Top Dog Breeds That Have Never Won at the Westminster Dog Show

Popular Dog Breeds and Their Performance at the Westminster Dog Show

Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the most popular dog breeds in America, and every year, representatives of those breeds compete along with many others for “Best in Show” — the top prize at the Westminster dog show. (The winner of Best in Show in 2021 was the Pekingese.)

But did you know that a surprising 11 out of America’s 20 favorite dog breeds have never won Best in Show at the Westminster dog show?

• Best in Show isn’t the only title up for grabs at the Westminster dog show.
• Most of the dog breeds listed below are ranked among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in America.
• Many of these breeds have earned Best of Group awards and consistently placed in the top 4 of their groups.

We spent hours — actually, several days — digging through news archives and kennel club records to bring you the following list, which we update every year

Top Dog Breeds That Have Never Won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show

1. Labrador Retriever

America’s favorite dog for many years now, Labrador Retrievers have done abysmally at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, placing only 11 times but never 1st in their group. A Sporting Group breed, Labs were recognized by the AKC in 1917. That’s 100-plus years in which to accomplish something, Labbies. Perhaps they should spend more time on conformation and less time perfecting their sad Lab faces!

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group: none
• 2nd Place (4 times): 1933, 1934, 1939, 1978
• 3rd Place (1 time): 2016
• 4th Place (6 times): 1964, 1974, 1986, 2003, 2009, 2010

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have done even worse, placing in their group only 6 times since Westminster began. But at least they snagged a pair of Best of Groups in the past few years. Goldens — who, like Labs, are in the Sporting Group — were officially recognized in 1925, giving them plenty of time. But maybe they were all too busy fetching tennis balls?

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (2 times): 2006, 2020
• 2nd Place (1 time): 2009
• 3rd Place (2 times): 2014, 2017
• 4th Place (1 time): 2005

3. French Bulldog

A little dog with batlike ears and a distinct underbite, the French Bulldog has never won Best in Show at Westminster — which is pretty sad, considering these dogs have been exhibited there since 1897. The last time a French Bulldog got close was in 2021, when this breed captured its second-ever Non-Sporting Group win.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (2 times): 2010, 2021
• 2nd Place (6 times): 1924, 1926, 1956, 1963, 2009, 2019
• 3rd Place (2 times): 1957, 2013
• 4th Place (14 times): 1927, 1930, 1931, 1942, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1970, 1989, 1999, 2004, 2017

4. Rottweiler

Rottweilers, members of the Working Group since 1931, have had no Best in Show wins at Westminster. It gets worse: Although they’ve had 1 group win, Rottweilers have placed 2nd, 3rd or 4th only 6 other times in all those years.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (1 time): 2006
• 2nd Place: none
• 3rd Place (3 times): 1984, 1987, 2016
• 4th Place (3 times): 1989, 1996, 2013

5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis were first recognized by the AKC in 1934, and they are a proud member of the Working Group. Over the years, these pups have picked up an outstanding 7 Best of Group ribbons and more than 2 dozen other placements. Not bad! But no Best in Show win ever.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (7 times): 1960, 1972, 1976, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
• 2nd Place (9 times): 1949, 1955, 1962, 1970, 1973, 1977, 1984, 1992, 1999
• 3rd Place (9 times): 1936, 1961, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1997, 1998, 2003, 2017
• 4th Place (7 times): 1939, 1956, 1957, 1963, 1971, 1990, 2011

By the way, the Pembroke’s close cousin, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, which is a member of the Herding Group, has never won Best in Show at Westminster either.

6. Dachshund

The overwhelming winner among all the breeds listed here, Dachshunds have placed many times in the Hound Group, with 11 Best of Groups. There are 3 classes of Dachshunds who compete: Longhaired, Wirehaired and Smooth. (Miniature and Standard Dachshunds compete together in each of these 3 classes.)

