National Dog Show Winners From the Past 25 Years

All dogs by nature are winners, but some show better than others. In the case of these 25 pooches, they each captured the coveted title of Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show going back a quarter of a century.

So, what makes them so unique?

Breed alone won’t win the title at America’s most exclusive dog show, but it will definitely give your dog a leg (to bark) up. There are plenty of behaviors and quirks associated with different breeds, and some work better than others for show dogs. But even if you don’t have visions of traipsing through the obstacle course with Fido perfectly at your command, each of these dog breeds is worthy of consideration if you’re looking to bring a canine companion into your life.

1996: Clumber Spaniel

Clussexx Country Sunrise

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Clussexx Country Sunrise

Owners: Judith and Richard Zaleski

Judge: D. Roy Holloway

The largest of the spaniel breeds, this pup was originally intended as a bird dog and will be a great playmate for children. They are quite lumbering and can easily get sidetracked on a scent.

But they take well to training and are terrific companions at home. Clumbers tend to be quiet and only bark when they want something.

* Here’s a guide to the prefix titles before some of these dogs’ names.

Clumber Spaniel Overview

Clumber Spaniel

Getty Images

Temperament: Mellow, amusing, gentlemanly

Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)

Weight: 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

* We sourced breed information from the always reliable American Kennel Club.

1997: Standard Schnauzer

Parsifal Di Casa Netzer

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Parsifal Di Casa Netzer

Owners: Rita Holloway and Gabrio Del Torre

Judge: Mrs. Dorothy N. Collier

Originally bred as a German farm dog, Standard schnauzers have a muscular build and attentive face framed by a thick beard that gives them a wise old man kind of face.

They need plenty of exercise and are the ideal family pet — manageably sized, great with kids and protective.

Standard Schnauzer Overview

Standard Schnauzer

Getty Images

Temperament: Fearless, smart, spirited

Height: 18.5-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-18.5 inches (female)

Weight: 35-50 pounds (male), 30-45 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 13-16 years

1998: Norwich Terrier

Fairewood Frolic

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Fairewood Frolic

Owner: Sandina Kennels

Judge: Dr. N. Josephine Deubler

Norwich terriers are a big bundle of energy and enthusiasm in a tiny frame. And they might be small, but they’re powerful dogs originally bred as ratters.

Norwiches are just as happy playing fetch all day as lounging around the home, although they do need a good amount of daily exercise.

Norwich Terrier Overview

Norwich Terrier

Getty Images

Temperament: Affectionate, alert, curious

Height: 10 inches

Weight: 12 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

1999: Papillon

Loteki Supernatural Being

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being

Owner: John Oulton

Judge: Mr. Edd Embry Bivin

The papillon name derives from the French word for “butterfly” and, indeed, their ears have a fluttery appearance. They are sweet dogs and love to cuddle while also being generally content and alert.

Papillons make terrific companions and need plenty of activity time.

Papillon Overview

Papillon

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, alert, happy

Height: 8-11 inches

Weight: 5-10 pounds

Life expectancy: 14-16 years

2000: English Springer Spaniel

Salilyn ‘N Erin’s Shameless

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Salilyn ‘N Erin’s Shameless

Owner: C. Blain, F. Sunseri and J. Gasow

Judge: Mr. Chester F. Collier

English springers are characterized by their droopiness — long, furry and flowing ears dangle over a sweet and mopey face. It’s hard to resist those eyes.

This spaniel was originally bred to work with people, so they need plenty of attention and abhor neglect. Frequent walks and games of fetch will do the trick.

English Springer Spaniel Overview

English Springer Spaniel

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, playful, obedient

Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

2001: Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Special Times Just Right

Owners: C. Ruggles, E. McDonald and F. Werneck

Judge: Miss Dorothy M. MacDonald

This breed is marked by a puffy appearance when meticulously groomed, and despite their small stature, bichons believe themselves to be much larger. Get ready for deep cuddle sessions with this hypoallergenic coat.

Bichons are only mildly active and love to be well trained, so they can perform for their humans.

