In the prestigious history of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the 2022 event marked a historic milestone when Trumpet, a four-year-old Bloodhound, was crowned Best in Show. This victory was the first time in the competition's 146-year history that a Bloodhound took the top prize, triumphing over a highly competitive field of nearly 3,000 entries representing over 200 breeds and varieties.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is often described as the "World Series" of dog shows. Winning the Best in Show title is the pinnacle of achievement for breeders, owners, and handlers alike. In 2022, the journey to the winner’s circle was unique, not just because of the breed that won, but because of the setting and the specific competition that defined the 146th annual event. As we look back from 2026, the 2022 victory remains a case study in breed excellence, temperament, and the specialized skill of scent hounds.
The Historic Victory of Trumpet the Bloodhound
The 2022 Westminster Dog Show winner, Trumpet (officially known by his registered name, GCHB CH Flessner's Toot My Own Horn), made history on the evening of June 22, 2022. Handled and co-owned by Heather Buehner, Trumpet embodied the "form follows function" philosophy that judges prioritize in conformation showing.
Trumpet’s win was significant for several reasons. Historically, the Terrier and Sporting groups have dominated the Best in Show podium. Hounds, while popular, often struggle to capture the top spot against the flashy movement of a Poodle or the crisp grooming of a Terrier. Trumpet’s victory broke a long-standing "ceiling" for the Bloodhound breed, proving that a working scent hound could possess the refined conformation and "showmanship" necessary to impress the highest level of judging.
The judge for Best in Show, Dr. Don Sturz, a highly respected figure in the canine world, selected Trumpet after evaluating seven group winners. Dr. Sturz noted that Trumpet was a "superb example" of his breed, possessing the correct head proportions, skin folds, and effortless movement required to track scents over long distances.
Context of the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
To understand the magnitude of Trumpet's win, one must look at the environment of the 2022 show. For the second consecutive year, the event was held at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York, rather than its traditional home at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
The shift to an outdoor venue was originally a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it provided a different set of challenges and opportunities for the dogs. The 2022 show was also moved from its traditional January date to June due to the surge of the Omicron variant earlier that year.
The Outdoor Advantage for Hounds
Showing outdoors on grass is significantly different from showing on the polished floors of an indoor arena. For a Bloodhound—a breed built for rugged terrain and endurance—the outdoor setting at Lyndhurst allowed for a more natural display of movement. The summer heat in June also tested the conditioning of the dogs. Trumpet’s ability to remain composed, focused, and powerful in the humid New York summer contributed to his "stand out" performance during the final judging.
The Final Seven: Group Winners and Competition
Before reaching the Best in Show ring, a dog must first win its specific breed competition and then win its respective Group. The 2022 finalists represented the elite of their categories, each having defeated hundreds of other dogs to earn their spot on the final carpet.
| Group | Winner (Breed) | Dog's Name |
|---|---|---|
| Hound | Bloodhound | Trumpet |
| Toy | Maltese | Hollywood |
| Non-Sporting | French Bulldog | Winston |
| Herding | German Shepherd Dog | Conrad |
| Sporting | English Setter | Belle |
| Working | Giant Schnauzer | River |
| Terrier | Lakeland Terrier | MM |
The Reserve Best in Show: Winston the French Bulldog
While Trumpet took the top honor, the Reserve Best in Show (the runner-up) was Winston, a French Bulldog. Winston was a crowd favorite and later became one of the most famous dogs in the country. His presence in the final two highlighted the diversity of the competition—pitting a giant, functional scent hound against a compact, charismatic companion breed. The decision between Trumpet and Winston was described by analysts as a choice between "rugged functionality" and "polished perfection."
Deep Dive into the Bloodhound Breed
The Bloodhound is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, yet it is rarely seen in the winner's circle at major conformation shows. To appreciate why Trumpet won, it is essential to understand the technical standards of the breed.
Scenting Capabilities and Physical Traits
The Bloodhound is the ultimate "nose" dog. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, every physical feature of the Bloodhound is designed for trailing.
- The Ears: The long, pendulous ears are not just for show; they sweep scent particles off the ground and toward the nose as the dog moves.
- The Wrinkles: The loose, thin skin around the face and neck (the "dewlap") traps scent near the dog’s snout.
