The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, established in 1877, is one of the most prestigious dog competitions in the United States. Each year, it showcases top canine talent across various breeds, culminating in the coveted Best in Show award. Let’s explore the Best in Show winners from 2020 through 2025.
🏆 2025: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
- Registered Name: GCHG CH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB
- Breed: Giant Schnauzer
- Handler: Katie Bernardin
- Owner(s): Sandra Nordstrom, Katherine Bernardin, Cherlann Ambrose
In 2025, Monty made history by becoming the first Giant Schnauzer to win Best in Show at Westminster. His victory ended a two-decade drought for the Working Group, with the last win in 2004 by a Newfoundland. Monty’s win was the culmination of a stellar show career, including over 60 Best in Show titles.
🏆 2024: Sage the Miniature Poodle
- Registered Name: GCHG CH Surrey Sage
- Breed: Miniature Poodle
- Handler: Kaz Hosaka
- Owner: Cathy Gauche
Sage, a black Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, won Best in Show in 2024, marking the fourth time a Miniature Poodle has claimed the title. Her handler, Kaz Hosaka, announced his retirement after this victory, concluding a 45-year career.
🏆 2023: Buddy Holly the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Registered Name: CH Soletrader Buddy Holly
- Breed: Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV)
- Handler: Janice Hayes
- Owner(s): Janice Hayes, Lizzie Cadmore, Cathy Neill, Donna Moore
In 2023, Buddy Holly became the first PBGV to win Best in Show at Westminster. Known for their cheerful disposition and distinctive appearance, Buddy Holly’s win highlighted the breed’s charm and appeal.
🏆 2022: Trumpet the Bloodhound
- Registered Name: GCHB CH Flessner’s Toot My Own Horn
- Breed: Bloodhound
- Handler: Heather Buehner
- Owner(s): Chris and Bryan Flessner, Heather Buehner, Tina Kocar
Trumpet made history in 2022 by becoming the first Bloodhound to win Best in Show at Westminster. His victory showcased the breed’s noble presence and keen sense of smell.
🏆 2021: Wasabi the Pekingese
- Registered Name: GCH CH Pequest Wasabi
- Breed: Pekingese
- Handler: David Fitzpatrick
- Owner: David Fitzpatrick
Wasabi, a Pekingese with a regal demeanor, won Best in Show in 2021. This victory added to the breed’s storied history at Westminster, with Wasabi’s grandfather, Malachy, having won in 2012.
🏆 2020: Siba the Standard Poodle
- Registered Name: GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea
- Breed: Standard Poodle
- Owner: Connie S. Unger
Siba, an elegant Standard Poodle, captured the Best in Show title in 2020. Her poised performance and impeccable grooming impressed the judges, continuing the Poodle’s legacy of excellence at Westminster.
Observations and Trends
- Breed Diversity: The past six years have seen a diverse array of breeds winning Best in Show, from the regal Pekingese to the energetic PBGV, highlighting the competition’s inclusivity.
- Handler Achievements: Handlers like Kaz Hosaka and David Fitzpatrick have demonstrated exceptional skill, guiding their dogs to top honors and leaving lasting legacies in the dog show world.
- Historic Firsts: Monty’s win in 2025 and Trumpet’s in 2022 marked significant milestones for their respective breeds, showcasing the evolving landscape of canine excellence.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show continues to celebrate the bond between humans and their canine companions, honoring the dedication, training, and passion that define the world of dog shows.
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