The AKC recognized Dachshunds as a breed in 1885, which perhaps accounts for the enduring popularity and relatively high rankings at Westminster.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (11 times): Longhaired (1998, 2019); Wirehaired (1952, 1997, 2012); Smooth (1948, 1951, 1952, 1961, 1968, 1969)
• 2nd Place (11 times): Longhaired (1957, 1965, 1966, 1974, 1975, 1989, 2008); Wirehaired (1978); Smooth (1933, 1937, 1983)
• 3rd Place (16 times): Longhaired (1946, 1954, 1976, 1990, 1991); Wirehaired (2003); Smooth (1926, 1936, 1941, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1963, 1964, 1967)
• 4th Place (13 times): Longhaired (1943); Wirehaired (1979, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1994, 2007, 2009); Smooth (1935, 1939, 1948, 1949, 1960)

7. Australian Shepherd

Look, we should cut the Australian Shepherd a little slack — this dog breed has been competing at Westminster only since 1994.

Interestingly enough, Australian Shepherds are not from Australia. They descend from working mountain dogs, who were companions to Basque shepherds from southern France and northern Spain. These smart, exuberant working dogs are members of the Herding Group.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (1 time): 2008
• 2nd Place (3 times): 2005, 2006, 2016
• 3rd Place (1 time): 2015
• 4th Place: none

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These gentle, graceful pups — members of the Toy Group — have never won Best in Show at Westminster? That’s crazy!

One possible reason: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively new to the scene, competing at Westminster only since 1997.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group: none
• 2nd Place (1 time): 2014
• 3rd Place (1 time): 2003
• 4th Place (1 time): 1997

9. Great Dane

One of the oldest-recognized breeds, Great Danes were admitted into the Working Group in 1887. Although they’ve never won Best in Show, they’ve taken home 5 Best of Group ribbons, with a total of 22 placements.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (5 times): 1931, 1933, 1959, 1962, 1983
• 2nd Place (3 times): 1932, 1943, 2000, 1943
• 3rd Place (10 times): 1935, 1941, 1950, 1961, 1968, 1972, 1980, 2005, 2008, 2021
• 4th Place (4 times): 1930, 1938, 1977, 1990

10. Miniature Schnauzer

A completely different breed from the Standard Schnauzer and the Giant Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer is a member of the Terrier Group and was recognized in 1926. Since then, the breed has managed to eke out only 1 Best of Group, but it has placed 8 other times, a not altogether dismal showing.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (1 time): 1947
• 2nd Place (3 times): 1948, 1960, 2021
• 3rd Place (2 times): 1956, 1959
• 4th Place (3 times): 1946, 1975, 2009

11. Shih Tzu

Added to the Toy Group in 1969, Shih Tzus have done remarkably well for a breed that has competed for only the past half century. The breed has garnered an admirable 5 Best of Group placements, as well as 14 other group placements.

• Best in Show: none
• Best of Group (5 times): 1983, 2000, 2001, 2015, 2016
• 2nd Place (4 times): 1973, 1977, 1997, 2003
• 3rd Place (6 times): 1972, 1974, 1979, 1985, 1999, 2010
• 4th Place (4 times): 1971, 1975, 1988, 1991

Criteria for Winning Best in Show at Westminster

Winning Best in Show at the Westminster dog show requires meeting a set of rigorous criteria. Judges evaluate dogs based on how closely they adhere to their breed standards. Here are the key criteria considered:

• Breed Standards: Each dog must conform to the specific physical and behavioral standards of its breed. This includes aspects like size, coat, color, and temperament.
• Condition and Grooming: Dogs should be in excellent health and physical condition. Grooming plays a significant role, as it reflects the care and dedication of the handler.
• Movement and Gait: The dog’s movement should demonstrate ease and efficiency. Judges look for a gait that is characteristic of the breed.
• Overall Presentation: The dog’s demeanor, confidence, and the handler’s ability to showcase the dog’s strengths are crucial. Presentation includes how the dog is shown on the lead and how it responds to commands.

Understanding these criteria can help enthusiasts better prepare their dogs for the prestigious Westminster Dog Show.

