NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Penny, the Doberman Pinscher, winner of Best in Show, during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best In Show at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2026 in New York City. Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

The four-year-old Doberman Pinscher beat out nearly 2,500 dogs for the top prize at Madison Square Garden.

It was a big night in the Big Apple for dog lovers! Penny the Doberman Pinscher pulled off a huge win last night, taking home Best in Show at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Penny the Doberman Takes Best in Show

Penny beat out nearly 2,500 other dogs at Madison Square Garden to grab the top spot. It was a historic night for a few reasons: she’s the 42nd female to win, and it’s the first time a Doberman has won the whole thing since 1989. Interestingly, the same handler, Andy Linton, was behind both of those wins.

Psst… Meet Dogs From Around the World at the Westminster Dog Show in NYC

Penny, the Doberman Pinscher, winner of Best in Show, and his handler Andy Linton during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best In Show at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2026 in New York City.Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

Having grown up with a super affectionate female Doberman, I have to admit I am more than excited to see this breed take top spot. They are beautiful dogs and can be incredibly sweet, despite their reputation.

Penny’s Handler, Andy Linton said, “She is as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen.”

The Winning Lineup
Cota, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, 1st place winner of Sporting Group, competes during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Junior Showmanship, Group Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier) + Best In Show at Madison Square Garden on February 03, 2026 in New York City. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club

Judge David Fitzpatrick had the tough job of picking one winner from the seven group champions. While Penny took the crown, Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever earned the runner-up spot (Reserve Best in Show).

Here’s a quick look at the “best of the best” who made it to the final ring:

Group
Winner
Breed

Working
Penny
Doberman Pinscher

Sporting
Cota
Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Herding
Graham
Old English Sheepdog

Hound
Zaida
Afghan Hound

Non-Sporting
JJ (“Jingle Juice”)
Lhasa Apso

Terrier
Wager
Smooth Fox Terrier

Toy
Cookie
Maltese

 

This year was marked the 150th anniversary of Westminster, making it one of the oldest sporting traditions in the country. According to the judge, this specific lineup of finalists was one for the history books, not to mention purely adorable.

Psst… Check Out How NYC Families Can Help Shelter Dogs Right Now with the Adventure Buddy Program 

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