In 2022, the prestigious title of Best in Show at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was awarded to GCHB CH Flessner's Toot My Own Horn, affectionately known as Trumpet. This historic victory marked the first time a Bloodhound ever secured the top prize at Westminster, cementing Trumpet's legacy in the annals of canine competition.
The world of competitive dog showing is one of precision, lineage, and rigorous standards. While thousands of dogs compete annually across various regional and national circuits, the "Triple Crown" of the American dog show world—the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the National Dog Show, and the AKC National Championship—represents the pinnacle of the sport. In 2022, the spotlight shone brightest on a four-year-old Bloodhound whose "noble and dignified" expression captured the hearts of judges and spectators alike. To understand why Trumpet’s win was so significant, one must look at the technical requirements of the breed, the intensity of the 2022 competition, and the other major champions that defined that year in dog sports.
The Historic Victory of Trumpet the Bloodhound
The 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was unique not just for its winner, but for its circumstances. Historically held at Madison Square Garden in February, the 2022 event was moved to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, and held in June due to public health considerations. Against the backdrop of the outdoor Lyndhurst Estate for the preliminary rounds and the tennis center for the finals, Trumpet emerged from a field of over 2,500 entries representing 209 breeds and varieties.
Breaking the "Hound Jinx"
Before 2022, the Hound Group had a respectable but uneven history at Westminster. While Beagles and Whippets had seen success, the Bloodhound—a breed synonymous with the very concept of a "hound"—had never reached the summit. Trumpet, handled by co-owner Heather Buehner, broke this streak. The judge for Best in Show, Dr. Don Sturz, praised Trumpet for his "strength and agility," which are essential traits for a breed designed to track scent over grueling terrain for miles.
Winning Best in Show requires a dog to first win its specific breed competition and then win its respective group. Trumpet had to surpass dozens of other talented Hounds, including the Borzoi and the Greyhound, before entering the final ring of seven group winners.
The Technical Excellence of GCHB CH Flessner's Toot My Own Horn
Trumpet’s registered name, "Flessner's Toot My Own Horn," follows the traditional naming conventions of show dogs, incorporating his kennel name (Flessner) and a unique, often thematic, identifier. His title, GCHB, stands for Grand Champion Bronze, a designation earned through a point system based on defeats of other champions.
In the ring, Trumpet exhibited the ideal "conformation"—the degree to which a dog matches the official breed standard. For a Bloodhound, this includes:
- The Head: Extremely deep and narrow, with a wealth of loose skin that falls into deeply furrowed wrinkles.
- The Ears: Low-set and extremely long, reaching well beyond the tip of the nose.
- The Gait: An elastic, swinging movement that suggests great endurance rather than raw speed.
The Reserve Champion: Winston the French Bulldog
No discussion of the 2022 dog show season is complete without mentioning GCHP CH Fox Canyon's I Won The War At Goldshield, known as Winston. Winston was the Reserve Best in Show winner at Westminster 2022, essentially the runner-up in a field of thousands.
Winston, a French Bulldog, represented the Non-Sporting Group. While he narrowly missed the top spot at Westminster, he went on to win the 2022 National Dog Show (the Purina-sponsored event televised on Thanksgiving). Winston’s 2022 was arguably one of the most successful years for any French Bulldog in history.
Judged by his compact, muscular build and "heavy bone," Winston epitomized the "bat-eared" charm of the breed. His handler, Perry Payson, showcased Winston’s confident personality, which is a critical "invisible" factor in judging. At this level, every dog is physically near-perfect; the winner is often the one who "asks for the win" through their presence and charisma in the ring.
Major Dog Show Winners of 2022
The 2022 calendar year featured three major champions who dominated the circuit. While Trumpet took the most prestigious crown, other champions led their respective prestigious events.
| Event | Champion (Call Name) | Breed | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster Kennel Club | Trumpet | Bloodhound | Hound |
| National Dog Show (Purina) | Winston | French Bulldog | Non-Sporting |
| AKC National Championship | Star | Alaskan Malamute | Working |
The AKC National Championship, held in Orlando in December 2022, saw GCHP CH Mtn Home’s Shooting Star (Star) take the top honors. This event is significant because it often features the largest entry count in the United States, sometimes exceeding 5,000 dogs. Star’s victory highlighted the Working Group, showcasing the power and dignity of the Alaskan Malamute.
The Judging Process: How the 2022 Champion Was Chosen
To the casual observer, a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, but it is technically an evaluation of breeding stock. The 2022 winners were selected based on how closely they compared to a written "Standard" maintained by each breed's parent club (such as the American Bloodhound Club).
The Three Levels of Competition
- The Breed Level: Dogs compete against others of their own breed. The winner is named "Best of Breed." Trumpet first had to prove he was the best Bloodhound in attendance.
- The Group Level: The Best of Breed winners move to one of seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Trumpet won the Hound Group, while Winston won the Non-Sporting Group.
