Almost every dog breed outshines other members of the canine world due to some specific traits. Whether it’s charm, pure comedy, or any other physical features, these breeds will steal the spotlight. They would pass survival challenges and rock the talent shows if you let them participate.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a leading dog show in the U.S. that began in 1877, according to Britannica. Many breeds compete in this iconic dog show, but there are certainly some common showstopper breeds. And you will be very surprised to know that some popular breeds rarely take the prize.
Keep reading as this article highlights the dog breeds with the most wins at competitive shows. You will also get to know why some breeds win the show title frequently.
Dog Breeds Known For Competitive Shows
1. Wire Fox Terrier
In general, the entire Terrier group does extraordinarily well at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but the Wire Fox Terrier has no rival when it comes to the show ring.
The first show they won was held in 1915, and the latest one was held in 2019, according to NBC News. These athletic and versatile dogs have won more “Best in Show” titles than any other breed. The American Kennel Club describes them as master show dogs and amusing companions.
Wire Fox Terriers stand 15.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 15 and 18 pounds. They have a classic Terrier temperament; they make confident, independent, and friendly companions. Their classic conformation and charming personality enable them to excel at the competitive shows.
2. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are the largest dogs in the Terrier group. Their unique colorings and powerful appearance make them a popular dog breed for canine shows. These courageous mutts have won the “Best in Show” title four times in the show’s entire history.
According to the Westminster Kennel Club, they bagged the first win in 1912, but have not brought the trophy home since 1933. They were among the most loved breeds in the 1900s, which might have increased their chances of winning the shows. These bearded dogs are nicknamed “The King of Terriers.”
Airedale Terriers sport a dense, wiry coat and dark eyes that are reflective of their keen intelligence. Due to their do-it-all attitude, they do well at canine sports.
These bold, friendly, and determined pooches are docile and patient with kids. They weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and can reach a height of 23 inches.
3. Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are small dogs with big personalities. Their bushy eyebrows and beard give them a distinctive appearance. They stand around 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 18 to 22 pounds.
Scotties have taken the crown home from the Westminster Dog Show eight times. They make one of the best show dogs due to their determination, fearlessness, and agility. Scottish Terriers can be easily trained to participate in the show due to their intelligence and spirited temperament.
Apart from being excellent show dogs, Scottish Terriers make wonderful family pets. They are gentle and patient around children and offer unwavering loyalty to their families. These devoted mutts will make you laugh with their playful antics.
4. English Springer Spaniel
You might know English Springer Spaniels as family pets. With their long, feathered coats and unique look, they have won many dog shows. With the first win in 1963 and the latest win in 2007, English Springer Spaniels have bagged six Westminster wins, explains VCA.
According to The New York Times, an English Springer Spaniel named D.J. won two dog shows in a row in 1971 and 1972. This popular dog breed is highly trainable, eager to please, and excited to work. So, you can teach them to compete in the shows. Male ESS stand at least 20 inches high, whereas females can stand around 19 inches tall.
These athletic and versatile dogs are a good choice for first-time dog owners. The loving mutts are quite energetic and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy, explains PetMD. Some dog lovers value them due to their gentle demeanor with kids, while others like them because of their beautiful coat.
5. American Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel is a top-winning breed in the Westminster Show. In general, Spaniel breeds, including American Cocker, English Springer, Sussex, and Irish Water, have earned 13 wins. Out of them, American Cocker Spaniels have bagged the “Best in Show” title four times.
These pawtastic and playful pooches make a great pet due to their affectionate temperament and behave nicely with kids. The world’s smallest Spaniel stands 13.5 to 15.5 inches high at the shoulder.
Show Cocker Spaniels are specifically bred for conformation shows, which are competitive dog events. Their luxurious coat and loving personalities make them stand out. Show-type Cocker Spaniels have compact and rounded bodies as compared to their leaner working counterparts.
6. Boxer
It’s a bit uncommon to see a household pet earn Westminster’s Best in Show, but Boxers have won this title four times in 1947, 1949, 1951, and 1970, explains the AKC. A Boxer named “Wilma” did not win the “Best in Show” in 2016, but became the 2x winner of the Westminster working group.
Boxers steal the show with their muscular build, unique look, and a lot of personality. They are different from the typical show dogs, but have a playful and energetic nature. You can tell about their power by merely looking at them. Due to these reasons, they make popular show dogs.
These athletic and versatile working dogs are easy to train. The Boxer excels at a variety of tasks and is an outstanding competitor at canine sports.
They get along well with kids and make wonderful family pets. Hill’s Pet explains that Boxers like spending time in their owners’ company. These workaholics stand 21.5 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders and can weigh up to 80 pounds.
7. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher has also been the Westminster champ for four years, i.e., 1939, 1952, 1953, and 1989, explains WebMD. Dobermans are notably larger in size than other show dog breeds, standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulders and weighing between 60-100 pounds.
Originally bred as a guard dog by a German tax collector, Dobermans possess lots of energy, power, and stamina, explains the Continental Kennel Club. Their black coats with tan accents grab attention at dog shows. These observant and smart mutts need plenty of attention from their pet parents.
Dobermans bond tightly with their owners and can go to any extent to protect them. These fearless and vigilant guardians do well in active households. They need plenty of training and early socialization to use their protective instincts in the best possible way.
Conclusion
All dogs possess some unique traits that distinguish them from other breeds. However, some breeds not only flaunt their good looks, but also possess the playfulness and spirit that enable them to stand out in dog shows.
Various breeds, from Dobermans to Wire Fox Terriers and Scottish Terriers, have won the Westminster Dog Show quite a few times due to their charming and charismatic personalities. Remember, show dogs are high maintenance as compared to household favorites and need special care and attention.
