Celebrating the Best in Every Group At The Westminster Dog Show 2025
The 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show returned to Madison Square Garden in 2025, showcasing over 2,500 elite dogs across more than 200 breeds. This year’s fierce competition culminated in historic wins and memorable performances. Meet the exceptional canines that claimed top honors in their respective groups!
Sporting Group Winner
“Freddie,” a 6-year-old English Springer Spaniel, secured the Sporting Group title. Freddie impressed judges with his balanced gait and enthusiastic demeanor. This victory marks the 16th time an English Springer Spaniel has won the Sporting Group at Westminster, which also ends a decade-long gap since the breed’s last group win.
Hound Group Winner
The Hound Group was led by “Bourbon,” a distinguished 9-year-old Whippet. Her sleek physique and graceful movement charmed the audience. Notably, Bourbon has previously won the Hound Group at Westminster and has been awarded Reserve Best in Show three times. What a consistent excellence in the ring!
Working Group Winner
“Monty,” a 5-year-old Giant Schnauzer, won the Working Group for the third year in a row and went on to take the Best in Show title. He is the first Giant Schnauzer to achieve this at Westminster, standing out with his strong presence and steady performance.
Terrier Group Winner
The Terrier Group saw “Archer,” an 8-year-old Skye Terrier take top honors. This win marks the 7th time a Skye Terrier has led the Terrier Group at Westminster. Archer’s distinctive appearance and spirited demeanor exemplify the breed’s storied legacy in competitive circles.
Toy Group Winner
“Comet,” a 4.5-year-old Shih Tzu dazzled in the Toy Group, securing the title for the second consecutive year. Comet made a lasting impression with a luxurious coat and lively personality. This victory adds to the Shih Tzu breed’s impressive record as its seventh Toy Group win at Westminster.
Non-Sporting Group Winner
The Non-Sporting Group was dominated by “Neal,” a 4-year-old Bichon Frise. Neal’s cheerful expression and pristine white coat exemplified the breed’s charm. This achievement marks the eighth time a Bichon Frise has won the Non-Sporting Group at Westminster, with Neal also securing the group title at the 2024 AKC National Championship.
Best In Show Champion
Culminating the event, “Monty” the Giant Schnauzer achieved the prestigious Best in Show title, making history as the first of his breed to do so at Westminster. His journey to the top included winning Best in Breed and Best in Group with his exceptional qualities and the dedication of his handler and co-owners.
Reserve Best In Show
“Bourbon,” a 9-year-old Whippet, earned the Reserve Best in Show title, adding to her impressive record. In fact, throughout her career, she has consistently performed at the highest level, demonstrating the grace, speed, and precision that defines the Whippet breed.
Herding Group Winner
“Mercedes,” a 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog, won the Herding Group again after victories in 2024 and 2025. With a history of success, she has shown exceptional structure, movement, and breed type. Her ability to perform with precision highlights the versatility of the German Shepherd as both a show dog and a working breed.
Highest Scoring All-American Dog
The award for the top-performing mixed-breed dog was presented to “Gable,” a 6.5-year-old All-American Dog handled by Kayla Feeney of Lima, New York. Gable completed the final round in 48.89 seconds, which proves the remarkable capabilities of mixed-breed dogs in agility sports.
Best Junior Handler
The Best Junior Handler title was awarded to Taylor Johnson from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Taylor showcased exceptional skill handling her 5-year-old male Old English Sheepdog, affectionately known as “Sven.” Her strong performance reflects her hard work and talent, placing her ahead of more than 100 junior handlers.
Masters Agility Champion
The overall title was awarded to “Vanish,” an 8-year-old female Border Collie handled by Emily Klarman from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Vanish completed the final round with a flawless run in 26.49 seconds, outpacing all competitors. This victory adds to Vanish’s impressive resume, which includes winning the 16-inch division at the 2023 AKC National Agility Championship.
Veterinarian Of The Year
Dr. Sara Lyle was honored as the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club’s Veterinarian of the Year from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Louisiana. Excellence in canine health and education is at the heart of this prestigious recognition in veterinary medicine.
Lancashire Heeler’s Westminster Debut
The 2025 Westminster Dog Show marked the debut of the Lancashire Heeler, the newest breed recognized by the American Kennel Club as of 2024. This energetic herding dog, known for its versatility and keen intelligence, had six entries in its inaugural appearance at Westminster.
Masters Obedience Champion
“Willie,” a 7.5-year-old blue merle male Australian Shepherd, secured the Masters Obedience Championship title. Willie demonstrated exceptional precision and responsiveness, earning the highest combined scores in Open B and Utility B classes. The second Masters Obedience Championship win solidifies Willie’s reputation for consistency and mastery in obedience trials.
