History was made at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show when a doberman pinscher named Penny was named Best in Show. After two days of competition and roughly 2,000 dogs narrowed to seven group winners, judges chose the doberman over fan favorites such as an Old English sheepdog and a Chesapeake Bay retriever. It was the first Doberman Best in Show at Westminster since 1989.
The win felt like redemption for a breed long portrayed as fearsome. Penny’s handler, Andy Linton, described her as “very chill,” a reminder that modern Dobermans are often gentle family dogs, therapy animals and comfort companions. The doberman’s intimidating image has historical roots: the breed was developed by a tax collector named Doberman who wanted a deterrent companion, contributing to cropped ears, docked tails and a tough public persona. That early purpose influenced portrayals in cartoons and pop culture, but Penny’s victory showcased the breed’s elegance, agreeableness and beauty, prompting a reappraisal: don’t judge a dog by its ears — at least not this one.