List of Best in Show winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: A Century of Champions

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious canine competitions in the world, and its Best in Show winners are a testament to the diversity and excellence of dog breeds.

The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place in 1877, and since then, over 100 breeds have won the top honor.

From 1907 to 1913, the Bulldog held the title of Best in Show, winning a total of seven times.

The Chihuahua, with its tiny size and big personality, has also had its moment in the spotlight, winning Best in Show in 1955.

Additional reading: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a rich history, and one of the most exciting aspects is the Best in Show winner. The title of Best in Show has been awarded every year since 1907, except for 1923 when changes in American Kennel Club rules prohibited mixed breed judging.

The first dog to win the title of Best in Show was a Smooth Fox Terrier named Ch. Warren Remedy, who won it on three occasions. She remains the most successful dog to have won Best in Show at Westminster.

The Terrier Group is the most successful group, with 45 wins out of 103 occasions. This group has continued to win until 1913 when a Bulldog, Ch. Strathtay Prince Albert, won the title.

Here's a list of the top 3 most successful breeds to have won Best in Show at Westminster:

In 1992, competition at Westminster was restricted to champions only, making it even more impressive for a dog to win Best in Show.

Some breeds consistently stand out to judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The wire fox terrier is a notable example, having placed in the group competition 59 times since 1924.

Poodles, on the other hand, are extremely popular among the American public, ranking as the fifth most popular breed in 2023 according to the AKC's registration data.

Terriers have a long history of success at Westminster, with the first winner being a smooth fox terrier named Warren Remedy in 1907.

They were heavily favored during the first two decades of the Best in Show award, and it's no surprise why - terriers have a unique grooming advantage that makes them ideal show dogs.

On a terrier, judges can groom the dog and know that, in 12 weeks, it will be in perfect condition for Westminster, thanks to their predictable grooming habits.

Since 1980, terriers have won 10 Best in Show titles, making them a dominant force in the competition.

Here's a breakdown of the top terrier winners:

Terriers continue to be a popular choice for Westminster's judges, but they no longer account for most winners.

The Shetland Sheepdog, also known as a Sheltie, is a highly trainable breed that excels in agility and obedience competitions. They have a strong work ethic and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

The Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler, is a breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are highly intelligent and can be trained for a variety of tasks.

The Border Collie is a breed that is known for its high energy levels and intense focus, making it a top performer in agility and herding competitions. Their intelligence and athleticism make them a popular choice for active owners.

The Doberman Pinscher is a breed that is often misunderstood due to its intimidating appearance, but it is actually a loyal and loving companion that excels in obedience and agility competitions. With proper training and socialization, they can be wonderful family pets.

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The Terrier Group has been the most successful category at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, with 45 wins out of 103 occasions. This group has consistently produced winners, including a Bulldog named Ch. Strathtay Prince Albert, who won the title in 1913.

Consider reading: Non Sporting Group Westminster 2023

The Terrier Group's success can be attributed to its long history of producing top-notch dogs. In contrast, the Herding Group, which was created in 1983, has struggled to produce winners, with only two wins in 2017 and 1987 by German Shepherd Dogs.

The Terrier Group's dominance is a testament to the breed's enduring popularity and excellence.

For your interest: Hound Group Westminster 2023

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a rich history, and the list of Best in Show winners is a testament to that.

The first Best in Show winner was Ch. Warren Remedy, a Smooth Fox Terrier, who won the title in 1907.

The James Mortimer Memorial Silver Trophy is awarded to a dog that wins Best in Show on five separate occasions with the same owner.

Here's a list of the Best in Show winners from 1907 to 2024:

The Sussex Spaniel, Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, won the title in 2009, making it a memorable year for the breed.

The winners by group were a diverse and talented bunch.

The winners of the science category came from groups A and B, with 30% and 25% of the winners respectively.

The group with the highest number of winners was A, with a total of 45 winners.

Group C had the fewest number of winners, with only 10 winners from that group.

The winners from group A were mostly from the 20-30 age range, with 60% of the winners falling into this category.

The winners from group B were more evenly distributed across the age ranges, with 35% of winners in the 20-30 age range and 30% in the 30-40 age range.

A different take: Terrier Group Westminster 2023