Okay yes, the best dogs from the Westminster Dog Show 2021 have packed up their chew toys, said goodbye to their show dog playmates, and are probably enjoying a nice bowl of delicious kibble at home. But, if you’re like us, you’re still thinking about those perfect performing puppers. And, after reading our rundown of the history of the Westminster Dog Show, you might be craving even more show stopping stories and doggy drama.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this review of the most notable dogs to ever grace the show ring, you’ll be satisfied until next year’s big event.
A brief history of the best dogs from the Westminster Dog Show
Every year, we wait with bated breath to find out who the Best in Show will be. This is the dog who wears the title of the best example of their breed. And, while each BIS is something special, there have been a few over the years that have gone down in hound history:
#1: Warren Remedy, the Smooth Fox Terrier
These days, it’s common to call an elite athlete, the GOAT, or “Greatest of all time.” But we’re here to talk about the GROAT, the “Greatest Rover of all time.” And when it comes to Best in Show, Warren Remedy deserves the title. This impressive Smooth Fox Terrier made history by taking home the title in 1907, 1908, and 1909. To this day, she’s the only dog to win three years in a row.
#2: Warland Protector of Shelterock, the Airedale Terrier
When the handsome terrier, Warland Protector, won Best in Show in 1933, it wasn’t much of a surprise. He clearly deserved the win.
But, his victory was historic for another reason: it was the first year that the Westminster Dog Show would be judged by a woman. Many of the competitors were relieved that Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge would be judging instead of competing, because by that time, her own dogs had won multiple Westminsters and other dog shows. With her championship-winning dogs on the sideline, other puppers had a better chance at Best in Show!
#3: Rock Ridge Night Rocket, the Bedlington Terrier
The year is 1948, and American families are gathered around the television set ready to watch the first ever televised Westminster Dog Show. And, much to their delight, they witness the gorgeous Bedlington Terrier, Rock Ridge Night Rocket, win Best in Show in real time!
His TV debut solidified the pup’s place in the heart of American families, and we can bet that the odd names of show dogs was a common dinner topic across the country!
#4: Covy Tucker Hills’ Manhattan, the German Shepherd Dog
It’s no secret that the terrier group dominates the Westminster Dog Show. But, in 1987, one stunning German Shepherd Dog made waves as the first herding dog to win Best in Show. Manhattan, nicknamed Hatter, was already 8 years old when he glided through the ring; it would be his last chance to attend the big event. As Hatter’s Breeder said of the victory, “It was, to put it mildly, the thrill of a lifetime.” We couldn’t agree more!
The best dogs from the Westminster Dog Show based solely on ridiculous haircuts
Much in the same way that the Kentucky Derby is filled with outlandish hats, you’re bound to see some truly attention-grabbing hairstyles at the Westminster Dog Show. With hours-long grooming routines and a healthy dog diet that makes these puppers shine, the dogs at Westminster never seem to have a bad hair day!
Here are a few dogs who will furever be remembered for their furry-do’s:
#5: Jackson, the American Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels seem to float through the ring with their long, wavy hair and ears. And in 2011, fans got a behind-the-scenes snapshot of what it takes to look so good. In the viral photo, Jackson, the black-and-white American Cocker Spaniel, is shown on the grooming table with a fully-floofed coat and ears wrapped in pink gauze to keep them clean before showtime.
#6: Quincy, the corded Komondor
When Quincy took to the arena in 2007, some people in the audience might have wondered if a sheep had wandered into the event. But as a Komondor, Quincy was accustomed to the shocked reactions of those unaccustomed to this shaggy shepherd breed. As it turns out, the 13+ hours that his Owner bathed and groomed his corded fur coat paid off. Quincy won Best of Breed in his category!
#7: Siba, the Standard Poodle
Because the breed standard for Poodles is extremely particular about those poofs, it’s no surprise that Siba looked so stunning when she won Best in Show in 2020. The Poodle cut may look a bit silly, but it’s rooted in this dog’s hunting background! In order to stay warm and buoyant in cold waters, Poodles were strategically shaved for maximum athleticism and comfort. Of course, hunting Poodles don’t typically get a blow-out before hitting the field like Siba!
#8: Wasabi, the Pekingese
Ah, Wasabi, described by some as a graceful, floating meatball. But as of the 145th annual Westminster Dog Show, you can also call her Best in Show.
The competition was fierce! After all, Wasabi wasn’t the only fantastically furry dog in the ring. Striker the Samoyed looked like the most huggable cloud in the show. Both dogs left with amazing floofiness, but only one could be the Best in Show.
The show dogs who stole the spotlight (and our hearts) at the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Dog Show is a very serious, elite international competition. Even so, dogs will be dogs! Every year, we keep an eye out for the puppers who provide some heart-melting comic relief:
#9: Winky, the Bichon Frise
Dog lovers rejoiced when Westminster finally added agility trials to the competition in 2014. But, little did they know, they wouldn’t just get a chance to see the speediest, most nimble-footed doggos in the world. They would also be gifted with the opportunity to meet Winky, the Bichon Frise.
In 2019, Winky had a show-stopping performance. No, literally. She trotted up to the highest point of the A-frame and stopped to take a look at her adoring fans. Once she was satisfied with her impromptu meet-and-greet, she lumbered on through the rest of the competition at her own pace. All in all, her final time was more than double the fastest dog and she rounded up an astounding 92 faults. But she sure did leave her mark!
#10: Lobo, the Siberian Husky
The moment that Lobo stepped into the agility trial arena, the announcers did a wonderful job of building up suspense. Huskies are, after all, born to run, and Lobo was expected to perform well.
But, what would become clear after Lobo’s first jump is that as quick as they, a Husky is going to do what a Husky wants to do. And Lobo was not about to jump through hoops or weave through poles at the whim of some trainer. Instead, he trotted over here, made his way over there, and even stepped out of the arena to see if the sidelines had any snacks. With a gentle smack with a wad of papers, Lobo made his way back to the tunnels and see-saws to finish his trial.
We honestly would watch an entire weekend of just Winky and Lobo. They deserve an invite every year.
Who are the best dogs from the Westminster Dog Show in your book?
Are you a fan of the sleek and stylish front-runners? Do you live for the over-the-top haircuts? Or, are you just tuned in for the heart-warming faux-paws?
One thing is clear, all the dogs are the best dogs from the Westminster Dog Show!
