Winston The French Bulldog Has Won The National Dog Show

By Jackie Northam | NPR

Published Nov 25, 2022 9:44 AM

A small beige dog with short hair stands still, and appears to be grinning. He is standing on a blue rug in front of a partially obscured sign that reads "Best In Show."

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Winston, a cream-colored French bulldog, claimed top honors at this year's National Dog Show. The three-year-old beat out six other finalists for best in show at the annual event, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and broadcast by NBC on Thanksgiving Day.

After he was announced winner, Winston was hoisted into the air and whirled above the royal-blue carpet by his handler and co-owner, Perry Payson. There was a huge cheer from the crowd. Winston sported a big smile.

A man in a black tuxedo with a red bow tie runs alongside a small beige bulldog. They are on a blue rug and performing at the National Dog Show.

Payson later took Winston into the audience so people could pet him.

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"He walked over to the people and they were just like touching a movie star. We just had never seen anything quite like that. It was an explosion of applause," said Wayne Ferguson, president of the Philadelphia kennel club.

A woman dressed in all black kneels next to a man dressed in a black tuxedo and red bow tie. She holds a microphone in front of him. Both are smiling. A small beige bulldog and a large framed ribbon are between the two people.

"He is a show dog with personality and beauty and a perfect fit for the breed," said Vicki Seiler-Cushman, the best in show judge, in a statement. "He has a razzle dazzle that says, 'I am here to win tonight.'"

According to the American Kennel Club, French bulldogs are the second-most popular breed in the U.S., beat only by Labrador retrievers. Golden retrievers are the third most popular.

On the left is a photo of a white and brown, medium sized terrier dog with two people touching him gently. On the right is a large white poodle whose hair has been carefully trimmed, and whose leash is held by a person wearing a purple skirt and black tights.

Winston has several owners, including NFL player Morgan Fox, a defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers. He helped raise Winston as a puppy. One of the show's announcers quipped that the small but muscular Winston "runs like a little linebacker."

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Winston — whose registered show name is GCHP Fox Canyon's I Won The War at Goldshield — has collected a number of titles over the years. This win marks his 78th best in show title, making Winston the No. 1 ranked all-breed canine in the U.S.

A small white, black and brown dog is shown on a leash, walking on a blue rug.

This year, the American Kennel Club approved three new breeds to compete in the National Dog Show: the Bracco Italiano, the Russian toy and the mudi.

Winston had already won in his non-sporting group before heading into the final round. There he beat out an American Staffordshire terrier named Trouble from the terrier group, Reus the Alaskan Malamute from the working group, Nate the Treeing Walker Coonhound from the hound group, Sloane the Irish water spaniel of the sporting group, River the German shepherd from the herding group and Cooper the English toy spaniel from the toy group.

Cooper captured the second place prize, known as Reserve Best in Show.

After the excitement of today's event wound down, Winston was seen enjoying some celebratory treats served on a silver tray.

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