It wasn’t just the skyline sparkling on Tuesday night. The true star of New York City’s glittering Madison Square Garden was none other than Penny, the 4-year-old Doberman Pinscher who strutted her way into history as Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Yes, you read that correctly. The milestone sesquicentennial Westminster, America’s oldest continuously held dog show, and the country’s second-oldest sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, crowned a Doberman. And not just any Doberman—this one, GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, commanded the spotlight, melting hearts and earning cheers from the crowd louder than the Big Apple’s subway at rush hour.
Penny emerged from the Working Group, conquering a field of 2,500 competitors from 202 breeds, representing all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 17 other countries. Her victory marks only the fifth time a Doberman has captured Westminster’s top prize, and the 42nd female to claim Best in Show—a stylish reminder that elegance, brains, and a touch of sass go paw in paw.
Handler Andy Linton knows a thing or two about Doberman dominance. Linton also guided Indy to Westminster glory in 1989, making Penny’s triumph a nearly four-decade echo of excellence. “She is as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen,” Linton told an adoring crowd. And let’s be honest—if your pooch can handle Madison Square Garden, flashing purple ribbons, and thousands of admirers without skipping a beat, she deserves nothing less than a throne.
The Stars of the Ring
Penny’s Best in Show showdown included six other champions who each dazzled in their respective groups:
- Cota, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Sporting Group winner, Reserve Best in Show)
- Zaida, the elegant Afghan Hound (Hound Group)
- JJ—short for Jingle Juice—the Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting Group)
- Cookie, the ever-charming Maltese (Toy Group)
- Graham, the shag-tastic Old English Sheepdog (Herding Group)
- Wager, the sleek Smooth Fox Terrier (Terrier Group)
Judge David Fitzpatrick called the lineup “one that will go down in history”—and he wasn’t exaggerating. From Afghan Hound elegance to Maltese glamour, each finalist brought the kind of poise, panache, and paw-sitive energy that makes Westminster a dog lover’s dream.
Even beyond the finals, the two-night spectacle offered plenty of meme-worthy moments: Calaco the Xoloitzcuintli strutted like he owned the place, Beamer the Vizsla hopped into a props box for a quick cameo, and Storm the Newfoundland demonstrated his towering personality—literally—by standing tall on his handler. Let’s not forget Oliver the Golden Retriever, whose crowd-cheering fan club nearly drowned out the announcer, and Lumpy the Pekingese, who made his name unforgettable with chants of “Lumpy! Lumpy!”
Comet, the Shih Tzu, stole hearts with every tiny paw-step and twirl. And, let’s not forget Aslan, a top-winning Pomeranian (GCHG CH Artistry’s Aslan All That Is Good), achieved significant success in early 2026, winning Best in Show at the Toy Progressive Dog Club in NYC and 2nd in the Toy Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Handled by Stevie, Aslan continued his winning streak from 2025.
Westminster is a world where poise meets pedigree, but it’s also about personalities. Penny, for example, is demanding, intelligent, and completely food-motivated, co-owner Greg Chan revealed. “She’s a pleaser—she’ll do anything for food. Her favorite snack? Everything.” Ringside, she politely nudged visitors’ legs for pets, proving she’s not just a champion—she’s a socialite.
Beyond the Ribbon
While Penny claims the spotlight, Westminster also celebrated stories of firsts and milestones. Millie, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, competed in her breed’s first eligible year. Joseph Carrero and Dezi, a Neapolitan Mastiff, showed the magic that happens when passion meets perseverance. And Natalee Ridenhour and Invictus, a massive Boerboel, reminded everyone that joy sometimes comes from the love and attention shared with giant, gentle souls.
Penny’s night doesn’t end with the purple ribbon. On Feb. 4, she’ll enjoy a press tour and a winner’s feast at Peak with Priceless at Edge NYC, perched atop 30 Hudson Yards—because even Best in Show deserves a skyline view with their dinner.
In a world of glamour, grace, and fur, Penny reminded us why we watch Westminster every year: the thrill of competition, the elegance of purebred poise, and the undeniable magic when a dog owns every eye in the room.
Congratulations, Penny—the queen of Madison Square Garden, and the latest icon in Westminster history. DOGUE is here for it, and we’ll be taking notes on every paw-step of her reign.