Bichon Frise Overview

Bichon Frise

Getty Images

Temperament: Playful, curious, peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 14-15 years

2002: Poodle (Miniature)

Surrey Spice Girl

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Surrey Spice Girl

Owners: Ron L. Scott & Barbara Scott

Judge: Mr. W. Everett Dean Jr.

Poodles, no matter their size, are one of the top 10 most popular breeds in America for good reason. They are extremely intelligent and friendly, and they can be groomed a thousand different ways.

Even the miniature version needs tons of exercise — they love water games and fetch — and daily brushing to keep them happy and beautiful.

Poodle (Miniature) Overview

Poodle

Getty Images

Temperament: Active, proud, very smart

Height: 10-15 inches

Weight: 10-15 pounds

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

2003: Kerry Blue Terrier

Torums Scarf Michael

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Torums Scarf Michael

Owner: Marilu Hansen

Judge: Mrs. Irene Bivin

True to their name, these terriers have a head-turning coat of blue fur covering their athletic and stocky frames. That blue coat, however, does require weekly maintenance since this breed doesn’t shed.

Kerry Blues are great family pets since they love people and playing. They will happily go along for a jog or nestle up to their humans for some couch time.

Kerry Blue Terrier Overview

Kerry Blue Terrier

Getty Images

Temperament: Smart, alert, people-oriented

Height: 18-19.5 inches (male), 17.5-19 inches (female)

Weight: 33-40 pounds (male), females weigh slightly less than males

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

2004: Newfoundland

Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove

Owners: Peggy Helming and Carol Bernard Bergmann

Judge: Mr. Burton J. Yamada

Newfies are like the parent who always keeps a calm demeanor even under trying circumstances, and that means they are perfect as a family pet for younger children even though they’re one of the largest breeds around. But their patience and gentleness are equally large, so it’s a good match.

Just be prepared for serious grooming at least weekly to manage the massive coat.

Newfoundland Overview

Newfoundland

Getty Images

Temperament: Sweet, patient, devoted

Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)

Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 9-10 years

2005: German Shorthaired Pointer

Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Kan-Point’s VJK Autumn Roses

Owners: L. and R. Stark, C. Cronk and V. Nunes-Atkinson

Judge: Mrs. Lynette Saltzman

This extremely popular breed has a distinctive reddish-brown coat that sometimes also contains white fur. They are one of the best people dogs, relishing attention and an active lifestyle.

Training helps them relieve some of their boundless energy, and that means they demand a disciplined human companion who’s ready for the ride.

German Shorthaired Pointer Overview

German Shorthaired Pointers

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, smart, willing to please

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)

Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

2006: Bull Terrier (Colored)

Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid

Owners: Barbara Bishop, W. F. Poole, N. Shepherd, R.P. Pool and Dorothy Cherry

Judge: Mr. James G. Reynolds

Marked by their elongated and egg-shaped heads, bull terriers (BTs) are powerful little dogs that love attention and exercise and will entertain their humans for hours on end.

These pooches are a lot of fun, but they demand a high level of attention. BTs must be expertly trained and given ample exercise time, and they need to socialize early with other dogs to maintain good behavior.

Bull Terrier Overview

Bull Terrier Puppy

Getty Images

Temperament: Playful, charming, mischievous

Height: 21-22 inches

Weight: 50-70 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-13 years

2007: English Springer Spaniel

Felicity’s Diamond Jim

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim

Owners: Teresa Patton, Allen Patton, R. Dehmel, D. Hadsall

Judge: Dr. Robert A. Indeglia

Another English Springer took the crown in 2007. A fascinating fact about this breed is that they make for excellent K9 detectives thanks to their trainability, durability and keen sense of smell.

In their early days, they helped British hunters snuff out game birds.

English Springer Spaniel Overview

English Springer Spaniel

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, playful, obedient

Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)

Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

2008: Beagle (15 Inch)

K-Run’s Park Me In First

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First

Owners: Caroline Dowell, Eddie Dziuk, Jon Woodring and Kathy Weichert

Judge: Dr. J. Donald Jones

Beagles come in small and smaller, and they are without a doubt one of the canine kingdom’s most handsome breeds thanks to their floppy yet charming ears and earnest gaze. A pack hunter by nature, beagles love company and are fiercely loyal.

