | Mrs. A. R. Robson & Michael Zollo |
| 1985 | Ch. Braeburn’s Close Encounter | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Sonnie & Alan Novick |
| 1984 | Ch. Seaward’s Blackbeard | Newfoundland | Working | Seaward Kennels |
| 1983 | Ch. Kabiks The Challenger | Afghan Hound | Hound | Chris & Marguerite Terrell |
| 1982 | Ch. St Aubrey Dragonora of Elsdon | Pekingese | Toy | Mrs. Anne E. Snelling |
| 1981 | Ch. Dhandys Favorite Woodchuck | Pug | Toy | Robert A. Hauslohner |
| 1980 | Ch. Innisfree’s Sierra Cinnar | Siberian Husky | Working | Kathleen Kanzler |
| 1979 | Ch. Oak Tree’s Irishtocrat | Irish Water Spaniel | Sporting | Mrs. Anne E. Snelling |
| 1978 | Ch. Cede Higgins | Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | Barbara A. & Charles W. Switzer |
| 1977 | Ch. Dersade Bobby’s Girl | Sealyham Terrier | Terrier | Pool Forge Kennels |
| 1976 | Ch. Jo Ni’s Red Baron of Crofton | Lakeland Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. V. K. Dickson |
| 1975 | Ch. Sir Lancelot of Barvan | Old English Sheepdog | Working | Mr. & Mrs. R. Vanword |
| 1974 | Ch. Gretchenhof Columbia River | German Shorthaired Pointer | Sporting | Richard P. Smith |
| 1973 | Ch. Acadia Command Performance | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | Edward Jenner & Jo Ann Sering |
| 1972 | Ch. Chinoe’s Adamant James | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | Milton E. Prickett |
| 1971 | Ch. Chinoe’s Adamant James | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | Milton E..Prickett |
| 1970 | Ch. Arriba’s Prima Donna | Boxer | Working | Dr. & Mrs. P. Pagano & Dr. T. Fickes |
| 1969 | Ch. Glamoor Good News | Skye Terrier | Terrier | W. Goodman & Mrs A Goodman |
| 1968 | Ch. Stingray of Derryabah | Lakeland Terrier | Terrier | Mr. & Mrs. James A. Farrell, Jr. |
| 1967 | Ch. Bardene Bingo | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | E. H. Stuart |
| 1966 | Ch. Zeloy Mooremaide’s Magic | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Marion G. Bunker |
| 1965 | Ch. Carmichaels Fanfare | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Stalter |
| 1964 | Ch. Courtenay Fleetfoot of Pennyworth | Whippet | Hound | Pennyworth Kennels |
| 1963 | Ch. Wakefield’s Black Knight | English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | Mrs. W. J. S. Borie |
| 1962 | Ch. Elfinbrook Simon | West Highland White Terrier | Terrier | Wishing Well Kennels |
| 1961 | Ch. Cappoquin Little Sister | Poodle (Toy) | Toy | Miss Florence Michelson |
| 1960 | Ch. Chik T’Sun of Caversham | Pekingese | Toy | Mr. & Mrs. C. C. Venable |
| 1959 | Ch. Fontclair Festoon | Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | Dunwalke Kennels |
| 1958 | Ch. Puttencove Promise | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | Puttencove Kennels |
| 1957 | Ch. Shirkhan of Grandeur | Afghan Hound | Hound | Sunny Shay & Dorothy Chenade |
| 1956 | Ch. Wilber White Swan | Poodle (Toy) | Toy | Bertha Smith |
| 1955 | Ch. Kippax Fearnought | Bulldog | Non-Sporting | John A. Saylor, MD |
| 1954 | Ch. Carmor’s Rise and Shine | Cocker Spaniel (A.S.C.O.B.) | Sporting | Mrs. Carl E. Morgan |
| 1953 | Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm | Doberman Pinscher | Working | Mr. & Mrs. Len Carey |
| 1952 | Ch. Rancho Dobe’s Storm | Doberman Pinscher | Working | Mr. & Mrs. Len Carey |
| 1951 | Ch. Bang Away of Sirrah Crest | Boxer | Working | Dr. & Mrs. R. C. Harris |
| 1950 | Ch. Walsing Winning Trick of Edgerstoune | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. J.G. Winant |
| 1949 | Ch. Mazelaine Zazarac Brandy | Boxer | Working | Mr. & Mrs. John Phelps Wagner |
| 1948 | Ch. Rock Ridge Night Rocket | Bedlington Terrier | Terrier | Mr. & Mrs. William A. Rockefeller |
| 1947 | Ch. Warlord of Mazelaine | Boxer | Working | Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Kettles, Jr. |
