Every year, top dogs from around the world will compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Thousands of dogs, representing each of the seven groups, will have the chance to take home the coveted prize: Westminster Kennel Club’s Best in Show.
Since their first show in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has seen many Best in Show winners across groups. Some groups have taken home more titles in this conformation event than others. The Herding Group has only won twice, while the Terrier Group, which has won 47 times. See how many times your favorite group has taken home the trophy!
Top Winning Breeds for Westminster Best in Show
Since 1877, there have been well over 150 breeds crowned the Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show. Which breeds have taken home the title the most?
- Wire Fox Terrier: This breed has taken home the most wins over the years, with a whopping 15 Best in Show titles at Westminster. This terrier, recognized by the AKC in 1885, is definitely a contributor to the Terrier Group’s 47 Westminster Best in Show wins.
- Scottish Terrier: This breed has taken home the second most wins, with eight Best in Show titles at Westminster. Another terrier, the compact Scottish Terrier was recognized in 1885.
- English Springer Spaniel: This breed has taken home the third most wins, with six Best in Show titles at Westminster. These kind-eyed members of the Sporting Group were recognized in 1910.
Other notable breeds with a few Westminster Best in Show titles include the the Pekingese (five wins), Standard Poodle (four wins), and the Sealyham Terrier (four wins).
Popularity isn’t everything: some AKC most popular breeds like the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, have never won Best in Show at Westminster. But there’s always next year!
Westminster Group Winners By the Numbers
Herding Group Winners at Westminster
The Herding Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show twice.
The most recent winner from the Herding Group was in 2017: German Shepherd Dog GCH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn.
Hound Group Winners at Westminster
The Hound Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show eight times.
The most recent winner from the Hound group was Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen “Buddy Holly” CH Soletrader Buddy Holly in 2023.
Terrier Group Winners at Westminster
The Terrier Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 47 times.
The most recent winner from the group was Wire Fox Terrier GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home in 2019.
Non-Sporting Group Winners at Westminster
The Non-Sporting Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 13 times.
The most recent winner from the Non-Sporting Group was Miniature Poodle “Sage” GCHG CH Surrey Sage, in 2024.
Toy Group Winners at Westminster
The Toy Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 12 times.
The most recent win from the Toy Group was in 2021: Pekingese “Wasabi” GCHG Pequest Wasabi.
Sporting Group Winners at Westminster
The Sporting Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 20 times.
The most recent winner was GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey, the German Shorthaired Pointer, in 2016.
Working Group Winners at Westminster
The Working Group has won Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show 15 times.
The most recent winner from the Working Group was Ch. Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove the Newfoundland in 2004.