National Dog Show Winners From the Past 25 Years
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All dogs by nature are winners, but some show better than others. In the case of these 25 pooches, they each captured the coveted title of Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show going back a quarter of a century.
So, what makes them so unique?
Breed alone won’t win the title at America's most exclusive dog show, but it will definitely give your dog a leg (to bark) up. There are plenty of behaviors and quirks associated with different breeds, and some work better than others for show dogs. But even if you don’t have visions of traipsing through the obstacle course with Fido perfectly at your command, each of these dog breeds is worthy of consideration if you’re looking to bring a canine companion into your life.
1996: Clumber Spaniel
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Winner: Ch. Clussexx Country Sunrise
Owners: Judith and Richard Zaleski
Judge: D. Roy Holloway
The largest of the spaniel breeds, this pup was originally intended as a bird dog and will be a great playmate for children. They are quite lumbering and can easily get sidetracked on a scent.
But they take well to training and are terrific companions at home. Clumbers tend to be quiet and only bark when they want something.
* Here's a guide to the prefix titles before some of these dogs' names.
Clumber Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Mellow, amusing, gentlemanly
Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
Weight: 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
* We sourced breed information from the always reliable American Kennel Club.
1997: Standard Schnauzer
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Winner: Ch. Parsifal Di Casa Netzer
Owners: Rita Holloway and Gabrio Del Torre
Judge: Mrs. Dorothy N. Collier
Originally bred as a German farm dog, Standard schnauzers have a muscular build and attentive face framed by a thick beard that gives them a wise old man kind of face.
They need plenty of exercise and are the ideal family pet — manageably sized, great with kids and protective.
Standard Schnauzer Overview
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Temperament: Fearless, smart, spirited
Height: 18.5-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-18.5 inches (female)
Weight: 35-50 pounds (male), 30-45 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 13-16 years
1998: Norwich Terrier
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Winner: Ch. Fairewood Frolic
Owner: Sandina Kennels
Judge: Dr. N. Josephine Deubler
Norwich terriers are a big bundle of energy and enthusiasm in a tiny frame. And they might be small, but they’re powerful dogs originally bred as ratters.
Norwiches are just as happy playing fetch all day as lounging around the home, although they do need a good amount of daily exercise.
Norwich Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, alert, curious
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
1999: Papillon
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Winner: Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being
Owner: John Oulton
Judge: Mr. Edd Embry Bivin
The papillon name derives from the French word for "butterfly" and, indeed, their ears have a fluttery appearance. They are sweet dogs and love to cuddle while also being generally content and alert.
Papillons make terrific companions and need plenty of activity time.
Papillon Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, alert, happy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 5-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-16 years
2000: English Springer Spaniel
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Winner: Ch. Salilyn ‘N Erin’s Shameless
Owner: C. Blain, F. Sunseri and J. Gasow
Judge: Mr. Chester F. Collier
English springers are characterized by their droopiness — long, furry and flowing ears dangle over a sweet and mopey face. It’s hard to resist those eyes.
This spaniel was originally bred to work with people, so they need plenty of attention and abhor neglect. Frequent walks and games of fetch will do the trick.
English Springer Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, playful, obedient
Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
2001: Bichon Frise
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Winner: Ch. Special Times Just Right
Owners: C. Ruggles, E. McDonald and F. Werneck
Judge: Miss Dorothy M. MacDonald
This breed is marked by a puffy appearance when meticulously groomed, and despite their small stature, bichons believe themselves to be much larger. Get ready for deep cuddle sessions with this hypoallergenic coat.
Bichons are only mildly active and love to be well trained, so they can perform for their humans.
Bichon Frise Overview
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Temperament: Playful, curious, peppy
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
2002: Poodle (Miniature)
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Winner: Ch. Surrey Spice Girl
Owners: Ron L. Scott & Barbara Scott
Judge: Mr. W. Everett Dean Jr.
Poodles, no matter their size, are one of the top 10 most popular breeds in America for good reason. They are extremely intelligent and friendly, and they can be groomed a thousand different ways.
Even the miniature version needs tons of exercise — they love water games and fetch — and daily brushing to keep them happy and beautiful.
Poodle (Miniature) Overview
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Temperament: Active, proud, very smart
Height: 10-15 inches
Weight: 10-15 pounds
Life expectancy: 10-18 years
2003: Kerry Blue Terrier
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Winner: Ch. Torums Scarf Michael
Owner: Marilu Hansen
Judge: Mrs. Irene Bivin
True to their name, these terriers have a head-turning coat of blue fur covering their athletic and stocky frames. That blue coat, however, does require weekly maintenance since this breed doesn’t shed.
Kerry Blues are great family pets since they love people and playing. They will happily go along for a jog or nestle up to their humans for some couch time.
