• Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher, wins Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
• Penny's handler, Andy Linton, celebrates a historic victory after nearly 40 years since his last win in 1989.
• The dog show featured over 2,500 competitors from across the U.S. and 17 countries.
• Reserve Best in Show went to Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever.
• This year's event highlights both competitive and charming moments from various breeds.

Penny, a 4-year-old Doberman pinscher, won Best in Show at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, taking place at New York City's Madison Square Garden. This milestone marks the 150th annual event where Penny emerged victorious against more than 2,500 competitors from 50 states and 17 countries. The final competition featured seven finalists from various dog breeds, all striving for the most coveted prize in U.S. dog shows, according to CBS News and Reuters.

Handler Andy Linton, who has battled Parkinson's disease, expressed gratitude for this win, noting that it is especially meaningful as it comes nearly 40 years since he last won Best in Show with another Doberman, Indy. "Penny is as great a Doberman as I have ever seen," he stated, reflecting on the special bond formed between himself and the dog during their performance. Jason Hoke, a commentator for Fox Sports, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the connection between Linton and Penny as they showcased an impressive performance, according to NPR and Reuters.

Reserve Best in Show was awarded to Cota, a 5-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever, while the remaining finalists included Zaida the Afghan hound, Cookie the Maltese, JJ the Lhasa Apso, Graham the old English sheepdog, and Wager the smooth fox terrier. The judges evaluate each dog based on breed standards, examining features such as muscle tone and movement. Best in Show judge David Fitzpatrick praised the lineup, calling it a historic competition, according to NPR and CBS News.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show not only celebrates the top dogs but also highlights entertaining moments from various breeds. Spectators were charmed by a Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco, who confidently strutted the ring, and by a vizsla named Beamer, whose antics included hopping into a box. The event was both a showcase of competition and a testament to the special bond between handlers and their dogs, as shared by newcomers like Joseph Carrero with his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi, who found joy in their participation, according to Reuters and NPR.