Couples Bond Over Dogs at Westminster Kennel Club Show

Married handlers Bill and Taffe McFadden have faced off at dog shows for decades.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show not only spotlights the bond between people and their canine companions, but also the relationships between couples who are deeply invested in the world of competitive dog handling. Bill and Taffe McFadden, a married couple who met at a dog show in the 1970s, have both achieved success at the prestigious event, sometimes even competing against each other.

Why it matters

The Westminster Dog Show is one of the most high-profile events in the dog show circuit, attracting devoted competitors and spectators alike. The story of Bill and Taffe McFadden highlights how the shared passion for dogs can bring couples together and strengthen their bond, even when they are rivals in the show ring.

The details

Bill and Taffe McFadden, who married in 1985, have both achieved success at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show over the years. Bill has won the event twice, while Taffe's Havanese was a finalist in 2019. The couple says they have no hard feelings when competing against each other, with Bill noting that some of his best memories are watching Taffe win Best in Show.

  • The McFaddens met at a dog show in the late 1970s.
  • Bill and Taffe McFadden married in 1985.
  • Taffe's Havanese was a finalist at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2019.
  • The 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place in 2026.

The players

Bill McFadden

A two-time winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and half of a dogdom power couple with his wife, Taffe.

Taffe McFadden

Bill McFadden's wife, who has also achieved success at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, including a finalist placement with her Havanese in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it would be very hard to do this without somebody who was as vested in it as I am.”

— Bill McFadden (The Columbian)

“I think some of my best memories are watching Taffe win best in show.”

— Bill McFadden (The Columbian)

The takeaway

The story of Bill and Taffe McFadden demonstrates how a shared passion for dogs can bring couples closer together, even when they are competitors in the high-stakes world of dog shows. Their successful partnership, both in and out of the show ring, highlights the power of love and dedication to a common pursuit.