Fancy coats, famous trophies, and what’s actually going on behind the scenes
Every year, when the rosettes are polished and the cameras zoom in, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show reminds the world that dogs can, in fact, be very glamorous.
But once you look past the hairspray, handler suits, and dogs standing like statues, Westminster is quietly telling us something much bigger about modern dog breeding, what we value now, and where things might finally be shifting.
And no, this isn’t a “go buy this breed” article. Quite the opposite.
Westminster Isn’t Just a Beauty Pageant (Even If It Looks Like One)
Let’s clear this up first. Westminster judges aren’t asking, “Which dog would get the most Instagram likes?”
They’re asking:
- Does this dog represent what the breed was meant to be?
- Is it physically sound?
- Can it move properly?
- Does its temperament match its original job?
That’s why recent winners, like working and sporting breeds, feel different from the squishy-faced, fashion-led dogs that dominate social media trends.
Owner insight you hear a lot from show folk is that the best dogs aren’t just pretty. They’re balanced. Calm under pressure. Confident without being sharp. That doesn’t happen by accident.
Pickles’ Aside: I can’t even stand still for a treat, so frankly, I’m impressed.
So… Who Actually Won Westminster?
At this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the top prize went to a Doberman Pinscher.
And honestly? That tells us a lot.
The Doberman isn’t a novelty dog. It isn’t trendy on TikTok. It’s a purpose-bred working dog that was designed to be athletic, intelligent, and mentally steady. When a breed like this takes Best in Show, it’s a strong signal that judges are rewarding balance over exaggeration.
Pickles’ Aside: Tall, serious, very clever. Absolutely the dog who reminds the teacher about homework.
A Quick Doberman Overview (No Sales Pitch, Promise)
The Doberman was originally bred as a personal protection dog, combining speed, strength, loyalty, and sharp intelligence. When bred well, it’s known for being:
- Highly trainable
- Deeply bonded to its people
- Alert without being frantic
- Athletic without being bulky
Modern, well-bred Dobermans should move smoothly, stand confidently, and cope calmly with noise, crowds, and pressure. All things that matter hugely in the Westminster ring, and arguably matter even more in real life.
What’s interesting is what judges didn’t reward:
- Over-muscling
- Sharpened aggression
- Nervy, reactive behaviour
Instead, the winning Doberman showed composure, clean movement, and clarity of temperament. That’s not accidental. It reflects breeding choices made years before that dog ever set paw on green carpet.
Owner insight you hear time and again from Doberman people is that the best dogs are “clear in the head”. That’s breeder shorthand for a dog that can think before it reacts, which is exactly what modern owners want too.
Why This Win Matters Beyond the Trophy
When a breed like the Doberman wins Westminster, it nudges public taste in a healthier direction.
It quietly says:
- Structure matters
- Temperament matters
- Dogs should be able to do the job they were designed for, even if that job today is just being a solid, safe companion
It also reminds people that working breeds don’t need to be hyped-up maniacs or scary status symbols. When bred responsibly, they’re some of the most stable dogs around.
Pickles’ Aside: Big brain, big legs, big responsibility. Still needs snacks, though.
The Quiet Shift Away From “Extreme” Dogs
Here’s where it gets interesting.
Over the last decade, judges and breeders have faced growing criticism about exaggeration in certain breeds. Too flat-faced. Too heavy. Too fragile. And while Westminster hasn’t rewritten the rulebook overnight, the dogs winning today often look… healthier.
You’re seeing:
- Longer muzzles
- Better movement
- Dogs that can actually trot without looking exhausted
Breeders paying attention aren’t just breeding for the ring anymore. They’re breeding dogs that can cope with life outside it. Vets, owners, and welfare groups have pushed hard for this shift, and it’s slowly showing.
Pickles’ Aside: If I can’t breathe or chase a squirrel, what is the point?
Temperament Is Back in Fashion
One thing Westminster quietly rewards is composure.
Thousands of dogs. Loud crowds. Bright lights. A dog that melts down doesn’t place, no matter how perfect its coat is.
That’s why modern winners often come from lines known for:
- Stable nerves
- Trainability
- Clear-headed confidence
Handlers regularly say the best dogs are “easy to live with”, which might be the most underrated compliment in dogdom. This is great news for everyday owners, because it signals a move away from breeding dogs that look impressive but are impossible to manage at home.
What These Winners Say About Public Taste
Dog trends always follow culture.
Right now, we’re seeing:
- Less obsession with tiny, novelty dogs
- More respect for purpose-bred working dogs
- Renewed interest in intelligence and trainability
People want dogs that do stuff. Run. Think. Work. Even if that work is just being a brilliant companion on muddy walks and sofa days.
That’s why Westminster winners feel aspirational without being unrealistic. They’re polished, yes, but they’re also functional.
The Grooming Myth That Needs Busting
Yes, Westminster dogs are immaculately groomed. No, that doesn’t mean they’re high-maintenance nightmares.
Most of that polish comes from:
- Good coat genetics
- Proper tools
- Routine care, not frantic fussing
Owners of working and sporting breeds often say the dogs that do best are the ones whose coats are kept healthy, not sculpted into oblivion. This is where quality grooming tools actually matter, whether your dog ever sees a show ring or not.
Pickles’ Aside: Brush me little and often. Try once a month, and we’ll fall out.
So… Should Westminster Influence Your Choices?
Yes. But not in the way people think.
Westminster shouldn’t make you want a specific breed just because it won a trophy. What it should do is remind you to ask better questions:
- Is this breed physically sound?
- Is its temperament right for modern life?
- Are breeders prioritising health over hype?
When you strip away the sparkle, the best Westminster dogs represent balance, not extremes. And that’s a lesson every dog lover can take home.
Final Thought
Westminster winners aren’t telling us to chase perfection. They’re showing us what happens when health, temperament, and purpose come back into focus.
The future of dog breeding doesn’t need more trends. It needs better priorities.
Check out our breed chooser to find your most suitable dog
Pickles’ Aside: Also snacks. The future definitely needs more snacks.