| 1946 | Ch. Heatherington Model Rhythm | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Mr. & Mrs. T. H. Carruthers, III |
| 1945 | Ch. Shieling’s Signature | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | Mr. & Mrs. T. H. Snethen |
| 1944 | Ch. Flornell-Rare-Bit of Twin Ponds | Welsh Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. Edward P. Alker |
| 1943 | Ch. Pitter Patter of Piperscroft | Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | Mrs. P. H. B. Frelinghuysen |
| 1942 | Ch. Wolvey Pattern of Edgerstoune | West Highland White Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. J. G. Winant |
| 1941 | Ch. My Own Brucie | Cocker Spaniel (Black) | Sporting | H. E. Mellenthin |
| 1940 | Ch. My Own Brucie | Cocker Spaniel (Black) | Sporting | H. E. Mellenthin |
| 1939 | Ferry v Rauhfelsen of Giralda | Doberman Pinscher | Working | Giralda Farms |
| 1938 | Daro of Maridor | English Setter | Sporting | Maridor Kennels |
| 1937 | Ch. Flornell Spicy Piece of Halleston | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Halleston Kennels |
| 1936 | Ch. St Margaret Mignificent of Claredale | Sealyham Terrier | Terrier | Clairedale Kennels |
| 1935 | Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen | Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | Blakeen Kennels |
| 1934 | Ch. Flornell Spicy Bit of Halleston | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Halleston Kennels |
| 1933 | Ch. Warland Protector of Shelterock | Airedale Terrier | Terrier | S. M. Stewart |
| 1932 | Ch. Nancolleth Markable | Pointer | Sporting | Giralda Farms |
| 1931 | Ch. Pendley Calling of Blarney | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | John G. Bates |
| 1930 | Ch. Pendley Calling of Blarney | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | John G. Bates |
| 1929 | Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven | Collie (Rough) | Working | Mrs. Florence B. Ilch |
| 1928 | Ch. Talavera Margaret | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | R. M. Lewis |
| 1927 | Ch. Pinegrade Perfection | Sealyham Terrier | Terrier | Frederic C. Brown |
| 1926 | Ch. Signal Circuit of Halleston | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Halleston Kennels |
| 1925 | Ch. Governor Moscow | Pointer | Sporting | Robert F. Maloney |
| 1924 | Ch. Barberryhill Bootlegger | Sealyham Terrier | Terrier | Bayard Warren |
| 1923 | No award | AKC barred interbreed competition that year | ||
| 1922 | Ch. Boxwood Barkentine | Airedale Terrier | Terrier | Frederic C. Hood |
| 1921 | Ch. Midkiff Seductive | Cocker Spaniel (Parti-Color) | Sporting | William T. Payne |
| 1920 | Ch. Conejo Wycollar Boy | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. Roy A. Rainey |
| 1919 | Ch. Briergate Bright Beauty | Airedale Terrier | Terrier | G. L. Davis |
| 1918 | Ch. Haymarket Faultless | Bull Terrier (White) | Terrier | R. H. Elliot |
| 1917 | Ch. Conejo Wycollar Boy | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | Mrs. Roy A. Rainey |
| 1916 | Ch. Matford Vic | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | George W. Quintard |
| 1915 | Ch. Matford Vic | Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | George W. Quintard |
| 1914 | Ch. Slumber | Old English Sheepdog | Working | Mrs. Tyler Morse |
| 1913 | Ch. Strathtay Prince Albert | Bulldog | Non-Sporting | Alex H. Stewart |
| 1912 | Ch. Kenmare Sorceress | Airedale Terrier | Terrier | William P. Wolcott |
| 1911 | Ch. Tickle 'Em Jock | Scottish Terrier | Terrier | A. Albright, Jr. |
| 1910 | Ch. Sabine Rarebit | Smooth Fox Terrier | Terrier | Sabine Kennels |
| 1909 | Ch. Warren Remedy | Smooth Fox Terrier | Terrier | Winthrop Rutherfurd |
| 1908 | Ch. Warren Remedy | Smooth Fox Terrier | Terrier | Winthrop Rutherfurd |
| 1907 | Ch. Warren Remedy | Smooth Fox Terrier | Terrier | Winthrop Rutherfurd |
