- Some of the most beloved dog breeds in America have never won the Westminster Dog Show.
- Labradors have been the most popular dogs in the US for more than a quarter-century, but they've never taken Best in Show at the prestigious competition.
- Golden retrievers, French bulldogs, dachshunds, and many other popular breeds also haven't had much luck during Westminster's 143-year history.
Labradors, golden retrievers, and French bulldogs are among the most popular dogs in America.
But if you look at the list of breeds who have taken home the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, those three are nowhere to be found.
In fact, a number of beloved breeds have never won the coveted Best in Show ribbon during the prestigious competition's 143-year history.
But if you look at the list of breeds who have taken home the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, those three are nowhere to be found.
In fact, a number of beloved breeds have never won the coveted Best in Show ribbon during the prestigious competition's 143-year history.
Labrador Retriever
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| © Sarah Stier/Getty Images |
And while Labs often receive some of the biggest cheers at Madison Square Garden, where the Westminster Dog Show is held every year in Manhattan, they have never taken home Best in Show - or even best of their group.
Many have tried to understand why Labradors can't catch a break. Some believe they aren't extravagant enough. Others think their lovable personality gets in the way.
"There are a lot of Labradors that have given me goose bumps, but I think it's an acquired taste," Cindy Vogels, a Westminster Best in Show judge, told The Wall Street Journal in 2013.
Golden Retriever
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| © TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images |
Although golden retrievers have placed five times in their group since they began competing at Westminster in 1928, they've only ever won Best of Group once - in 2006.
"If you had a popularity contest, we would win," Christine Miele, the Eastern vice president of the Golden Retriever Club of America, told The New York Times last year. "We have everything in the world going for us except Westminster, and I think we're okay with that."
Dachshund
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| © Sarah Stier/Getty Images |
Many believe that dachshunds have struggled in the competition because of their small size.
"I think one of the reasons some breeds don't make it to the end is that they just aren't the glamour breeds who are so flashy in the group," Walter Jones, a vice president of the Dachshund Club of America, told the Times last year.
"Dachshunds compete against many larger breeds in the hound group that are simply more impressive," he added.
French Bulldog
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| © Drew Angerer/Getty Images |
French bulldogs, which are the fourth most popular breed in the US, have been exhibited at Westminster since 1897. But they've only won Best of Group once - back in 2010.
Frenchies compete in the Non-Sporting group, where they face stiff competition from the standard poodle (which has won Best in Show four times).
Rottweiler
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| © Andrew Burton/Getty Images |
The breed, known for being loyal guardians, has only won Best of Group once (back in 2006).
They often lose out in the Working Group to the boxer and Doberman Pinscher breeds, which have each taken Best in Show four times, according to the AKC.
Great Dane
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| © Chris McGrath/Getty Images |
The majestic breed, ranked 16th in popularity by the AKC, has been shown at the Westminster Dog Show since 1887.
But Great Danes have only won Best of Group five times, the latest being all the way back in 1983.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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| © TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images |
These adorable pups have managed to win Best of Group seven times. But it hasn't been enough to take them to the top spot.
Miniature Schnauzer
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| © TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images |
Yet only the Standard Schnauzer has won Best in Show at Westminster (once, in 1997).
The Miniature Schnauzer has also only won Best of Group once, all the way back in 1947.
Chihuahua
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| © Xinhua/ via Getty Images |
The tiny pups are also the 33rd most popular breed in America, but they have found little love at Madison Square Garden.
While chihuahuas have been competing at Westminster since 1904, the sassy breed has only won Best of Group once. Elle Woods would not approve.
Shih Tzu
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| © Mary Altaffer / AP |
Ranked 20th among the top dog breeds in the US, the Shih Tzu has managed to win Best of Group five times since it began competing in 1969.
But the grand prize has evaded the playful pup, often losing out to the pekingese (which has won Best of Show four times) and the toy poodle (which has won twice), according to the AKC.
Australian Shepherd
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| © Roman France/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images |
But Aussies, as they're nicknamed, have received some spotlight since they debuted at the competition in 1994. The breed took Best of Group in 2008, showing it may have more luck in the future.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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| © Brendan McDermid/Reuters |
But the beautiful breed has only been competing at Westminster since 1997, so time will only tell if it can make a real splash.
Shetland Sheepdogs
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| © Ben Hider/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) |
But the herding breed, which takes the 25th spot on AKC's popularity ranking, has come close to the top spot. Shetland sheepdogs have won Best of Group five times since their debut at the show.
Boston Terrier
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| © Ben Hider/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images |
But the Boston terrier has had far less luck, despite being the 21st most popular dog in America.
The playful pup, nicknamed the "American Gentleman," is still waiting to join its fellow terriers at the top.
Dalmatian
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| © Neilson Barnard/USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images |
But the breed's spotted coat hasn't been enough to catch the eye of the Westminster judges.
Mastiff
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| © Matthew Eisman /Contributor/Getty Images |
"The mastiff is docile and dignified, but also a formidable protector of those they hold dear," the description adds.
It's a rousing introduction, but these massive dogs have still had a hard time winning the hearts of the judges at Westminster. No mastiff breed has ever won Best in Show at the competition.
