Introduction
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States. It has been held annually since 1877, making it the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the country after the Kentucky Derby.[1] The show includes conformation judging of various breeds of dogs, which is used to determine the Best in Show winner. The Best in Show award is highly coveted and considered one of the highest honors in the dog show world.[2] Winning Westminster establishes a dog as one of the prime examples of its breed.
The Top Winning Breeds
Out of the hundreds of breeds that compete each year, there are 5 that have won Best in Show the most at Westminster:
1. Wire Fox Terrier – 15 wins (1913, 1915-1917, 1919, 1920, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1928-1930, 1934, 1937, 1948). Source
2. Scottish Terrier – 8 wins (1911, 1915, 1920, 1922, 1933, 1935, 1954, 1965). Source
3. Standard Poodle – 7 wins (1991, 2002, 2010, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). Source
4. English Springer Spaniel – 6 wins (1910, 1921, 1927, 1937, 1947, 1951). Source
5. Kerry Blue Terrier – 5 wins (1922, 1928, 1943, 1957, 1959). Source
Terriers Dominate
Terriers have dominated the Westminster Best in Show competition, winning the top prize almost 50 times. There are a few key reasons why terriers perform so well:
Terriers were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. This gives them an intense prey drive and determination that serves them well in competition. Their alertness, energy, and agility have helped make them successful in the Westminster ring. Additionally, terriers tend to have outgoing, confident personalities that allow them to thrive under the bright lights of the big show [1].
Some of the top winning terrier breeds at Westminster include:
– Smooth Fox Terrier – Won Best in Show 15 times, the most of any breed. The legendary Ch. Warren Remedy won an incredible 4 times in the early 1900s.
– Wire Fox Terrier – Has won Best in Show 14 times, including a record 7 straight wins from 1915-1921.
– Scottish Terrier – 8 time Best in Show winners. Famous winners include Ch. Filarette and Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot.
– Airedale Terrier – 4 Best in Show wins. The first Airedale winner in 1912 was Ch. Warren Remedy, who also won with the Smooth Fox Terriers.
– Kerry Blue Terrier – 4 victories for this breed, including back-to-back wins in 1984 and 1985.
Rarer Breed Victories
While terriers like Wire Fox Terriers and Scottish Terriers have dominated Westminster’s Best in Show winners list, some more uncommon breeds have also taken home the top prize over the years. In 2022, a French Bulldog named Winston won Best in Show, becoming the first dog of his breed ever to win at Westminster according to the American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/french-bulldog-wins-best-in-show-westminster/).
Another notable rarer breed winner was a Sussex Spaniel named Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee who won Best in Show at Westminster in 2009. The Sussex Spaniel is one of the rarest of the Sporting breeds according to the AKC, and this was only the second time ever that a Sussex Spaniel took home the top prize at Westminster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Best_in_Show_winners_of_the_Westminster_Kennel_Club_Dog_Show).
While uncommon breeds don’t often win Best in Show, it’s always exciting for dog lovers when they do, proving that any breed has a chance with the right combination of quality and presentation on the big stage at Westminster.
Judging Criteria
The Best in Show winner at Westminster is selected based on how closely each dog conforms to their breed standard. According to the Westminster Kennel Club, “The breed standard describes the characteristics, physical attributes, and personality of the ideal representative of each recognized breed.”
There are seven groups that dogs are divided into – Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Each group is judged separately, with one dog being named Best in Group. Those seven dogs then compete for Best in Show.
The Best in Show judge evaluates each dog based on specific attributes. For example, they examine details like the dog’s gait, coat, musculature, and how the dog moves around the ring. The goal is to determine how close that dog comes to the ideal for their breed type. The dog that exemplifies their breed’s standards the best is awarded Best in Show.
According to judge Dr. Donald Sturz, key qualities judges look for are “attitude, presentation, conditioning, and essence of breed type.” They want a dog that moves fluidly, looks alert and confident, has excellent hair and coat condition, and possesses the quintessential characteristics of their breed.
