Penny the Doberman Crowned at Westminster Dog Show
The results of the 150th Westminster Dog Show are in, and the coveted Best In Show award goes to Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher. Penny had to triumph over 3000 other dogs representing 202 breeds to win top honors.
It’s been 37 years since a Doberman took top prize at Westminster. The winner in 1989 – Indy – had been handled by Andy Linton, the very same handler who put Penny through her paces this week at Madison Square Garden. Linton told the crowd from the winner’s circle that Penny “is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen.”
Westminster Dog Show is the second-longest continuous sporting event in the US, dating back to 1877. Only the Kentucky Derby has been around longer. (Interesting that the most enduring sporting events are centered on animals.)
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is much bigger these days. The 3000 competing dogs come from every state in the US, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Another 17 countries bring contestants to the big show.
Penny’s 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 food.” When asked what her favorite snack is, Chan replied, “Everything.”
That should make it easier on the chefs at Peak with Priceless, the restaurant on the 101st floor above Hudson Yards, where Penny will celebrate her big win. Best in Show winners get a feast (usually a steak); traditionally the top dog was feted at Sardi’s, but in recent years the venues have varied.
Photo credit: Westminster Kennel Club
