The 2018 Westminster Dog Show saw Flynn, a Bichon Frise officially known as GCHG CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love, take the prestigious Best in Show title. Handled by Bill McFadden, Flynn triumphed over 2,882 entries across 202 breeds and varieties during the two-day event held at Madison Square Garden.
The 142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in February 2018, remains a landmark event in the history of American canine sports. As we look back from the vantage point of 2026, this particular year is remembered for its high level of competition, the "fluffy" upset in the final ring, and the continued dominance of established handlers in the sport. The event serves as the second-longest continuously running sporting event in the United States, surpassed only by the Kentucky Derby.
The 2018 show was not merely a beauty pageant; it was a rigorous evaluation of breeding standards, temperament, and athletic conformation. For enthusiasts and historians of the sport, the 2018 results provide a snapshot of the "ideal" specimens for each breed during that era of the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards.
The Best in Show Triumph: Flynn the Bichon Frise
The crowning moment of the 2018 Westminster Dog Show occurred on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden when judge Betty-Anne Stenmark pointed her finger toward the Bichon Frise. Flynn’s victory was significant for several reasons. While the Bichon Frise is a popular and recognizable breed, it does not frequently take the top spot at Westminster compared to the historically dominant Terrier group.
Flynn, whose registered name was GCHG CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love, was five years old at the time of his win. His performance was characterized by a perfect "powder puff" silhouette and a joyful, bouncy gait that captured the audience's attention. His handler, Bill McFadden, is a legendary figure in the dog show world, and this victory marked his second Best in Show at Westminster (his first being with Mick the Kerry Blue Terrier in 2003).
The judge, Betty-Anne Stenmark, noted that the competition in the final ring was incredibly tight. To reach the Best in Show circle, Flynn had to win the Non-Sporting Group, beating out stiff competition from breeds like the Poodle and the French Bulldog. His win was a testament to his "type"—the specific characteristics that make a dog a superior representation of its breed.
The Reserve Best in Show: Ty the Giant Schnauzer
In many ways, the 2018 competition was a "two-dog race" in the eyes of the spectators between the Bichon and the Giant Schnauzer. The Reserve Best in Show (essentially the runner-up) was awarded to GCH CH Surfers Paradise My One And Only, known as Ty.
Ty, a striking black Giant Schnauzer, won the Working Group earlier in the evening. Giant Schnauzers are known for their power, intelligence, and imposing presence. Ty’s performance was virtually flawless, showing incredible reach and drive in his movement. In the years following 2018, Ty’s performance has often been cited by enthusiasts as one of the best examples of a Working Group dog in the 21st century, despite narrowly missing the top prize.
Detailed Breakdown of the Seven Group Winners
The road to Best in Show requires a dog to first win its specific breed (Best of Breed) and then compete against all other winners within its designated Group. In 2018, the seven group winners who faced off in the final ring represented the pinnacle of canine conformation.
1. The Sporting Group: Bean the Sussex Spaniel
The Sporting Group winner was GCH CH Kamand's Full Of Beans @ Erinhill, affectionately known as Bean. Sussex Spaniels are a rare and ancient breed, often characterized by their low profile and "golden liver" coat. Bean’s win was a favorite for those who appreciate the rarer breeds, as Sussex Spaniels do not frequently reach the Best in Show ring.
2. The Hound Group: Lucy the Borzoi
GCH CH Belisarius Jp My Sassy Girl, or Lucy, took the Hound Group. As a Borzoi, Lucy represented the "sighthound" family, characterized by grace, speed, and a long, silky coat. The Borzoi is a Russian breed originally used for wolf hunting, and Lucy’s elegance in the ring was a highlight of the Monday night session.
3. The Working Group: Ty the Giant Schnauzer
As mentioned, Ty represented the Working Group. This group includes breeds designed for tasks such as guarding, pulling sleds, or water rescue. Ty’s win in this group was hard-fought, as the Working Group often contains some of the most physically impressive dogs in the show.
4. The Terrier Group: Winston the Norfolk Terrier
The Terrier Group, historically the most successful group at Westminster, was won in 2018 by GCHG CH Yarrow Venerie Winsome Richard, known as Winston. Norfolk Terriers are small, "varminty" dogs with a wire-haired coat. Winston’s win continued the tradition of Terriers showing immense "spark" and personality in the ring.
5. The Toy Group: Biggie the Pug
One of the biggest fan favorites of the 2018 show was GCHG CH Hill Country's Puttin' On The Ritz, a Pug known as Biggie. Biggie’s win in the Toy Group brought the house down at Madison Square Garden. Pugs are judged on their "multum in parvo" (much in little) stature, and Biggie’s compact, muscular frame and expressive face made him a standout. Tragically, Biggie passed away shortly after the 2018 show season, making his victory a poignant memory for the fancy.
6. The Non-Sporting Group: Flynn the Bichon Frise
Flynn won this group before moving on to take the entire show. The Non-Sporting Group is one of the most diverse groups at Westminster, containing breeds as varied as the Dalmatian, the Bulldog, and the Xoloitzcuintli.
