Doberman pinscher named Penny wins best in show at Westminster - ESPN

NEW YORK — The dog was Penny. The win was priceless.

A Doberman pinscher named Penny won best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, netting U.S. show dogs' most coveted prize — and giving veteran Andy Linton another win after nearly four decades. Linton got best in show in 1989 with another Doberman, named Indy.

Penny «is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen,» Linton told a supportive crowd. Despite ongoing health problems, he had guided the 4-year-old dog through a razor-crisp performance.

«I had some goals, and this was one of them,» Linton said.

Runner-up — and cheers just as loud — went to a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota. Though Dobermans have won five times including Tuesday, no retriever has ever won, and their fans applaud every encouraging sign.

Cota also seemed to enjoy the moment, particularly when his handler let him play with the ribbon.

Other finalists included an Afghan hound named Zaida, a Lhasa apso called JJ, a Maltese named Cookie, an old English sheepdog dubbed Graham and a smooth fox terrier called Wager.

Each dog is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. The winner gets a trophy, ribbons, bragging rights and the distinction of winning the milestone 150th annual Westminster show.

A crowd favorite at the 2025 Westminster show, Penny has rocked show rings since. A throng of handlers and other dog folk cheered for her and the well-liked Linton in early-round action Tuesday afternoon.

Ringside afterward, Penny politely but pointedly nudged her nose into a visitor's leg, looking for something — pets, as it turned out.

Co-owner Greg Chan of Toronto said Penny is «very demanding and very smart,» but she's also «a pleaser — she'll do anything for