1989 – Andy Linton handles Indy, the last Doberman to win Best in Show before Penny, creating a 37‑year gap for the breed at Westminster [1][3].

150th anniversary (historical) – Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show marks its 150th edition, the nation’s oldest dog show and second‑oldest sporting competition after the Kentucky Derby, underscoring its historic prestige [4][5].

Jan 31, 2026 – The Masters Agility Championship Finals open the 150th show at Madison Square Garden, featuring Border Collies, English Springer Spaniels, Australian Shepherds and Papillons and setting a high‑energy tone for the weekend [4].

Feb 1‑2, 2026 – Roughly 2,500 dogs representing 212 breeds compete in breed‑by‑breed conformation judging across the Javits Center and Madison Square Garden, while handlers groom and transport dogs such as Charizma; the event streams on FS1, FS2 and digital platforms [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – Judges evaluate each entrant against its breed standard; Wire Fox Terriers hold a record 15 Best‑in‑Show wins, poodles 11, and Labrador and Golden Retrievers have never captured the top prize, highlighting long‑standing breed trends [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – PETA stages billboard protests and announces a lawsuit against the AKC, claiming “flat‑faced dogs struggle to breathe,” intensifying animal‑welfare controversy surrounding the show [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – The newly eligible Danish‑Swedish farmdog Millie advances to the evening round, becoming one of the first of her breed to compete after the breed’s acceptance this year, which Brita Lemmon calls “a very exciting journey” [3][6].

Feb 3, 2026 – Afghan hound Zaida, a two‑time World Dog Show champion, reaches the Westminster finals for the first time, prompting handler Willy Santiago to say he “waited this day for all my life” [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – Veteran handler Bill McFadden and his wife Taffe stress their partnership, with Bill noting “being with someone you can actually coexist with—constantly” as key to their success [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – Randy Huelsemann adds that he and his wife show “for just the love of it, for something to do together,” illustrating the personal motivations of many participants [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – Seven finalists—Afghan hound Zaida, Lhasa apso JJ, Maltese Cookie, English sheepdog Graham, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Cota, smooth fox terrier Wager, and Doberman Penny—compete for Best‑in‑Show, setting the stage for a historic decision [6][7].

Feb 3, 2026 – Judge David Fitzpatrick selects Penny the Doberman as Best in Show, awards Reserve Best in Show to Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and declares the lineup “will go down in history” [1][3].

Feb 3, 2026 – Handler Andy Linton declares, “She is as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen,” highlighting Penny’s exceptional conformation and his personal connection to the breed’s previous 1989 win [1][3].

Feb 3, 2026 – Co‑owner Greg Chan describes Penny as a “pleaser” who will do anything for food and whose favorite snack is “everything,” underscoring the dog’s personality beyond the ring [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – Reserve winner Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever playfully grabs the winning ribbon after the announcement, delighting spectators and adding a memorable moment to the ceremony [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – The 150th Westminster show concludes, cementing its legacy as a cultural institution and setting a benchmark for future editions, which are expected to draw thousands of competitors and extensive media coverage [5][4].