7. The Herding Group: Slick the Border Collie
GCHG CH Majestic Elite Clever Endeavor, known as Slick, took the Herding Group title. Slick was a highly decorated Border Collie who exemplified the agility and intelligence of the breed. Border Collies are often considered the smartest of all dog breeds, and Slick’s intense focus on his handler was a textbook example of herding temperament.
Comparison of 2018 Group Winners
| Group | Breed | Call Name | Formal Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best in Show | Bichon Frise | Flynn | GCHG CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love |
| Reserve BIS | Giant Schnauzer | Ty | GCH CH Surfers Paradise My One And Only |
| Sporting | Sussex Spaniel | Bean | GCH CH Kamand's Full Of Beans @ Erinhill |
| Hound | Borzoi | Lucy | GCH CH Belisarius Jp My Sassy Girl |
| Terrier | Norfolk Terrier | Winston | GCHG CH Yarrow Venerie Winsome Richard |
| Toy | Pug | Biggie | GCHG CH Hill Country's Puttin' On The Ritz |
| Herding | Border Collie | Slick | GCHG CH Majestic Elite Clever Endeavor |
The Logistics: From the Piers to the Garden
The 2018 Westminster Dog Show utilized a dual-venue format that has since become a staple of the New York City event. Understanding the logistics of 2018 is essential for appreciating how these dogs are evaluated.
Daytime Judging at Piers 92/94
During the day, the individual breed judging took place at Piers 92 and 94 on the Hudson River. This is where the thousands of entries are whittled down to the single "Best of Breed" winner. The atmosphere at the Piers is famously hectic; it is open to the public, allowing fans to walk through the "benching area."
Benching is a historical requirement of Westminster where dogs must remain in assigned stalls when not in the ring. This allows the public to see the dogs up close and speak with breeders. In 2018, this provided a unique opportunity for fans to meet Flynn and Biggie before they became household names later that evening.
Evening Finals at Madison Square Garden
Once the Best of Breed winners were selected at the Piers, they were transported to Madison Square Garden for the Group judging. The evening sessions are the televised portion of the event. The "Garden" provides a high-pressure environment with thousands of cheering fans, bright lights, and a massive green carpet. A dog’s ability to handle the "Garden atmosphere" is often what separates a champion from a finalist.
Judging Standards and Conformation
To understand why Flynn won in 2018, one must understand the concept of conformation. Judges are not comparing the dogs against each other; they are comparing each dog against its specific breed's written standard.
The standard describes the ideal physical and mental traits for that breed. For a Bichon Frise, the judge looks for:
- The Coat: A double coat that is soft and dense, standing away from the body to create a rounded appearance.
- The Expression: Dark, round eyes with a "soft but alert" expression.
- The Structure: A sturdy, balanced body that allows for an effortless, stylish gait.
In 2018, Flynn was considered the dog that came closest to his "perfect" breed standard among all the finalists. While a fan might prefer the power of the Giant Schnauzer or the charm of the Pug, the judge's role is to remain objective and select the dog that is the best "type" of its breed.
Statistical Overview of the 142nd Edition
The 2018 show was massive in scale, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Westminster Kennel Club.
- Total Entries: 2,882 dogs.
- Breeds Represented: 202 breeds and varieties.
- New Breeds: While Westminster often introduces new breeds, 2018 was a year of consolidation, focusing on the refinement of existing breeds recognized by the AKC. (The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen were officially recognized by the AKC in 2018 but did not compete at Westminster until 2019).
- International Presence: While primarily an American show, 2018 saw entries from several different countries, emphasizing Westminster’s status as a global "World Series" for dog breeders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2018 Westminster Dog Show?
The 2018 Best in Show winner was Flynn, a Bichon Frise officially known as GCHG CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love. He was handled by Bill McFadden.
How many dogs competed in 2018?
A total of 2,882 dogs were entered in the 2018 competition, representing 202 different breeds and varieties.
What is the difference between "Best in Show" and "Reserve Best in Show"?
"Best in Show" is the top prize awarded to the single best dog in the entire competition. "Reserve Best in Show" is the runner-up. In 2018, the Reserve title went to Ty, a Giant Schnauzer.
Where is the Westminster Dog Show held?
In 2018, the event was held in New York City. Daytime breed judging took place at Piers 92 and 94, while the evening Group and Best in Show judging took place at Madison Square Garden.
Why do some breeds win more often than others?
Terriers have historically won the most Best in Show titles at Westminster. This is often attributed to the "showmanship" and "spirit" inherent in the Terrier group. However, 2018 proved that a well-conditioned and perfectly groomed dog from the Non-Sporting Group, like the Bichon Frise, can overcome those historical odds.
How are the dogs judged?
Dogs are judged based on how closely they conform to their breed's official standard. This includes physical attributes (height, weight, coat texture), movement (gait), and temperament.
Legacy of the 2018 Event
The 2018 Westminster Dog Show is remembered as a "classic" year. It lacked the controversy of some previous years and focused heavily on the quality of the dogs. Flynn’s win helped boost the popularity of the Bichon Frise, while the high-profile performance of Biggie the Pug reminded the world of the deep bond between handlers and their dogs.
For those looking to research further or participate in future shows, the 2018 results serve as a benchmark for excellence. The event proved that regardless of size or group, a dog with exceptional conformation and a "presence" that commands the ring can reach the pinnacle of the sport.