| Breed or variety | Group | Wins | First win | Latest win | Winning years | AKC rank 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fox Terrier | Terrier | 15 | 1915 | 2019 | 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1926, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1937, 1946, 1966, 1992, 2014, 2019 | 107 |
| Scottish Terrier | Terrier | 8 | 1911 | 2010 | 1911, 1945, 1950, 1965, 1967, 1985, 1995, 2010 | 57 |
| English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | 6 | 1963 | 2007 | 1963, 1971, 1972, 1993, 2000, 2007 | 27 |
| Doberman Pinscher | Working | 5 | 1939 | 2026 | 1939, 1952, 1953, 1989, 2026 | 15 |
| Pekingese | Toy | 5 | 1960 | 2021 | 1960, 1982, 1990, 2012, 2021 | 90 |
| Poodle (Standard) | Non-Sporting | 5 | 1935 | 2020 | 1935, 1958, 1973, 1991, 2020 | 6 |
| Airedale Terrier | Terrier | 4 | 1912 | 1933 | 1912, 1919, 1922, 1933 | 70 |
| Boxer | Working | 4 | 1947 | 1970 | 1947, 1949, 1951, 1970 | 18 |
| Poodle (Miniature) | Non-Sporting | 4 | 1943 | 2024 | 1943, 1959, 2002, 2024 | 6 |
| Sealyham Terrier | Terrier | 4 | 1924 | 1977 | 1924, 1927, 1936, 1977 | 163 |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | Terrier | 4 | 1907 | 1910 | 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910 | 144 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Sporting | 3 | 1974 | 2016 | 1974, 2005, 2016 | 9 |
| Pointer | Sporting | 3 | 1925 | 1986 | 1925, 1932, 1986 | 111 |
| Afghan Hound | Hound | 2 | 1957 | 1983 | 1957, 1983 | 117 |
| Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound | 2 | 2008 | 2015 | 2008, 2015 | 7 |
| Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | 2 | 2001 | 2018 | 2001, 2018 | 49 |
| Bulldog | Non-Sporting | 2 | 1913 | 1955 | 1913, 1955 | 10 |
| Cocker Spaniel (Black) | Sporting | 2 | 1940 | 1941 | 1940, 1941 | 33 |
| German Shepherd Dog | Herding | 2 | 1987 | 2017 | 1987, 2017 | 4 |
| Lakeland Terrier | Terrier | 2 | 1968 | 1976 | 1968, 1976 | 157 |
| Newfoundland | Working | 2 | 1984 | 2004 | 1984, 2004 | 46 |
| Norwich Terrier | Terrier | 2 | 1994 | 1998 | 1994, 1998 | 109 |
| Old English Sheepdog | Working | 2 | 1914 | 1975 | 1914, 1975 | 87 |
| Poodle (Toy) | Toy | 2 | 1956 | 1961 | 1956, 1961 | 6 |
| West Highland White Terrier | Terrier | 2 | 1942 | 1962 | 1942, 1962 | 45 |
| Affenpinscher | Toy | 1 | 2013 | 2013 | 2013 | 153 |
| Bedlington Terrier | Terrier | 1 | 1948 | 1948 | 1948 | 147 |
| Bloodhound | Hound | 1 | 2022 | 2022 | 2022 | 59 |
| Bull Terrier (Colored) | Terrier | 1 | 2006 | 2006 | 2006 | 86 |
| Bull Terrier (White) | Terrier | 1 | 1918 | 1918 | 1918 | 86 |
| Clumber Spaniel | Sporting | 1 | 1996 | 1996 | 1996 | 133 |
| Cocker Spaniel (A.S.C.O.B.) | Sporting | 1 | 1954 | 1954 | 1954 | 33 |
| Cocker Spaniel (Parti-Color) | Sporting | 1 | 1921 | 1921 | 1921 | 33 |
| Collie (Rough) | Working | 1 | 1929 | 1929 | 1929 | 39 |
| English Setter | Sporting | 1 | 1938 | 1938 | 1938 | 89 |
| Giant Schnauzer | Working | 1 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 52 |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Sporting | 1 | 1979 | 1979 | 1979 | 169 |
| Kerry Blue Terrier | Terrier | 1 | 2003 | 2003 | 2003 | 155 |
| Papillon | Toy | 1 | 1999 | 1999 | 1999 | 42 |
| Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | Hound | 1 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | 161 |
| Pomeranian | Toy | 1 | 1988 | 1988 | 1988 | 19 |
| Pug | Toy | 1 | 1981 | 1981 | 1981 | 38 |
| Scottish Deerhound | Hound | 1 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 156 |
| Siberian Husky | Working | 1 | 1980 | 1980 | 1980 | 30 |
| Skye Terrier | Terrier | 1 | 1969 | 1969 | 1969 | 181 |
| Standard Schnauzer | Working | 1 | 1997 | 1997 | 1997 | 93 |
| Sussex Spaniel | Sporting | 1 | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 | 175 |
| Welsh Terrier | Terrier | 1 | 1944 | 1944 | 1944 | 114 |
| Whippet | Hound | 1 | 1964 | 1964 | 1964 | 48 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 1 | 1978 | 1978 | 1978 | 13 |
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Westminster dog show in 2026?