Kerry Blue Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Smart, alert, people-oriented
Height: 18-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-19 inches (female)
Weight: 33-40 pounds (male), females weigh slightly less than males
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
2004: Newfoundland
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Winner: Ch. Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove
Owners: Peggy Helming and Carol Bernard Bergmann
Judge: Mr. Burton J. Yamada
Newfies are like the parent who always keeps a calm demeanor even under trying circumstances, and that means they are perfect as a family pet for younger children even though they’re one of the largest breeds around. But their patience and gentleness are equally large, so it’s a good match.
Just be prepared for serious grooming at least weekly to manage the massive coat.
Newfoundland Overview
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Temperament: Sweet, patient, devoted
Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 9-10 years
2005: German Shorthaired Pointer
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Winner: Ch. Kan-Point’s VJK Autumn Roses
Owners: L. and R. Stark, C. Cronk and V. Nunes-Atkinson
Judge: Mrs. Lynette Saltzman
This extremely popular breed has a distinctive reddish-brown coat that sometimes also contains white fur. They are one of the best people dogs, relishing attention and an active lifestyle.
Training helps them relieve some of their boundless energy, and that means they demand a disciplined human companion who’s ready for the ride.
German Shorthaired Pointer Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, smart, willing to please
Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
2006: Bull Terrier (Colored)
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Winner: Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid
Owners: Barbara Bishop, W. F. Poole, N. Shepherd, R.P. Pool and Dorothy Cherry
Judge: Mr. James G. Reynolds
Marked by their elongated and egg-shaped heads, bull terriers (BTs) are powerful little dogs that love attention and exercise and will entertain their humans for hours on end.
These pooches are a lot of fun, but they demand a high level of attention. BTs must be expertly trained and given ample exercise time, and they need to socialize early with other dogs to maintain good behavior.
Bull Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Playful, charming, mischievous
Height: 21-22 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-13 years
2007: English Springer Spaniel
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Winner: Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim
Owners: Teresa Patton, Allen Patton, R. Dehmel, D. Hadsall
Judge: Dr. Robert A. Indeglia
Another English Springer took the crown in 2007. A fascinating fact about this breed is that they make for excellent K9 detectives thanks to their trainability, durability and keen sense of smell.
In their early days, they helped British hunters snuff out game birds.
English Springer Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, playful, obedient
Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
2008: Beagle (15 Inch)
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Winner: Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First
Owners: Caroline Dowell, Eddie Dziuk, Jon Woodring and Kathy Weichert
Judge: Dr. J. Donald Jones
Beagles come in small and smaller, and they are without a doubt one of the canine kingdom’s most handsome breeds thanks to their floppy yet charming ears and earnest gaze. A pack hunter by nature, beagles love company and are fiercely loyal.
Beagles are known to bond extremely closely with their humans, and they are one of the merriest and loving breeds. Keep them occupied and exercised daily, and they will be a best friend for life.
Beagle Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, curious, merry
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
2009: Sussex Spaniel
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Winner: Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee
Owners: Cecilia Ruggles, Beth Dowd and Scott Sommer
Judge: Mrs. Sari Brewster Tietjen
Mild-mannered, warm and curious, the Sussex spaniel is a loyal companion whose frowny face belies a happy and outgoing personality. This breed is strong and stout if a little slow out of the gate.
They love the outdoors and playtime, and they have excellent memories even if they’re a bit stubborn during training.
Sussex Spaniel Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, merry, even-tempered
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 35-45 pounds
Life expectancy: 13-15 years
2010: Scottish Terrier
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Winner: Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot
Owner: Amelia Musser
Judge: Mr. Elliott B. Weiss
With a long and alert face, powerful frame and beard-like whiskers, Scotties are one of the most distinct terrier breeds. They are excellent watchdogs and crave activities and long walks with their humans.
Scotties might not play nice with other breeds and will chase cats around all day. Give them plenty of grooming sessions, and that coat will shine.
Scottish Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Confident, independent, spirited
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 19-22 pounds (male), 18-21 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 12 years
2011: Scottish Deerhound
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Winner: GCH. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind
Owners: Sally Sweatt, Cecilia L. Dove, Dr. R. Scott Dove
Judge: Mr. Paolo Dondina
Deerhounds are a massive breed cut from the greyhound mold, only much larger and furrier. Still, they move with grace and were originally bred to chase down wild red deer.
Their thick and wiry coat is actually easy to manage and requires only weekly grooming. Deerhounds don’t do well pent up in the home all day and require ample space to stretch their legs.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
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Temperament: Gentle, dignified, polite
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28 inches and up (female)
Weight: 85-110 pounds (male), 75-95 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 8-11 years
2012: Pekingese
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Winner: GCH. Palacegarden Malachy
Owners: Iris Love, S. Middlebrooks and D. Fitzpatrick
Judge: Mrs. Cindy Vogels
There must be an actual dog buried in all that fur. When you do find the miniature pooch, you might never let it go. The Pekingese is known as one of the most affectionate and loyal breeds that bond for life with their humans.