Beagles are known to bond extremely closely with their humans, and they are one of the merriest and loving breeds. Keep them occupied and exercised daily, and they will be a best friend for life.

Beagle Overview

Beagles

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, curious, merry

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)

Life expectancy: 10-15 years

2009: Sussex Spaniel

Sussex Spaniel

Lori Branham / Flickr

Winner: Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee

Owners: Cecilia Ruggles, Beth Dowd and Scott Sommer

Judge: Mrs. Sari Brewster Tietjen

Mild-mannered, warm and curious, the Sussex spaniel is a loyal companion whose frowny face belies a happy and outgoing personality. This breed is strong and stout if a little slow out of the gate.

They love the outdoors and playtime, and they have excellent memories even if they’re a bit stubborn during training.

Sussex Spaniel Overview

Sussex Spaniel

Pleple2000 / Wikimedia Commons

Temperament: Friendly, merry, even-tempered

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 35-45 pounds

Life expectancy: 13-15 years

2010: Scottish Terrier

Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Of Maryscot

Owner: Amelia Musser

Judge: Mr. Elliott B. Weiss

With a long and alert face, powerful frame and beard-like whiskers, Scotties are one of the most distinct terrier breeds. They are excellent watchdogs and crave activities and long walks with their humans.

Scotties might not play nice with other breeds and will chase cats around all day. Give them plenty of grooming sessions, and that coat will shine.

Scottish Terrier Overview

Scottish Terrier

Getty Images

Temperament: Confident, independent, spirited

Height: 10 inches

Weight: 19-22 pounds (male), 18-21 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 12 years

2011: Scottish Deerhound

Foxcliffe Hickory Wind

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind

Owners: Sally Sweatt, Cecilia L. Dove, Dr. R. Scott Dove

Judge: Mr. Paolo Dondina

Deerhounds are a massive breed cut from the greyhound mold, only much larger and furrier. Still, they move with grace and were originally bred to chase down wild red deer.

Their thick and wiry coat is actually easy to manage and requires only weekly grooming. Deerhounds don’t do well pent up in the home all day and require ample space to stretch their legs.

Scottish Deerhound Overview

Scottish Deerhound

Getty Images

Temperament: Gentle, dignified, polite

Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28 inches and up (female)

Weight: 85-110 pounds (male), 75-95 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 8-11 years

2012: Pekingese

Palacegarden Malachy

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH. Palacegarden Malachy

Owners: Iris Love, S. Middlebrooks and D. Fitzpatrick

Judge: Mrs. Cindy Vogels

There must be an actual dog buried in all that fur. When you do find the miniature pooch, you might never let it go. The Pekingese is known as one of the most affectionate and loyal breeds that bond for life with their humans.

Just be ready for a severely high-maintenance dog that seemingly needs to be brushed and groomed 24 hours a day. But at least you won’t have to go for long walks, as Pekingese don’t require tons of exercise.

Pekingese Overview

Pekingese

Getty Images

Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, regal in manner

Height: 6-9 inches

Weight: Up to 14 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-14 years

2013: Affenpinscher

Banana Joe V Tani Kazari

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari

Owners: Zoila Truesdale and Mieke Cooymans

Judge: Mr. Michael J. Dougherty

Is it an ape dog, monkey dog, Wookie or Ewok? No, it’s an Affen! These bundles of fun come in a tiny package but boast a larger-than-life personality. They are marked by their distinct, human-like facial expressions and ability to own the room with their antics.

This extremely confident breed needs tons of grooming sessions but only moderate exercise.

Affenpinscher

Affenpinscher

Getty Images

Temperament: Confident, famously funny, fearless

Height: 9-11.5 inches

Weight: 7-10 pounds

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

2014: Wire Fox Terrier

Afterall Painting The Sky

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH. Afterall Painting The Sky

Owners: Victor Malzoni Jr., Torie Steele, S. and M. Olund, and D. Ryan

Judge: Ms. Betty Regina Leininger

Wire foxes just keep going and going — they seemingly have an endless reserve of energy. This can be good for those who love to interact with their canine companion, and their low shedding and agreeable personality make them a wonderful family dog.

