Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. Here are some of the winningest breeds in Westminster history.
Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier has won Best in Show at Westminster a total of 15 times. The most recent winner was in 2019: GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home, owned by Victor Malzoni Jr. In 2003, The New York Times wrote that these terriers are “to Westminster what Meryl Streep is to the Oscars.”
Wire Fox Terriers personify the terrier temperament: independent, tenacious, feisty, and smart. They can be brave to the point of recklessness, a trait known as “terrier fire.”
The breed first became broadly popular as pets in the United States in the 1930s because of a movie series, “The Thin Man.” Wire Fox Terrier “Asta” was the antic pet of Nick and Nora Charles, the film’s main characters.
Scottish Terrier
Another terrier, the Scottish Terrier, is among the breeds that have most often won Best in Show at Westminster. They’ve taken home the trophy eight times, the first in 1911 and the most recent in 2010. Scotties, like most terriers, are prey-driven, tenacious, and fiery, winning the breed nickname, “Diehard.”
As the name suggests, the breed originated in the British Isles. In fact, all terriers, with the exception of the Cesky Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer, come from Britain or former English colonies. The Scottish Terrier was a pet to many celebrities and well-known personalities, including Humphrey Bogart, Charles Lindbergh, and Shirley Temple. President Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottie, “Fala,” is said to have received more fan mail than most presidents.
Fans of the breed will tell you that Scottish Terriers have complex, almost human personalities, like no other breed. They say that once you have a Scottie, you’ll never be content owning “just a dog.”
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel has won Best in Show at Westminster six times, the first time in 1963 and, for the sixth time in 2007. One member of this sporting breed, Chinoe’s Adamant James, won Best in Show for two consecutive years, 1971 and 1972, making him one of only six dogs to achieve that honor.
Up until the 20th century, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were essentially the same breed, with both often found in one litter. The distinguishing factors between the two were size and the job they were meant to do. The smaller Cockers hunted woodcocks, while the large Springers were used to “spring” (flush) game birds and animals for the hunter. They weren’t designated as separate breeds until 1902.
Until the 1940s, Springer Spaniels were dual competitors, which means the same dog might compete in field trials and conformation events. That changed as breeders began breeding for selective traits. Field Springers are bred for their athleticism, sense of smell, working ability, speed, and trainability. Show (or Bench) Springers, with their longer hair and squarer muzzle, conform to the breed standard while having a more eye-catching appearance and showmanship.
Along with their great hunting ability, the English Springer Spaniel is a lovable family companion, bred to work closely with their people. They don’t just like your company, they crave it. Today, Springers are among the 30 most popular breeds in the country.
Once we get past these three winning breeds, the field gets a little more crowded. For instance, there are seven breeds tied, with four Best in Show wins each: Airedale Terrier, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher, Pekingese, Sealyham Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Standard Poodle. And, for those who like statistics, the Terrier Group has 46(!) wins, followed by the Sporting Group with 20.
Every year at Westminster, no one knows what could happen. Will the winningest breeds keep winning or will a different breed take the trophy? There’s only one way to find out.
The 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has crowned its Best in Show winner! Catch reruns of the coverage on demand and learn more about one of the most famous dog shows in the United States at westminsterkennelclub.org.