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Indian Springs Today
By the People, for the People
Penny the Doberman Pinscher Wins 150th Westminster Dog Show
Veteran handler Andy Linton guides 4-year-old Penny to coveted best in show title.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show at the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, giving veteran handler Andy Linton his second career Westminster win after nearly four decades. Penny's impeccable performance and Linton's guidance through health challenges impressed the crowd and judges, who called the lineup of finalists "one that will go down in history."
Why it matters
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog competitions in the United States, and winning best in show is a major accomplishment for both the dog and the handler. Penny's victory continues the Doberman breed's success at Westminster, while also highlighting the challenges handlers like Linton can face in guiding their dogs to the top prize.
The details
Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher, won best in show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Veteran handler Andy Linton, who previously won Westminster with a Doberman in 1989, guided Penny through an "impeccably crisp performance" despite health problems. The runner-up was a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, while other finalists included an Afghan hound, Lhasa apso, Maltese, old English sheepdog, and smooth fox terrier.
- The 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
- Linton previously won Westminster with a Doberman in 1989.
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 best in show title, his second career Westminster win after winning with a Doberman in 1989.
Cota
A Chesapeake Bay retriever who was the runner-up at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
David Fitzpatrick
The judge at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, who called the lineup of finalists "one that will go down in history."
Greg Chan
The co-owner of Penny the Doberman pinscher.
What they’re saying
“'Penny is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen.'”
— Andy Linton, Penny's handler (taylorvilledailynews.com)
“'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, Penny's handler (taylorvilledailynews.com)
“'Penny is very demanding and very smart, but she's also a pleaser - she'll do anything for food.'”
— Greg Chan, Penny's co-owner (taylorvilledailynews.com)
What’s next
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will return in 2027 for its 151st edition.
The takeaway
Penny's victory at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show demonstrates the enduring appeal and prestige of this premier dog competition, as well as the skill and dedication required for handlers to guide their canine companions to the top prize.