The top dog breeds in America are ranked annually by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and each year, representatives of those breeds compete alongside many others for “Best in Show,” which is awarded at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. (The Pekingese took home the Best in Show trophy in 2021) ).
But did you know that shockingly, 11 of the top 20 dog breeds in America have never taken home Best in Show?
There are other awards at Westminster besides Best in Show, though. The majority of the dog breeds listed below, which are all among the top 20 most popular dog breeds in America, have won numerous Best of Group awards and frequently placed in the top 4 of their categories.
We combed through news archives and kennel club records for hours, if not days, to compile the yearly updated list below for you.
How do I know if my dog is a pitbull or Staffy?
Pit bulls are taller and heavier than Staffordshire bull terriers, which is one of the most obvious differences between these two breeds. According to American Kennel Club breed standards, Staffies should be between 24 and 38 pounds in weight and between 14 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Shih Tzu may have noble roots, but the adorable toy dog has yet to take the crown at Westminster.
The Shih Tzu, which is ranked 20th among the top dog breeds in the US, has won Best of Group five times since it started competing in 1969.
However, the AKC reports that the playful dog has frequently fallen short to the pekingese (which has won Best of Show four times) and the toy poodle (which has won twice).
The Most Popular Dog Breeds That Have Never Won “Best in Show” at Westminster
Labrador Retrievers, who have long been the nation’s favorite dog, have performed appallingly at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, placing only 11 times but never first in their group. The AKC recognized Labs as a Sporting Group breed in 1917. That’s 100-plus years in which to accomplish something, Labbies. Maybe they ought to focus more on conformation and less on perfecting their depressed Lab faces.
Even worse, Golden Retrievers have only placed in their group six times since Westminster began. But at least they won two Best of Groups awards in recent years. Goldens, who belong to the Sporting Group like Labradors, received official recognition in 1925, giving them plenty of time. But maybe they were all too busy fetching tennis balls?.
The French Bulldog is a small dog with bat-like ears and a distinct underbite, but despite being displayed at Westminster since 1897, it has never won Best in Show. When the French Bulldog won its second Non-Sporting Group title in 2021, that was the last time this breed came close.
Since joining the Working Group in 1931, Rottweilers have never won Best in Show at Westminster. Even worse, even though they have only ever won one group, Rottweilers have only ever finished second, third, or fourth six other times in those years.
The AKC first recognized Pembroke Welsh Corgis in 1934, and they are a proud member of the Working Group. These puppies have won an impressive 7 Best of Group ribbons and more than 20 additional awards over the years. Not bad! But no Best in Show win ever.
By the way, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, a dog belonging to the herding group and a close relative of the Pembroke, has never won Best in Show at Westminster either.
Dachshunds are by far the most successful breed of those represented here, placing numerous times in the Hound Group and earning 11 Best of Groups awards. Longhaired, Wirehaired, and Smooth Dachshunds are the three categories of competitors. (In each of these 3 classes, miniature and standard dachshunds compete against one another.) ).
Dachshunds were officially recognized as a breed by the AKC in 1885, which may explain their enduring popularity and relatively high Westminster rankings.
We should be a little lenient with the Australian Shepherd because it has only been participating in Westminster since 1994.
Interestingly enough, Australian Shepherds are not from Australia. They are descended from working mountain dogs who lived in southern France and northern Spain with Basque shepherds as their companions. These intelligent, joyful working dogs are Herding Group canines.
It’s absurd that these graceful, gentle puppies, who belong to the Toy Group, have never taken home Best in Show honors at Westminster!
One possible reason: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively new to the scene, competing at Westminster only since 1997.
Great Danes, one of the first recognized breeds, were accepted into the Working Group in 1887. Although they have never won Best in Show, they have received 5 Best of Group ribbons and have placed 22 times overall.
The Miniature Schnauzer, a member of the Terrier Group and a completely distinct breed from the Standard Schnauzer and Giant Schnauzer, was officially recognized in 1926. Since then, the breed has placed 8 other times while only managing to win 1 Best of Group award, which is not exactly a dismal performance.
Shih Tzus, who joined the Toy Group in 1969, have performed remarkably well for a breed that has only been in competition for the past 50 years. The breed has won five Best of Group awards and fourteen additional group awards, which is impressive.
FAQ
Does AKC recognize pit bulls?
The American Kennel Club takes exception to this generalization. In actuality, the AKC does not classify the “pit bull” as a distinct breed. However, regardless of their parentage, ownership of dogs that fit these ambiguous physical characteristics is being outlawed nationwide.
Are pitbulls in Westminster?
There are no breed-specific laws in force in the City of Westminster.
What dog show group are pitbulls in?
AKC/UKC Pitbull-Type Breeds According to their breed standards, there are four breeds that are frequently referred to as modern “pitbull-type” breeds. The majority of these breeds belong to the Terrier Group of canine breeds. Of the four pitbull-type breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is the tallest and most athletic.
Are pit bulls a recognized breed?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the term “pitbulls or pit bulls” as a breed. The American pit bull terrier is a breed recognized by the United Kennel Club, but the term “pit bull” is frequently used to describe mixed-breed dogs with particular physical traits, such as a muscular body and broad head.