Penny the Doberman Pinscher Wins 150th Westminster Dog Show

Veteran handler Andy Linton guides 4-year-old Penny to best in show victory at milestone event.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night, giving veteran handler Andy Linton his second career Westminster win after nearly four decades. Linton, who also won in 1989 with another Doberman, guided the 4-year-old Penny through an impeccable performance to claim the most coveted prize in U.S. show dog competition.

Why it matters

Dobermans have now won the Westminster best in show title five times, including this latest victory. However, no retriever breed has ever won the top prize, making the strong showing by the Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota a highlight for those fans. The Westminster show remains one of the most prestigious events in the dog show world, with thousands of dogs from over 200 breeds competing for the championship.

The details

Penny, the winning Doberman, is described as a "very chill" dog who can also get "pretty pumped up" when needed. Co-owner Greg Chan says Penny is "very demanding and very smart," but also "a pleaser" who will do anything for food. In the final round, Penny beat out other finalists including an Afghan hound, Lhasa apso, Maltese, old English sheepdog, and smooth fox terrier.

  • The 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place on February 3, 2026.
  • Penny won the best in show title on Tuesday night, February 3, 2026.

The players

Penny

A 4-year-old Doberman pinscher who won best in show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Andy Linton

A veteran dog handler who guided Penny to the Westminster best in show title, his second career win at the prestigious event after also winning in 1989 with another Doberman.

Cota

A Chesapeake Bay retriever who was the runner-up in the best in show competition, marking a strong showing for the retriever breed which has never won the Westminster title.

Greg Chan

The co-owner of Penny the Doberman, who describes the dog as "very demanding and very smart," but also "a pleaser" who will do anything for food.

David Fitzpatrick

The judge who oversaw the best in show competition, which he called "a lineup that will go down in history."

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What they’re saying

“'Penny is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen.'”

— Andy Linton, Veteran dog handler

“'I had some goals, and this was one of them. As I'm winding down my career, winning at the milestone 150th annual Westminster show is extra-special.'”

— Andy Linton, Veteran dog handler

“'Honestly, the big win is: You're about the 50th person who's gotten down in his face and loved on him.'”

— Natalee Ridenhour

What’s next

The judge in the best in show competition, David Fitzpatrick, praised the lineup of finalists as "a lineup that will go down in history." It remains to be seen if Penny and the other top dogs will return to compete at future Westminster shows.

The takeaway

Penny's victory continues the Doberman pinscher breed's dominance at the Westminster show, while also highlighting the enduring popularity and appeal of the event itself as it celebrates its 150th edition. The strong showing by the Chesapeake Bay retriever Cota suggests the retriever breeds may be closing in on their first-ever Westminster best in show title.