The best in show ring isn’t just about grooming and presentation. It’s where breed history, structure, temperament and years of training all come together for a few minutes under bright lights. Some winners feel predictable because their breeds dominate the sport, but others surprise everyone and shift the conversation about what excellence looks like. Looking back at recent champions shows how varied those winning formulas can be. From working dogs with commanding presence to smaller breeds that win on precision and expression.
Monty the giant schnauzer
Monty’s 2024 win reinforced how strong working breeds have become in the show world. Giant schnauzers combine power with control, and Monty moved with the kind of focus judges look for when evaluating structure and trainability. His performance showed how a breed built for guarding and farm work can translate those instincts into a polished ring presence without losing intensity.
Sage the miniature poodle
Miniature poodles rarely fade into the background when they’re presented well. Sage’s win highlighted the breed’s balance of athleticism, intelligence and presentation. Beneath the sculpted coat is a dog built for movement and precision. Her performance reminded audiences that grooming gets attention, but consistency in motion is what wins.
Star the bulldog
Bulldogs don’t win best in show often, which made Star’s victory memorable. The breed’s structure demands careful evaluation because movement looks different from lighter framed dogs. Star succeeded by showing correct breed type while still presenting confidence and stability. The win pushed conversations about judging standards and how breed specific traits should be valued.
Bayou the giant schnauzer
Bayou’s earlier win set the stage for the breed’s continued success and helped establish giant schnauzers as serious contenders rather than occasional standouts. His performance emphasized clean movement and composure under pressure. Together, Bayou and Monty created a rare stretch where the same breed repeatedly proved its versatility at the highest level.
Bourbon the whippet
Whippets bring a very different energy to the ring. Bourbon’s sleek outline and efficient movement showed how restraint can be just as striking as flash. Her repeat best in show success highlighted the breed’s ability to combine speed, elegance and ring awareness without over presentation. It was a win that elevated sighthounds in the public conversation.
Rosie the doberman pinscher
Dobermans carry an expectation of authority, and Rosie delivered that without looking rigid. Her win demonstrated how correct structure allows a powerful breed to move with fluidity. Judges often look for that balance between strength and refinement, and Rosie became a reference point for what that looks like in modern competition.
Striker the cocker spaniel
Striker represented the enduring appeal of sporting breeds that combine personality with technical presentation. Cockers require meticulous grooming, but personality plays an equally large role. His cheerful expression and steady movement showed how temperament can shape a performance as much as physical traits.
Preston the puli
A corded coat always draws attention, but Preston’s success went beyond appearance. Pulis are agile working dogs, and his movement showed that functionality still matters even in visually distinctive breeds. The win reminded viewers that unusual presentation shouldn’t overshadow evaluation of structure and control.
Charlie the bichon frise
Bichons often succeed when their movement matches their bright temperament. Charlie’s performance delivered both. Judges responded to consistency, balance and the breed’s signature lightness. Wins like this reinforce that smaller companion breeds can compete with working and sporting dogs when execution is precise.
Charlie the skye terrier
Terriers bring attitude to the ring, and this Skye terrier’s win highlighted the value of breed preservation. Skyes are less common today, so a best in show victory carried extra weight. The performance showcased the breed’s distinctive outline, confident movement and the importance of maintaining historic terrier lines.
Matisse the Portuguese water dog
Working water dogs rarely dominate headlines, but Matisse changed that. His athleticism and handler connection demonstrated how functional breeds can excel when conditioning and presentation align. The win also increased public awareness of a breed many people recognized but didn’t fully understand structurally.
Sky the wire fox terrier
Wire fox terriers have a long history of best in show success, and Sky’s win reinforced that legacy. The breed’s alert expression and animated movement translate well under judging pressure. Her performance showed why certain terrier lines remain consistent contenders across decades rather than cycles.
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Got a pup with endless energy? Channeling that into agility training might be the perfect solution. Some dogs aren’t just fast—they’re agility superstars. If you’re looking for a fun way to keep your dog engaged and active, these breeds will blow your mind with their skills. From lightning-fast sprints to impressive jumps, these dogs thrive on the challenge and excitement of agility courses.
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