- Best in Show: The seven group winners compete for the ultimate title. The judge looks for the dog that most perfectly embodies its breed's purpose and physical requirements.
Why Trumpet Won
Dr. Don Sturz, the Best in Show judge at Westminster 2022, emphasized that Trumpet was "a superb example of the breed." In a Bloodhound, the judge looks for a "dignified and noble" expression. The loose skin and long ears aren't just for show; they serve a functional purpose by trapping scent particles near the dog's nose while it tracks. Trumpet’s ability to maintain his composure and fluid movement in the summer heat of the 2022 outdoor venue was a testament to his conditioning and temperament.
Life After the Win: The Legacy of a Champion
As we look back from 2026, the impact of Trumpet’s win is still felt within the Hound community. Historically, when a rare or "difficult" breed wins a major show, there is often a surge in public interest. However, Bloodhounds are not for everyone; they are large, vocal, and require significant maintenance due to their scenting drive and skin folds.
Retirement and Ambassadorship
Following his 2022 Westminster win, Trumpet transitioned into a role as a breed ambassador. Most Best in Show winners at this level retire shortly after their big win, as there are no higher honors to achieve. Trumpet’s win helped educate the public on the Bloodhound's role as a working dog—often used by law enforcement for search and rescue operations.
Winston’s Continued Influence
Winston the French Bulldog also left a massive footprint. Following his 2022 National Dog Show win and his Westminster Reserve, Winston became a social media sensation. His owners, including NFL player Morgan Fox, used his platform to highlight the importance of health testing in French Bulldogs, a breed that has faced scrutiny regarding respiratory health (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome). Winston was celebrated for being an "athletic" Frenchie with clear breathing and excellent structure.
Requirements for a Championship-Caliber Dog
For those looking to understand the "how" behind the 2022 champion, it is important to realize that a dog like Trumpet is the result of years of planned breeding and months of specific conditioning.
- Genetics: Champions are rarely "accidents." Their pedigrees are filled with ancestors who also met the breed standard. Breeders analyze "hip scores," "elbow clearances," and genetic markers for breed-specific diseases before a litter is even conceived.
- Grooming and Presentation: Even a "short-haired" dog like a Bloodhound requires intensive grooming. For Trumpet, this meant maintaining the health of his skin folds to prevent irritation and ensuring his coat had a healthy sheen.
- Conditioning: A show dog is an athlete. In 2022, Trumpet would have been on a strict exercise regimen to build the muscle tone necessary for the "swinging" gait required by the judge.
- Socialization: The environment of a major dog show is loud and chaotic. A champion must remain calm under pressure, allow a stranger (the judge) to examine their body and teeth, and move confidently through a crowded ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed won the 2022 Westminster Dog Show?
The 2022 winner was a Bloodhound named Trumpet (GCHB CH Flessner's Toot My Own Horn). This was a landmark win, as it was the first time in the 146-year history of the show that a Bloodhound took the Best in Show title.
Who was the runner-up in the 2022 Westminster Dog Show?
The runner-up, officially titled Reserve Best in Show, was Winston, a French Bulldog. Winston was a massive crowd favorite and later went on to win the 2022 National Dog Show held on Thanksgiving Day.
Where was the 2022 Westminster Dog Show held?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent scheduling shifts, the show was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, in June 2022. It was an outdoor/indoor hybrid event, which differed from its traditional home at Madison Square Garden.
How many dogs competed in the 2022 Westminster Dog Show?
Approximately 3,500 dogs were entered across all events, which included the main conformation show, the Masters Agility Championship, and the Masters Obedience Championship. Specifically, about 2,500 dogs competed for the Best in Show title.
Who handled Trumpet during his winning run?
Trumpet was handled by Heather Buehner, who is also one of his co-owners. The relationship between a handler and their dog is vital, as the handler must know how to "stack" the dog (position its legs) to hide flaws and emphasize strengths to the judge.
Guidance for Aspiring Dog Show Enthusiasts
If you are inspired by Trumpet’s 2022 victory and wish to explore the world of dog showing, the first step is to connect with a local kennel club or breed-specific parent club. Winning at the level of Westminster requires a deep commitment to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards and an understanding of "conformation."
- Research Breed Standards: Study the official AKC standard for your breed of choice. Understand the difference between a "pet quality" and "show quality" dog.
- Attend Local Shows: Before aiming for national titles, attend regional AKC-sanctioned shows to observe the "handling" techniques and the pace of the competition.
- Prioritize Health: Every champion from 2022, whether it was Trumpet, Winston, or Star, was a product of rigorous health testing. Ethical breeding is the foundation of the sport.
- Find a Mentor: The dog show community relies heavily on mentorship. Experienced handlers and breeders can provide invaluable feedback on your dog’s potential.
Trumpet’s 2022 win remains a masterclass in breed representation. By meeting the champion, we see more than just a dog with a trophy; we see the culmination of centuries of breed history and the tireless effort of breeders and handlers dedicated to canine excellence.