Training can be a challenge, but it’s worth the effort. Grooming is minimal unless you plan to show this dog.

Wire Fox Terrier Overview

Wire Fox Terrier

Getty Images

Temperament: Confident, alert, gregarious

Height: 15.5 inches

Weight: 18 pounds (male), 15-17 (female)

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

2015: Beagle (15 Inch)

Tashtins Lookin For Trouble

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: Ch. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble

Owners: Eddie Dziuk, Lori Crandlemire and Kaitlyn Crandlemire

Judge: Hon. David Merriam

Another beagle took the crown in 2015. The origin of this breed remains a mystery, but some accounts say its ancestors first emerged in ancient England circa the first century B.C.

Beagles became hugely popular in America after the Civil War and have been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1885.

Beagle Overview

Beagle

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, curious, merry

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches)

Life expectancy: 10-15 years

2016: German Shorthaired Pointer

Vjk-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey

Owners: Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, Alice Manning and Yvonne Hassler-Deterding

Judge: Dr. Richard Meen

Another German shorthaired pointer took the crown in 2016. It took generations of German ingenuity to perfect this breed as a versatile bird dog sometime in the early 19th century.

They are still considered one of the best breeds for competitive hunting events.

German Shorthaired Pointer Overview

German Shorthaired Pointer

Getty Images

Temperament: Friendly, smart, willing to please

Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)

Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-12 years

2017: German Shepherd

Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn

Owners: Deborah Stern, Pamela Buckles, Patti Dukeman, Pamela McElheney and Kent Boyles

Judge: Mr. Thomas H. Bradley III

The noblest breed of canine, German shepherds are tall, muscular, confident and steady. They make for terrific companion dogs or workers, with an unmatched loyalty to their humans and the ability to learn quickly and train easily.

German shepherds are graceful, gentle giants who play well with children and make excellent watchdogs. They need tons of exercise, or they might become aggressive.

German Shepherd Overview

German Shepherd

Getty Images

Temperament: Confident, courageous, smart

Height: 24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)

Weight: 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 7-10 years

2018: Bichon Frise

Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCHP Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love

Owners: Patrina and Bruce Odette, Lindsay Van Keuren, Lorrie Carlton and Larry Letsche DVM

Judge: Mrs. Betty-Anne Stenmark

Another bichon took the crown in 2018. Interestingly, the American Kennel Club has recognized the full breed only since 1972.

Bichons emerged from the Canary Islands centuries ago and are closely related to other tiny white-coated breeds like Bolognese, Havanese and Maltese.

Bichon Frise Overview

Bichon Frise

Getty Images

Temperament: Playful, curious, peppy

Height: 9.5-11.5 inches

Weight: 12-18 pounds

Life expectancy: 14-15 years

2019: Wire Fox Terrier

King Arthur Van Foliny Home

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCHB CH King Arthur Van Foliny Home

Owner: Victor Malzoni Jr.

Judge: Mr. Peter Green

Another wire fox terrier took the crown in 2019. British fox hunting reached its peak in the late 1700s and indeed that’s when this breed emerged.

Their job was to rouse the fox from its den, so hounds and horsemen could join in pursuit over clear and open lands.

Wire Fox Terrier Overview

Wire Fox Terriers

Getty Images

Temperament: Confident, alert, gregarious

Height: 15.5 inches

Weight: 18 pounds (male), 15-17 (female)

Life expectancy: 12-15 years

2020: Poodle (Standard)

Stone Run Afternoon Tea

Westminster Kennel Club

Winner: GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea

Owners: Connie S. Unger and William Lee

Judge: Mr. Robert H. Slay

Another poodle, albeit a standard-size one, took the crown in 2020. Poodles have an interesting history. They are the national dog of France, but originated in Germany as duck hunters.

They admirably performed this task for centuries before becoming fixtures in European circuses thanks to their snazzy looks and trainability.

Poodle (Standard) Overview

Poodles

Getty Images

Temperament: Active, proud, very smart

Height: Over 15 inches

Weight: 60-70 pounds (male), 40-50 pounds (female)

Life expectancy: 10-18 years

×