The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the three major dog shows in the United States, along with the National Dog Show and the AKC Championship. The all-breed conformation show is held traditionally every year in New York City, one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. Here is the list of the top ten dogs who have won the Best in Show title at the world-famous canine competition in the past from 2013 to 2022.
A Smooth Fox Terrier named Ch. Warren Remedy was the first winner of the Westminster Best in Show title and the only canine to have claimed the title on three occasions in the show's history (1907, 1908, 1909). If you are new to canine competition shows, the format is fairly simple. Dogs compete with each other to determine the best in their specific groups which include Hound, Herding, Toy, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working and Terrier. Those dogs then compete for the overall Best in Show to determine the winner.
1. Westminster 2022 Best in Show: Trumpet the Bloodhound
Trumpet the Bloodhound earned the 2022 Westminster Best in Show prize, becoming the first Bloodhound ever to win the show. Trumpet beat over 3,000 dogs from 200 breeds and varieties to win the title. He was handled by Heather Buehner, of Champaign County, Illinois. Most of all, Trumpet represented the hound family and owners who raise them very well.
2. Westminster 2021 Best in Show: Wasabi the Pekingese
In 2021, Wasabi the Pekingese was declared Best in Show winner after outperforming thousands of other dogs. Wasabi's handler David Fitzpatrick, commented at the time that the adorable dog went from an unknown dog to a history-making dog. Pekingese dogs possess undying loyalty.
3. Westminster 2020 Best in Show: Siba the Standard Poodle
Siba the Standard Poodle won Best in Show at Westminster in 2020, being the fifth Poodle to win the title at Westminster. An adult Standard Poodle measures 15 inches in height, weighs 60 to 70 pounds and has an average life expectancy of 10 to 18 years. Regardless of size varieties, Poodles are wickedly smart dogs that can be trained with great success.
4. Westminster 2019 Best in Show: King the Wire Fox Terrier
Officially known as GCHB CH Kingarthur Van Foliny Home, King the Wire Fox Terrier was declared the 2019 Westminster Best in Show, being the 15th of his breed to win Best in Show at Westminster. Needless to say, it is worth noting that all of the dogs that compete at Westminster are good dogs, not losers. However, those that win Best in Shows are very good dogs.
5. Westminster 2018 Best in Show: Flynn the Bichon Frisé
Flynn the Bichon Frise was five years old when he won the 2018 Westminster Best in Show title. He is the second Bichon Frise dog breed to win Best in Show at Westminster. His handler, Bill McFadden, commented at the time that he participated in the show expecting nothing and just hoping for a good performance. Consequently, Flynn gave his handler that which he was hoping for: A good performance. And to McFadden, it felt a little unreal. Flynn had been competing at the Westminster Dog Show since 1991 but hadn't won the title until 2018. After Flynn's victory, McFadden said the dog had retired, according to the New York Times.
The Bichon Frise is a beautiful and intelligent dog breed. They are lovers, not fighters. Furthermore, they are adaptable and make great companions and nice little watchdogs.
6. Westminster 2017 Best in Show: Rumor the German Shepherd
Officially known as "GCH Rumor Has It," Rumor the German Shepherd won the 2017 coveted Westminster Best in Show title at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Best in Show judge, Thomas H. Bradley III, made the decision saying Rumor was just magnificent. Before winning the 2017 Westminster Best in Show, Rumor had won Best in Show at the AKC National Championship in 2015.
7. Westminster 2016 Best in Show: CJ the German Shorthaired Pointer
CJ the German Shorthaired Pointer from California was crowned Best in Show at the 2016 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. According to his handler, Valerie Atkinson, CJ was very serious in the ring and silly at home. His grandmother Carlee was the third German Shorthaired Pointer in the show’s history to win Best in Show in 2005.
8. Westminster 2015 Best in Show: Miss P the Beagle
In 2015, Miss P the 15-inch Beagle was crowned Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Miss P, with the P being a shorthand for Peyton, was four years old at the time. She was the second Beagle to win Best in Show at Westminster after her great-uncle Uno, who won the title in 2008.
9. Westminster 2014 Best in Show: Sky the Wire Fox Terrier
At the age of five, Sky the Wire Fox Terrier was declared Best in Show at the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that took place inside a nearly full Madison Square Garden. With the help of her handler Gabriel Rangel from Rialto, San Bernardino County, California, Sky was the 15th Wire Fox Terrier to win the Best in Show prize at Westminster.
10. Westminster 2013 Best in Show: Joe the Affenpinscher
Joe was the first Affenpinscher dog breed to win Westminster Best in Show in 2013. Officially known as GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, Joe beat out a total of 2,721 dogs from 187 breeds and varieties to win the coveted prize. According to the AKC, Joe understands commands in English, Dutch, Spanish and German. Moreover, Joe had won Best in Show at Crufts and the AKC National Championship in addition to his 2013 Westminster victory.
- See also: Top 9 Dog Shows In New York State (2023)