Just be ready for a severely high-maintenance dog that seemingly needs to be brushed and groomed 24 hours a day. But at least you won’t have to go for long walks, as Pekingese don’t require tons of exercise.
Pekingese Overview
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Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, regal in manner
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
2013: Affenpinscher
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Winner: GCH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari
Owners: Zoila Truesdale and Mieke Cooymans
Judge: Mr. Michael J. Dougherty
Is it an ape dog, monkey dog, Wookie or Ewok? No, it’s an Affen! These bundles of fun come in a tiny package but boast a larger-than-life personality. They are marked by their distinct, human-like facial expressions and ability to own the room with their antics.
This extremely confident breed needs tons of grooming sessions but only moderate exercise.
Affenpinscher
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Temperament: Confident, famously funny, fearless
Height: 9-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
2014: Wire Fox Terrier
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Winner: GCH. Afterall Painting The Sky
Owners: Victor Malzoni Jr., Torie Steele, S. and M. Olund, and D. Ryan
Judge: Ms. Betty Regina Leininger
Wire foxes just keep going and going — they seemingly have an endless reserve of energy. This can be good for those who love to interact with their canine companion, and their low shedding and agreeable personality make them a wonderful family dog.
Training can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Grooming is minimal unless you plan to show this dog.
Wire Fox Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Confident, alert, gregarious
Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 18 pounds (male), 15-17 (female)
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
2015: Beagle (15 Inch)
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Winner: Ch. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble
Owners: Eddie Dziuk, Lori Crandlemire and Kaitlyn Crandlemire
Judge: Hon. David Merriam
Another beagle took the crown in 2015. The origin of this breed remains a mystery, but some accounts say its ancestors first emerged in ancient England circa the first century B.C.
Beagles became hugely popular in America after the Civil War and have been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1885.
Beagle Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, curious, merry
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)
Life expectancy: 10-15 years
2016: German Shorthaired Pointer
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Winner: GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey
Owners: Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, Alice Manning and Yvonne Hassler-Deterding
Judge: Dr. Richard Meen
Another German shorthaired pointer took the crown in 2016. It took generations of German ingenuity to perfect this breed as a versatile bird dog sometime in the early 19th century.
They are still considered one of the best breeds for competitive hunting events.
German Shorthaired Pointer Overview
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Temperament: Friendly, smart, willing to please
Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-12 years
2017: German Shepherd
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Winner: GCH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn
Owners: Deborah Stern, Pamela Buckles, Patti Dukeman, Pamela McElheney and Kent Boyles
Judge: Mr. Thomas H. Bradley III
The noblest breed of canine, German shepherds are tall, muscular, confident and steady. They make for terrific companion dogs or workers, with an unmatched loyalty to their humans and the ability to learn quickly and train easily.
German shepherds are graceful, gentle giants who play well with children and make excellent watchdogs. They need tons of exercise, or they might become aggressive.
German Shepherd Overview
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Temperament: Confident, courageous, smart
Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)
Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 7-10 years
2018: Bichon Frise
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Winner: GCHP Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love
Owners: Patrina and Bruce Odette, Lindsay Van Keuren, Lorrie Carlton and Larry Letsche DVM
Judge: Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark
Another bichon took the crown in 2018. Interestingly, the American Kennel Club has recognized the full breed only since 1972.
Bichons emerged from the Canary Islands centuries ago and are closely related to other tiny white-coated breeds like Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese.
Bichon Frise Overview
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Temperament: Playful, curious, peppy
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life expectancy: 14-15 years
2019: Wire Fox Terrier
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Winner: GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home
Owner: Victor Malzoni Jr.
Judge: Mr. Peter Green
Another wire fox terrier took the crown in 2019. British fox hunting reached its peak in the late 1700s and indeed that’s when this breed emerged.
Their job was to rouse the fox from its den, so hounds and horsemen could join in pursuit over clear and open lands.
Wire Fox Terrier Overview
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Temperament: Confident, alert, gregarious
Height: 15.5 inches
Weight: 18 pounds (male), 15-17 (female)
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
2020: Poodle (Standard)
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Winner: GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea
Owners: Connie S. Unger and William Lee
Judge: Mr. Robert H. Slay
Another poodle, albeit a standard-size one, took the crown in 2020. Poodles have an interesting history. They are the national dog of France, but originated in Germany as duck hunters.
They admirably performed this task for centuries before becoming fixtures in European circuses thanks to their snazzy looks and trainability.
Poodle (Standard) Overview
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Temperament: Active, proud, very smart
Height: Over 15 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)
Life expectancy: 10-18 years