Who won westminster dog show 2023?

The winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is more than a trophy line in a dog‑lover’s feed; it tells you about breeding trends, training standards, and what a top dog looks and behaves like under pressure. Below I explain why the 2023 result mattered, who took Best in Show, how that choice tied to breed function and judging practice, and what owners should do to prepare and protect their dogs for the show ring.

What the 2023 Westminster result means for dog lovers

When a dog wins Best in Show at Westminster, that single outcome can ripple through the dog world. For breeders and hobbyists, a high‑profile win may increase public interest in the breed and is likely linked to a short‑term spike in inquiries about puppies and stud services. For trainers and handlers, studying a winner offers a concrete target: the specific carriage, movement and ring manners judges rewarded that year.

There’s also a cultural and historical thread. Westminster is one of the oldest and most visible conformation events in the United States, so its winners become part of an ongoing story about how standards have been interpreted through time. Spectators and community members watch for the drama—the progression from breed ring to group and then Best in Show—and that spectacle can inspire people to take up showing, volunteer at events, or simply learn more about responsible breeding and care.

Lastly, winners influence what people expect from a breed in terms of temperament and health priorities. A dog that excels on the Westminster stage typically demonstrates calm focus around crowds, good footwork, and clear evidence of selective breeding for certain functions; these are practical lessons for anyone involved in breeding, training, or competing.

Who clinched Best in Show at Westminster 2023?

At the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Best in Show title went to a Wire Fox Terrier. For the registered name of the dog, the owner and handler information, and the full list of group winners, you can consult the official Westminster results page or the American Kennel Club event summary. Major media outlets that reported the result included The New York Times, Reuters, and the BBC, which provide convenient contemporary accounts and photographs.

• Best in Show — Wire Fox Terrier; the Westminster Kennel Club’s 2023 results page lists the registered name and ownership details.
• Group winners precede Best in Show: each group champion (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non‑Sporting, Herding) competes for Best in Show.
• To verify: check the Westminster Kennel Club 2023 results, the AKC’s 2023 Westminster summary, or archived coverage from reputable news organizations.

Breed standards at Westminster — why function shapes the ideal

Breed standards are not decorative; they reflect a breed’s historical purpose and the functional traits that supported that purpose. For example, terriers were developed for hunting and dispatching small quarry; traits such as a compact frame, quick, springy movement, and a confident temperament are part of that function and are called out in the Terrier standard. When you look at a winner, the dog’s conformation generally corresponds to those long‑term selection pressures.

Judges often evaluate features that have a functional basis. Bite and dentition may suggest effective prey capture or carrying ability; angulation and shoulder layback influence reach and drive, which in turn affect a dog’s gait and stamina; topline and hindquarter strength are likely linked to balance during movement. Temperament traits—focus, boldness without aggression, and a willingness to be handled—are also part of how a breed historically performed and are therefore baked into the standard.

Health traits matter too. Selective breeding for a job may have favored structural traits that also affect long‑term soundness. For example, a breed required to work on uneven ground may be selected for compact feet and resilient joints, attributes that are often discussed in breed‑club health resources and that judges may implicitly reward when movement looks effortless and sound.

How judges chose the 2023 champion: inside the decision process

The judging process is systematic but subjective. It begins at the breed level: each dog is compared against the written standard for that breed, not against the other dogs per se. Judges look closely at proportions, coat, bite, and specific anatomical details described in the standard. I typically see judges pause to check head shape, topline, and tail set because those features consistently differentiate quality specimens within a breed.

Movement assessment is central. A dog is asked to gait at a speed that shows its natural stride; judges evaluate reach in front, drive behind, and whether the dog moves true to the line of travel. Gaiting reveals structural strengths and weaknesses that aren’t always obvious when the dog is standing. Coat condition and grooming are also visible signs of care and appropriate presentation; poor coat preparation can obscure structural qualities and reduce a dog’s competitive chances.

Temperament and ring behavior are evaluated continuously. A dog that becomes overly stressed, refuses to stand properly for examination, or shows excessive nervousness usually loses points, because steadiness and acceptability under handling are part of the standard. At the group level and in Best in Show, judges compare top dogs across different functions and select the one they judge to best represent its standard in the context of the entire event.

Timing, ring order and other variables that can tip the scales

Timing and logistics at Westminster can change outcomes in subtle ways. The annual schedule determines ring order and the time of day each breed competes; a late afternoon slot under bright lights may favor dogs that are robust to long event days, while an early morning ring could benefit handlers who arrive fresh. The number of entries in a breed or group matters too—larger entry numbers may produce stiffer competition and force a judge to make finer discriminations.