Tips for Preparing a Dog for the Westminster Dog Show

Preparing a dog for the Westminster dog show involves meticulous training and grooming. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dog is ready for the big stage:

• Start Early: Begin training and socializing your dog from a young age to ensure they are comfortable in various environments and around other dogs and people.
• Regular Grooming: Maintain a strict grooming routine to keep your dog’s coat and overall appearance in top condition. Regular visits to a professional groomer are recommended.
• Obedience Training: Invest in professional obedience training to ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands. This is crucial for the ring.
• Exercise and Diet: Keep your dog in peak physical condition with regular exercise and a balanced diet. A healthy dog will perform better and look more impressive.
• Ring Practice: Familiarize your dog with the show ring environment. Practice gaiting and stacking to ensure your dog can perform these tasks confidently during the competition.

By following these tips, you can enhance your dog’s chances of performing well at the Westminster dog show.

The Most Popular Dog Breeds and Their Westminster Dog Show Records

Here’s the AKC’s full list of the 20 most popular dog breeds in America*, along with each breed’s Best in Show history at the Westminster Dog Show:

• Labrador Retriever (has never won Best in Show)
• German Shepherd Dog (2 wins: 1987, 2017)
• Golden Retriever (has never won Best in Show)
• French Bulldog (has never won Best in Show)
• Bulldog (2 wins: 1913, 1955)
• Poodle: Standard (5 wins: 1935, 1958, 1973, 1991, 2020); Miniature (3 wins: 1943, 1959, 2002); Toy (2 wins: 1956, 1961)
• Beagle (2 wins for the 15-Inch Beagle: 2008, 2015)
• Rottweiler (has never won Best in Show)
• German Shorthaired Pointer (3 wins: 1974, 2005, 2016)
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi (has never won Best in Show)
• Dachshund (has never won Best in Show)
• Yorkshire Terrier (1 win: 1978)
• Australian Shepherd (has never won Best in Show)
• Boxer (4 wins: 1947, 1949, 1951, 1970)
• Siberian Husky (1 win: 1980)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (has never won Best in Show)
• Great Dane (has never won Best in Show)
• Miniature Schnauzer (has never won Best in Show)
• Doberman Pinscher (4 wins: 1939, 1952, 1953, 1989)
• Shih Tzu (has never won Best in Show)

*Based on the popular breeds list released by the AKC on May 1, 2020.

The Most Popular Dog Breeds and Their Westminster Dog Show Records

Here’s the AKC’s full list of the 20 most popular dog breeds in America*, along with each breed’s Best in Show history at the Westminster dog show:

Breeds That Have Won Best in Show

• German Shepherd Dog: 2 wins (1987, 2017)
• Bulldog: 2 wins (1913, 1955)
• Poodle:
  • Standard: 5 wins (1935, 1958, 1973, 1991, 2020)
  • Miniature: 3 wins (1943, 1959, 2002)
  • Toy: 2 wins (1956, 1961)
• Beagle: 2 wins for the 15-Inch Beagle (2008, 2015)
• German Shorthaired Pointer: 3 wins (1974, 2005, 2016)
• Boxer: 4 wins (1947, 1949, 1951, 1970)
• Siberian Husky: 1 win (1980)
• Yorkshire Terrier: 1 win (1978)
• Doberman Pinscher: 4 wins (1939, 1952, 1953, 1989)

Breeds That Have Never Won Best in Show

• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• French Bulldog
• Rottweiler
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Dachshund
• Australian Shepherd
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Great Dane
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Shih Tzu

So, why do you think so many popular dog breeds have never won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? Leave your comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “Westminster Kennel Club.” Westminster Kennel Club. https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/
• “Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Kennel_Club_Dog_Show
• “Miniature Poodle Crowned Best in Show at Westminster Dog Show.” Dogonews. https://www.dogonews.com/2024/5/21/miniature-poodle-crowned-best-in-show-at-westminster-dog-show