In the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in 2018, the prestigious Best in Show title was awarded to GCHB CH Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love, a Bichon Frise known affectionately as Flynn. Handled by Bill McFadden, Flynn triumphed over a field of more than 2,800 dogs across 202 breeds and varieties to claim the silver bowl at Madison Square Garden.
The 2018 event remains a landmark in canine competition history, not only for the unexpected victory of a "powder puff" breed over larger, more traditional favorites but also for the high level of competition across the seven foundational groups. As we look back from 2026, the 2018 show stands as a testament to the rigorous standards of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the enduring appeal of the Westminster tradition, which has been an American institution since 1877.
The Road to Best in Show: Flynn’s Historic Win
The victory of Flynn the Bichon Frise was a significant moment for the breed. Prior to 2018, a Bichon Frise had only won Best in Show at Westminster once before, in 2001 (JR, handled by Scott Sommer). Flynn entered the 2018 ring as the winner of the Non-Sporting Group, a diverse category featuring everything from Dalmatians to Bulldogs.
Flynn’s handler, Bill McFadden, was no stranger to the winner's circle, having previously guided a Kerry Blue Terrier to the top spot in 2003. In 2018, McFadden’s expertise was evident in Flynn’s impeccable grooming and composed "showmanship." The Bichon Frise is judged on its sturdy build, its merry temperament, and its signature dense, white coat. Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, Flynn’s movement—described by enthusiasts as effortless and springy—caught the eye of the Best in Show judge, Betty-Anne Stenmark.
Judge Stenmark, a veteran with decades of experience in the terrier and hound groups, evaluated the final seven dogs based on how closely each specimen adhered to its specific breed standard. This includes physical proportions, gait, coat texture, and temperament. While many spectators expected the more imposing Giant Schnauzer or the elegant Whippet to take the title, Stenmark noted that Flynn was "nearly perfect" on that specific night.
The Best in Show Finalists: The Seven Group Winners
To reach the final round, a dog must first win its "Best of Breed" category and then secure first place in its respective Group. The seven dogs that competed alongside Flynn for the 2018 Best in Show title represented the pinnacle of their respective categories.
1. Non-Sporting Group: The Bichon Frise (Flynn)
Flynn's path through the Non-Sporting Group was difficult, as he had to outshine a highly competitive French Bulldog and a standard Poodle. The Non-Sporting Group is often criticized for being a "catch-all," but it contains some of the most specialized breeds in the world. Flynn’s win here set the stage for his ultimate victory.
2. Working Group: The Giant Schnauzer (Ty)
GCHG CH Norfolk CH Tybru's On The Road Again, known as Ty, was the Reserve Best in Show (the runner-up). A powerful, black Giant Schnauzer, Ty was a heavy favorite entering the competition. The Working Group consists of breeds developed for tasks such as guarding, pulling sleds, or water rescue. Ty exhibited the strength and alertness required of the breed, combined with a striking silhouette that made him a formidable opponent for Flynn.
3. Hound Group: The Whippet (Whiskey)
GCHG CH Lucene's Vis-A-Vis, call name Whiskey, took the blue ribbon in the Hound Group. As a sighthound, the Whippet is judged on its aerodynamic build and graceful "double suspension" gallop. Whiskey was a standout for her balance and "clean" lines, representing the elegance of the Hound Group which also included Beagles, Afghan Hounds, and Dachshunds.
4. Toy Group: The Pug (Biggie)
The Toy Group winner was GCHG CH Somerset Wynwood Future Decision, famously known as Biggie. Biggie was a crowd favorite, embodying the "multum in parvo" (much in a little) philosophy of the Pug breed. His victory in the Toy Group was emotional for many, as his handler had recently lost another top-winning Pug, making Biggie’s success a poignant moment in the 2018 broadcast.
5. Sporting Group: The Clumber Spaniel (Bean)
In the Sporting Group, GCHG CH Clussexx Pennston Up In Smoke, or Bean, emerged victorious. Clumber Spaniels are known for being the heavyweights of the spaniel world—sturdy, slow-moving, and methodical. Bean’s "melt-your-heart" expression and steady gait allowed him to beat out more energetic pointers and retrievers, proving that type and soundness often outweigh flashiness in the Sporting ring.
6. Herding Group: The Puli (Preston)
GCHG CH Cordmaker Mister Blue Sky, known as Preston, won the Herding Group. The Puli is famous for its "corded" coat, which resembles dreadlocks. Judging a Puli requires the official to feel through the cords to the actual structure of the dog beneath. Preston was a seasoned champion, having won numerous shows across the country before arriving at Westminster 2018.
7. Terrier Group: The Norfolk Terrier (Winston)
Rounding out the final seven was GCHG CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket, a Norfolk Terrier called Winston. The Terrier Group is historically the most successful group at Westminster (particularly Wire Fox Terriers), but the small, feisty Norfolk Terrier held its own. Winston demonstrated the "demon" spirit and compact, hardy build characteristic of the breed.
