The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) proudly congratulates Penny, the Doberman Pinscher Am GCHP Can GCH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, on winning Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. This historic achievement marks Penny as the 7th Canadian-bred and/or owned dog to earn this prestigious title. Penny triumphed over more than 2,500 conformation entries, cementing her place among the most celebrated dogs in Westminster history.
Canadian-owned and bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan, along with co-owners Francis and Diana Sparagna of California, Penny delivered a stunning performance under the expert guidance of veteran U.S. handler Andy Linton. The win was especially momentous for Linton, who last claimed Westminster Best in Show in 1989—also with a Doberman Pinscher.
Courtesy of Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club
“On behalf of the Canadian Kennel Club, we are immensely proud to celebrate Penny, a Canadian-owned and bred Doberman Pinscher, on her Best in Show victory at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show,” said Robert Whitney, CKC Board Director for Ontario East.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Penny’s Canadian co-owners and breeders, Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan, as well as her co-owners from California, on this remarkable achievement. We also congratulate all Canadian winners on their outstanding accomplishments.”
Penny was among more than 75 Canadian competitors representing the nation at Westminster this year. The CKC applauds all Canadian winners and looks forward to sharing all Canadian wins in the days ahead.
Other notable Canadian wins include:
Hound Group – 4th Place: Kaspian the Saluki
GCHS CH Haefen Phaeton Kaspian
Breeders: Roberta Parish (Errington, B.C.) & Eric Steel
Owners: Eric Steel & Frank Ledda
Herding Group – 4th Place: Farrah the Bouvier des Flandres
GCHB CH Quiche's Vogue Covergirl CGC TKN
Breeders: Elaine Paquette & Robert Real
Owners: Elaine & Louise Paquette (Maidstone, Ontario)
Sporting Group – 3rd Place: Luca the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
GCHS CH Roaneden's Shorelander
Breeders: Christine & Robert Jones (Arva, Ontario)
Owners: Christine, Robert & Chloe Jones
Working Group – 4th Place: Maverick the Samoyed
GCHS CH Vanderbilt's Lucky Shot FDC
Breeders: Judi & Blair Elford (Millbrook, Ontario)
Owners: Suzanna Danza, Steve Tursi & Judi Elford
To view the full list of Canadian results, click here.
Additional Facts
- Penny is also renowned as the #1 Working dog in the United States in 2025
- Canadian judge Raymond Yurick presided over several Hound group breeds, including Afghan Hounds, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets.
- The last Canadian dog to win Best in Show at Westminster was the beloved Beagle, Ch. Tashtins Lookin For Trouble (“Miss P”).
About the Canadian Kennel Club
Founded in 1888, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary registry body for purebred dogs in Canada and recognizes 187 breeds. As a nonprofit organization incorporated under the federal Animal Pedigree Act, the CKC represents nearly 19,000 members and over 700 breed clubs nationwide. The CKC registers purebred dogs, regulates dog shows and performance events, and advocates for the health, wellbeing, and responsible stewardship of purebred dogs across the country. For more information, visit ckc.ca.
Media Contact
For media opportunities, please contact Karen Ramlall at [email protected].