The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Cota finished reserve best in show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, while Penny the Doberman took the best in show title, as reported by event coverage.
The judge, David Fitzpatrick, described the final lineup as one that would go down in history, and he named Penny the winner after reviewing seven group champions.
Penny, handled by Andy Linton, performed with steady composure, and Linton, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, said, I had some goals, and this was one of them.
Cota, described by reporters as a crowd favorite for his easygoing, doglike charm, celebrated the runner up spot by grabbing his ribbon and parading with it in the ring.
The final seven also included an Afghan hound, a Maltese, a Lhasa apso, an Old English sheepdog, and Wager the smooth fox terrier, who earlier upset expectations to win the terrier group under judge Polly Smith.
Broad coverage noted that about 2,500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds competed after breed and group rounds, and that each finalist was judged against its breed standard rather than against the others.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Profile And Related Notes
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an American gundog noted for a dense, oily double coat that resists water, with typical colors including brown, dark brown, sedge and deadgrass, as summarized in breed material.
The breed stands roughly 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighs between about 55 and 80 pounds, and it was developed to work in the harsh, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay region.
Breed health guidance highlights hip dysplasia as a concern and recommends evaluations such as hip and elbow X-rays and ophthalmologist examinations, and genetic testing for conditions like progressive rod-cone degeneration, degenerative myelopathy and exercise-induced collapse.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever profiles emphasize high energy and strong retrieving instincts, and owners are advised to provide ample exercise, early socialization and obedience training to channel the breed's mental and physical drive.
Articles on mixed crosses note two common hybrids: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Doberman Pinscher mix and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Miniature Pinscher mix, both described as variable in temperament and likely to need firm, consistent training, socialization and significant exercise.
Care notes for the mixes and the pure breed include regular grooming to manage shedding, attention to joint health with supplements when appropriate, and feeding guidance tailored to individual energy needs and body condition.