Judge assignments introduce another variable. Different judges may emphasize particular attributes within a standard based on their education and experience; a judge with a background in performance aspects might give more weight to gaiting, while another might focus on head type or expression. Venue conditions—ring surface, lighting, and crowd noise—can influence how a dog moves and behaves; a slippery surface will make even a sound dog appear short‑coupled or restricted in reach.

Health risks and warning signs judges and owners monitor

Shows are exciting, but they can also expose dogs to stressors. Heat stress and dehydration are common concerns, particularly in warm weather or crowded halls. Look for rapid panting, drooling, weakness, or an unresponsive dog—these signs may suggest overheating and require immediate cooling and veterinary attention if severe. I advise owners to monitor respiration closely after exercise or during long waits in crates.

Watch for lameness, stiffness, or an abnormal gait; these may indicate muscle strain, joint pain, or acute injury. Respiratory distress—wheezing, coughing, or collapse—warrants urgent care. Grooming may cause skin abrasions, cuts, or follicular inflammation if tools or techniques are rough; persistent redness or a dog favoring a limb should prompt a closer evaluation. In any case of sudden collapse, persistent bleeding, or severe distress, seek emergency veterinary attention without delay.

Owner pre-show preparations: what was done before the ring

Preparing a dog for show day is part health maintenance and part practical logistics. Start with vaccinations and a pre‑show health check so you know your dog is sound and free from infectious disease. Confirm any travel paperwork or crate requirements well in advance; delays at a show can be stressful for both dog and handler.

Build a conditioning and grooming timeline: conditioning should increase progressively over weeks to build muscle and cardiovascular fitness without overtraining. Grooming timelines vary by coat type—plan shampooing and trimming so coat oils and texture are optimal on show day, not stripped. Practice stacking and gaiting consistently; short, frequent sessions are usually more effective than long, infrequent drills.

On show day, have a clear logistics plan: a comfortable crate with bedding, a predictable feeding schedule that avoids heavy meals right before the ring, and a quiet corner for rest. Bring a check‑list of grooming tools, water, and emergency contacts for the local veterinarian or on‑site medical staff.

Training tactics and environment control for peak performance

Socialization and acclimation to the show environment pay dividends. Gradually expose your dog to crowds, loudspeakers, and multiple handlers so the dog learns to maintain focus. Structured practice of stacking and gait work under mild distractions helps generalize the behavior; I recommend rehearsing with a friend who can act as a passerby to introduce realistic interruptions.

Crate management is a practical calming strategy: make the crate a positive, familiar space that your dog uses at home so it becomes a predictable refuge at shows. Use short, conditioned cues and consistent timing between handler cue and dog response; inconsistency confuses a dog under pressure. If a dog becomes anxious, use low‑arousal cues and short breaks rather than long corrections that raise stress levels.

Essential safety and show gear every handler should have

• Proper show lead and lightweight collar: choose one that fits for a clean outline and won’t pinch. A slip or thin show lead that lies flat helps presentation without restricting breathing.
• Grooming kit essentials: slicker and pin brushes appropriate to coat type, combs, clipper guards, scissors, and breed‑appropriate shampoo. Use products you’ve trialed at home; new products can cause unexpected skin reactions.
• Portable water, bowls, and a cooling mat: frequent small drinks are safer than a large bowl before a run. Cooling mats or damp towels can mitigate heat stress during breaks.
• Basic first‑aid supplies and emergency contacts: absorbent pads, saline for eye or wound rinsing, adhesive bandage tape, styptic powder, and a card with local vet and emergency clinic numbers. Know where on‑site event medical services are located.

Sources, credits and further reading

• Westminster Kennel Club: 2023 Best in Show Results — official event results and award details (Westminster Kennel Club archives).
• American Kennel Club: Westminster 2023 Event Summary and Breed Pages — summaries of winners and breed standards used in judging.
• New York Times: Coverage of the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — contemporary reporting and photographs of Best in Show and group winners.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Heat Stroke in Dogs — clinical signs and first‑aid recommendations for overheating during events.
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Traveling with Animals and Competitive Events — guidance on health checks, vaccinations, and travel paperwork for shows.
• United States Dog Judges Association / Breed Club Standards — individual breed standard documents used by judges to evaluate conformation and function.