A Brush Prairie dog handler played a significant role in one of the nation’s most-watched canine competitions this month, with local professional handler Andy Linton guiding a four-year-old Doberman pinscher named Penny to the top title at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

According to reporting by OPB, Penny emerged as Best in Show from a field of more than 2,500 dogs representing over 200 breeds. Linton, who has lived and worked with Penny for more than two years in Clark County, previously earned the same title in 1989 with another Doberman, marking this year’s victory as his second career win at Westminster. The event was held February 2 and 3 in New York City, with breed judging at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and group and Best in Show judging at Madison Square Garden.

Additional details released by the Westminster Kennel Club through a statement published by PR Newswire confirm Penny’s official registered name as GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds. Linton handled her through two days of breed competition before she advanced to the final round, where judge David Fitzpatrick named her Best in Show. This marks the fifth time a Doberman has taken the top Westminster honor.

Linton’s work with Penny extended well beyond the competition itself. As reported by OPB, Penny has now returned home to her owners in Toronto, Canada, following more than two years of training and daily living with Linton in Brush Prairie. He described the transition as bittersweet, comparing it to “letting go of your kid.”

Penny’s win has drawn national attention not only for her performance but also for its significance in Linton’s long career. Coverage by KMBC and The Washington Post highlights that Linton, now decades into his handling career, continues to excel on the sport’s biggest stage, even as he navigates ongoing health challenges.

Penny’s victory adds another nationally recognized achievement tied to Southwest Washington’s longstanding participation in competitive dog handling. For Brush Prairie residents, Linton’s role places the community in a bright national spotlight—one earned through years of discipline, precision, and the demanding work of preparing a championship‑level show dog.