New York, N.Y. — A Doberman Pinscher named Penny took the spotlight as America’s top dog after clinching the coveted Best in Show award on Tuesday night during the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This year’s event, held at Madison Square Garden, marked a significant milestone in the competition’s long history.

Judge David Fitzpatrick chose the four-year-old Doberman, hailing from Ontario, Canada, over six other group champions, including a Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota, who secured the reserve Best in Show title, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. The final contenders also featured an Afghan hound, a Lhasa Apso, a Maltese, a smooth fox terrier, and an Old English sheepdog, all vying for the top honor.

Handler Andy Linton celebrated his momentous win nearly four decades after his last Best in Show victory in 1989 with another Doberman. Linton, who has openly discussed living with Parkinson’s disease, expressed that this win held a deeper significance for him. “I had some goals, and this was one of them,” he reflected, noting that triumphing in such a milestone year made it “extra-special.”

Penny, officially recognized as GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, was bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan, who co-own her with Francis and Diana Sparagna. The competition began with around 2,500 dogs from over 200 breeds and varieties, showcasing talent from all 50 states and 17 countries. The breed judging took place at the nearby Javits Convention Center before finalists were selected for the prime-time finals.

Each dog was assessed on how well it conformed to its breed standard, taking into account factors like movement, structure, muscle tone, and overall presentation. While no monetary prize is awarded, the Best in Show title is the most prestigious accolade in American dog shows, significantly enhancing a dog’s breeding worth.

Penny’s win marks a notable moment in Westminster history, as Dobermans have now captured the top prize five times, including consecutive wins in the early 1950s and Linton’s previous victory in 1989. Developed in the late 19th century by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann in Germany, Dobermans have a longstanding association with police and military work.

Linton praised Penny’s exceptional qualities, describing her as exemplifying a well-balanced Doberman known for its protective yet approachable demeanor. This year’s win continued a trend of working breeds dominating the top awards, following a giant schnauzer’s victory in the previous year.

Cota, handled by Devon Kipp Levy, drew consistent cheers from the crowd as she finished as reserve Best in Show, highlighting the ongoing popularity of retrievers, although none have yet claimed Westminster’s top honor. Fitzpatrick acknowledged the outstanding quality of the participants, stating that the final line-up would be remembered in history.

This year’s event also paid homage to late actor Catherine O’Hara, known for her role in the beloved mockumentary “Best in Show,” with a tribute that celebrated her contributions to dog show culture.

With 202 breeds represented at this year’s show, including a Danish-Swedish farmdog, significant moments and history were made beyond the final judging ring. Following the victory, Penny will be part of a media blitz, featuring appearances and public engagements in New York before returning to her everyday life.

For Linton, winning under such revered conditions was about much more than the title itself. “You can’t attribute it to one thing, but she is as great a Doberman as I’ve seen,” he remarked, noting the quality of competition. The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will not soon be forgotten by attendees or participants, marking a celebratory chapter in its storied legacy.