Penny, a Doberman Pinscher, won Best in Show on February 3, 2026, at the 150th show. She was handled by Andy Linton. It was the fifth Doberman win, after 1939, 1952, 1953 and 1989.
Which breed has won the most Westminster Best in Show titles?
The Wire Fox Terrier, with 15 wins from 1915 to 2019. The Scottish Terrier is next with 8. If Poodle varieties are combined, Poodles have 11.
Has a Labrador ever won Westminster?
No. The Labrador Retriever has never won Best in Show at Westminster. Neither has the Golden Retriever or the French Bulldog, the AKC's three most popular breeds in 2025.
Which group wins Best in Show most often?
The Terrier Group, with 47 of 119 wins, or 39.5%. Terriers have won only 3 of the last 20 titles, though, and none since 2019.
Who were the Westminster winners in the last 10 years?
From 2017 to 2026: German Shepherd Dog, Bichon Frise, Wire Fox Terrier, Standard Poodle, Pekingese, Bloodhound, PBGV, Miniature Poodle, Giant Schnauzer and Doberman Pinscher. Ten different breeds or varieties won in those 10 years.
Has any dog won Westminster twice?
Yes, 7 dogs have won more than once. Warren Remedy, a Smooth Fox Terrier, won 3 times from 1907 to 1909. The last repeat winner was an English Springer Spaniel in 1971 and 1972.
Why was there no Best in Show in 1923?
The AKC barred interbreed competition in 1923, except in the Miscellaneous Class, Westminster's records say. New group and Best in Show rules took effect for 1924.
How many female dogs have won Best in Show?
Penny was the 42nd female to win, in 2026. The club's records count 77 male winners through 2025.
Methodology and limitations
We copied the official Best in Show winners list from the Westminster Kennel Club website on October 11, 2026, covering 1907 to 2026. We assigned each winning breed to the group shown on the club's own Best in Show by group page.
Our breed counts through 2025 match the club's by-breed page exactly. We added the 2026 winner. The club's by-group page shows headline totals of 7 Hound and 15 Working wins. Its own breed lists under those groups add up to 8 and 16, and we use the breed lists.
Country of breeding, sex, age and handler records come from the club's record pages. AKC popularity ranks come from the AKC's 2025 rankings of 202 breeds. Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, Bull Terrier, Beagle and Collie varieties share one AKC rank.
Sources
- Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show winners, 1907 to 2026, Every winner by year, breed, owner and judge
- Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show records by group, breed, sex, age, country and handler, Group assignments, sex counts, oldest and youngest, country of breeding, handlers
- Westminster Kennel Club, 2026 Best in Show results, Penny's registered name, breed, owners, date of birth; Reserve Best in Show
- Also consulted: Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show awards by breed, 1907 to 2025, Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show handlers, Westminster Kennel Club, Best in Show winners by country of breeding, CNN (via KTVZ), Penny the Doberman pinscher claims Best in Show at 150th Westminster, February 3, 2026, American Kennel Club, Most popular dog breeds of 2025, AKC press release, 2025 most popular breeds.
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