Controversial Moments
The Westminster Dog Show has had its share of controversies over the years. In 2018, a bloodhound named Rufus was a surprise winner for Best in Show, beating out more popular breeds like whippets and pugs (Source). Many viewers questioned the judging, feeling that Rufus did not exemplify ideal qualities for his breed. There was speculation that politics played a role, as Rufus’ handler was a high-ranking member of the American Kennel Club.
In 2020, a standard poodle named Siba won Best in Show amidst allegations from animal rights groups like PETA that the practices involved in preparing show dogs are cruel. This included excessive grooming, dyeing of fur, and the use of hairspray and adhesive to achieve the perfect coif (Source). The win made Siba the 5th standard poodle in Westminster history to take home the top prize.
Beyond judging disputes, Westminster has also dealt with outside protests about purebred breeding practices. In 2014, an activist briefly interrupted the show by rushing onstage with a banner that read “Mutts Rule” (Source). While disrupted for only a moment, the incident highlighted debates around health issues in some purebred dogs.
Handlers are Critical
The handler plays a critical role in a dog’s success at Westminster. While the dogs themselves are the stars of the show, it’s the handlers who ensure they are presented in the best possible light before the judges. As the AKC explains, the handler has a strong bond with their dog and knows its body language and personality inside and out. They are responsible for trotting the dogs around the ring, making sure they are stacked and baited properly, and following the judges’ instructions smoothly.
Some of the top professional handlers at Westminster include Bill McFadden, who has handled the Best in Show winner numerous times, and Gabriel Rangel, who handled the 2015 Best in Show winner. These handlers spend months on the road at dog shows, developing relationships with show dogs and perfecting presentation techniques. Their expertise in grooming, training and handling is a major factor in whether a dog can rise to the top at Westminster.
While professional handlers dominate the higher ranks at Westminster, some amateur owners still choose to handle their own dogs. In fact, the 2008 Best in Show winner, a Beagle named Uno, was handled by his owner. However, owner-handlers face an uphill battle against the seasoned professionals. The handlers help showcase each dog’s conformation to the judge’s strict specifications.
Behind the Scenes
The Westminster Dog Show requires immense preparation for both dogs and their handlers (CNN). Handlers work with dogs for months or even years leading up to the show, training them to stack (stand still and pose) and gait (walk and run) perfectly. Dogs are groomed meticulously to meet breed standards. Many owners hire professional handlers to present their dogs and maximize their chances of winning.
Even on show days, preparation continues in the benching area backstage. Handlers give dogs a last minute brushing, and some even use hairspray, chalk or powders to touch up coats. Treats and toys are used to keep dogs alert yet relaxed. The main priority is keeping dogs comfortable amid all the commotion.
While the show ring may only take a few minutes, the road to Westminster spans years of ongoing training, conditioning and bonding between handlers and dogs. This dedicated prep work allows them to showcase each breed’s characteristics to perfection before the judges.
Winning Dogs’ Lives
After winning Best in Show at Westminster, these top dogs go on to enjoy luxurious lives that include media appearances, breeding, traveling for dog shows, and lots of treats and pampering. The prestige of winning helps their owners command high stud fees for breeding, often earning over $10,000 per breeding.
Some of the most famous Westminster winners include Uno the Beagle, who in 2008 became the first of his breed to take home the title and appeared on television shows afterwards. Stump, the Sussex Spaniel who won in 2009, became an inspiration for his breed and appeared on the cover of AARP magazine. And Sky, the Wire Fox Terrier winner in 2014, did media interviews on the Today Show and CNN.
While the dogs enjoy fame after their victories, they typically continue competing at dog shows and serving as ambassadors for their breeds. Their graceful ages and transition into retirement are often covered by media who followed their journeys. The hard work to win Best in Show results in comfortable golden years for these top dogs.
Conclusion
Winning Best in Show at Westminster is the pinnacle for any show dog. The prestige and recognition that comes with the victory puts a Westminster winner in the annals of dog show history. A Westminster winner becomes an instant celebrity in the dog show world.
Looking ahead, Westminster will continue showcasing the top dogs year after year. While terriers have dominated in the past, it’s always possible for a new breed to rise and claim Best in Show. As breeds go in and out of popularity with the public, we may see new trends emerge at Westminster. Regardless of the breed, the Best in Show winner will exemplify the highest show dog standards and join the ranks of Westminster legends.