Penny the Doberman Pinscher claimed Best in Show at the prestigious 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This victory came just days ago on February 3, 2026, marking a thrilling highlight in the world of canine competitions.

Westminster 2026 Triumph

Held annually in New York City, the Westminster Dog Show draws over 2,500 dogs from more than 200 breeds, judged across seven groups before crowning one ultimate champion. Penny, formally GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, dominated the Working Group and outshone finalists from other categories, including a Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Sporting), Smooth Fox Terrier (Terrier), Afghan Hound (Hound), Maltese (Toy), Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting), and Old English Sheepdog (Herding).

Her handler praised Penny's exceptional structure and presence, noting she stood out in what judges called one of the strongest lineups ever. This win elevates Penny's legacy, following her group's top honors and positioning her among elite show dogs.

Recent National Dog Show Context

If you're thinking of Thanksgiving traditions, Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show on November 27, 2025. The six-year-old herding star beat over 1,900 competitors, earning a $20,000 prize and rave reviews for her poise and energy from handler Daniel Martin.

  • Key Finalists : George (American Foxhound, Reserve Best in Show, Hound Group); other group winners from Terrier, Toy, Sporting, Non-Sporting.
  • Hosts : John O'Hurley, David Frei, and Mary Carillo brought the festive vibe on NBC.

Soleil followed 2024's pug winner Vito, continuing the event's streak of diverse breed victors since 2002.

Trending Buzz and Comparisons

Online forums and news outlets lit up post-Westminster, with fans debating Penny's elegant gait against Soleil's crowd-pleasing flair. Some highlight Dobermans' rare BIS wins (only a handful historically), while others note herding breeds like Soleil dominating lately.

Show| Winner| Breed| Date| Prize/Notes 31
---|---|---|---|---
Westminster 2026| Penny| Doberman Pinscher| Feb 3, 2026| Working Group champ; "best lineup ever"
National 2025| Soleil| Belgian Sheepdog| Nov 27, 2025| $20K; Herding standout vs. 1,900 dogs
Westminster 2025| Monty| Giant Schnauzer| 2025| First for breed; working group 5

These events showcase evolving trends—Working breeds rising in 2026 after herding successes—keeping dog show fandom hooked year-round.

TL;DR: Penny (Doberman) won Westminster 2026 Best in Show on Feb 3; recent National Dog Show 2025 went to Soleil (Belgian Sheepdog).

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.