Summary of 2018 Westminster Group Winners
| Group | Breed | Call Name | Registered Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best in Show | Bichon Frise | Flynn | GCHB CH Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love |
| Reserve Best in Show | Giant Schnauzer | Ty | GCHG CH Norfolk CH Tybru's On The Road Again |
| Hound Winner | Whippet | Whiskey | GCHG CH Lucene's Vis-A-Vis |
| Toy Winner | Pug | Biggie | GCHG CH Somerset Wynwood Future Decision |
| Sporting Winner | Clumber Spaniel | Bean | GCHG CH Clussexx Pennston Up In Smoke |
| Herding Winner | Puli | Preston | GCHG CH Cordmaker Mister Blue Sky |
| Terrier Winner | Norfolk Terrier | Winston | GCHG CH Yarrow Venerie Winning Ticket |
Understanding the Judging Criteria: Why Flynn Won
The 2018 decision sparked significant debate among casual viewers, many of whom were rooting for the Giant Schnauzer or the Pug. To understand why the Bichon Frise won, one must look at the technical requirements of the AKC Breed Standards.
The Westminster Dog Show is not a beauty pageant in the traditional sense; it is a "conformation" show. Dogs are judged on how well they "conform" to the written blueprint of their breed. This blueprint includes:
- Structure and Proportions: For a Bichon Frise, the length of the body (from the prosternum to the point of the buttocks) should be about 25% longer than the height at the withers. Flynn possessed this exact ratio.
- Gait: The Bichon should have a "free, easy, and effortless" movement. In the final ring, Flynn’s gait was remarkably consistent, showing no signs of fatigue despite the long hours of the two-day event.
- Coat and Grooming: The Bichon coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a coarser, curly outer coat. When bathed and brushed, it stands off the body. Bill McFadden’s grooming of Flynn was considered a masterclass, with no stray hairs or structural imbalances in the "round" appearance of the head.
- Temperament: The standard calls for a dog that is gentle-mannered, sensitive, playful, and affectionate. Flynn’s "happy" tail carriage and alert expression throughout the judging process indicated a dog that was not only physically sound but temperamentally correct.
The 5th Annual Masters Agility Championship (2018)
While the conformation show (the "beauty" portion) takes center stage, the 2018 Westminster week also included the Masters Agility Championship. This event showcases the athletic prowess of dogs as they navigate tunnels, weave poles, and jumps.
In 2018, the overall winner of the Agility Championship was Pink, a Border Collie handled by Jennifer Crank. Pink’s run was a display of incredible speed and precision, finishing the course in 29.35 seconds. Agility is an essential part of the Westminster brand because it highlights the "purpose" for which many of these breeds were originally developed—speed, intelligence, and cooperation with a human handler.
Historical Context: Westminster’s 142nd Anniversary
The 2018 show marked the 142nd consecutive year of the event, making it the second longest-running continuous sporting event in the United States, trailing only the Kentucky Derby. Held at Piers 92 and 94 for the daytime breed judging and Madison Square Garden for the evening group and Best in Show judging, the logistics of the event are massive.
In 2018, the Westminster Kennel Club continued its tradition of donating a portion of the proceeds to various canine health and rescue organizations. The show also served as a platform for the AKC to introduce the public to the nuances of responsible dog ownership.
A notable aspect of the 2018 show was the absence of new breed inductions. While the AKC often adds new breeds to its registry annually, the 2018 show focused on the established 202 breeds, allowing for a deep dive into the historical standards of classic breeds like the Sussex Spaniel and the Borzoi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the handler for the 2018 Best in Show winner?
The 2018 Best in Show winner, Flynn the Bichon Frise, was handled by Bill McFadden. McFadden is one of the most respected professional handlers in the sport, having achieved a previous Best in Show win at Westminster in 2003 with a Kerry Blue Terrier named Mick.
What breed is the most successful in Westminster history?
Historically, the Terrier Group has been the most successful at Westminster, with the Wire Fox Terrier holding the record for the most Best in Show wins (15 wins as of 2026). In contrast, the Bichon Frise’s win in 2018 was only the second for its breed in the show’s long history.
How are dogs selected to compete at Westminster?
Westminster is an "invitational" show for the top-ranked dogs in each breed, but it is also open to any dog that has earned its AKC Championship title. In 2018, the entry was capped at roughly 2,800 dogs to ensure the competition could be completed within the two-day televised window.
What is the difference between Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show?
Best in Show is the top prize, awarded to the dog that the judge deems most representative of its breed standard among the seven group winners. Reserve Best in Show is the "runner-up" title. In 2018, the Reserve Best in Show was Ty, the Giant Schnauzer.
Who was the judge for Best in Show in 2018?
The Best in Show judge for 2018 was Betty-Anne Stenmark from Grass Valley, California. She is an AKC-licensed judge with a background in breeding Dandie Dinmont Terriers and has judged at major shows globally.
Final Perspective on the 2018 Results
The 2018 Westminster Dog Show remains a point of study for dog fanciers and breeders. It highlighted the importance of "type"—the essential characteristics that make a breed what it is—over sheer size or popularity. Flynn’s victory reminded the world that the Bichon Frise is not just a companion pet but a sophisticated athlete of the show ring.
For those looking to explore the world of competitive dog shows, the 2018 results serve as an excellent starting point for understanding how different breeds are evaluated. Whether you are interested in the power of the Working Group or the elegance of the Hounds, the 2018 roster of winners provides a comprehensive look at the "best of the best" in the canine world. To further explore these breeds, visiting the official American Kennel Club website provides detailed breed standards and historical data for all 2018 participants.