- The Build: Bloodhounds are built for "slow and steady" work. They have massive bone structure and deep chests to support the lung capacity needed for miles of tracking.
Temperament and Showing
In the show ring, Bloodhounds are often perceived as "lazy" or "docile" compared to the high-energy herding or sporting breeds. However, the 2022 winner, Trumpet, displayed an unusual level of alertness and "presence." He moved with a rhythmic, ground-covering gait that demonstrated strength without heaviness. This balance is difficult to achieve in a breed that can weigh up to 110 pounds.
The Path to Best in Show: Preparation and Handling
Winning Westminster is not an overnight feat. For Trumpet and his handler, Heather Buehner, the 2022 win was the result of years of conditioning and strategic showing.
- Conditioning: A Bloodhound must be fit. Excess weight can ruin the "topline" (the back) and affect the gait. Trumpet was kept in peak physical condition to ensure his movement remained "clean" and free of the rolling motion that can sometimes plague larger hounds.
- Grooming: While not as intensive as a Poodle’s haircut, grooming a Bloodhound for Westminster involve ensuring the coat is short and dense, the skin is clean (to prevent odors), and the nails are perfectly trimmed to maintain the "cat-like" feet required by the standard.
- Handling: The bond between the dog and handler is critical. Heather Buehner’s ability to keep Trumpet focused amidst the cameras, lights, and cheering crowds of the Lyndhurst Estate was a masterclass in professional handling.
Impact of the 2022 Win on the Breed
Whenever a breed wins Westminster, there is often a surge in public interest. However, the Bloodhound is a "specialist" breed that requires a specific type of owner.
Not for Everyone
Following the 2022 reveal, breed experts were quick to remind the public that while Trumpet is beautiful, Bloodhounds are challenging pets. They are "escape artists" with a high prey drive, they drool significantly, and they require secure fencing because if they catch a scent, they will follow it for miles without looking back.
Conservation of Working Ability
The win was a victory for "preservationist breeders." It proved that a dog could be a top-tier show specimen while still possessing the physical attributes necessary to serve in search-and-rescue or law enforcement roles. Trumpet himself comes from a line of dogs that balance show ring success with the functional reality of being a hound.
How Judging Works at the Westminster Level
To understand why the "top breed revealed" was the Bloodhound, one must look at the judging process. Dogs are not judged against each other; they are judged against an idealized "written standard" for their own breed.
The Comparison Process
When Dr. Sturz looked at the seven finalists, he was asking: "Which of these dogs most closely resembles the perfect version of its own breed?"
- Did the Maltese (Hollywood) have the correct silky coat texture?
- Did the German Shepherd (Conrad) have the correct angulation and "floating" trot?
- Did the Bloodhound (Trumpet) have the correct noble expression and specialized head structure?
In 2022, the Bloodhound was deemed the closest to its ideal "type." This is a subjective yet highly educated decision based on decades of experience. The fact that a Bloodhound had never won before suggests that Trumpet was a "once-in-a-generation" specimen that transcended the usual biases toward more traditionally "glamorous" breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the 2022 Westminster Dog Show winner?
The winner was Trumpet, a Bloodhound. He was the first of his breed to win Best in Show at Westminster. His victory was considered a historic moment for the Hound Group, which had not seen a Best in Show winner since a Beagle named Miss P won in 2015.
Where was the 2022 Westminster Dog Show held?
The show was held at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York. This was an outdoor venue used in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic and scheduling conflicts at Madison Square Garden.
Why did a Bloodhound win in 2022?
Trumpet won because he best exemplified his breed standard according to Judge Dr. Don Sturz. He was praised for his excellent conformation, head structure, and steady movement, which stood out even among the high-quality finalists in the other groups.
Who was the runner-up in the 2022 show?
The Reserve Best in Show winner was Winston, a French Bulldog. Winston was incredibly popular with fans and went on to have a very successful career, but he was narrowly beaten by Trumpet for the top spot.
How many dogs competed in the 2022 Westminster Dog Show?
Nearly 3,000 dogs were entered in the 2022 competition. These dogs represented 209 different breeds and varieties, all vying for the title of Best in Show.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
The 2022 Westminster Dog Show winner, Trumpet the Bloodhound, remains a symbol of breed excellence and historical breakthrough. His win brought attention to the Hound Group and the functional beauty of scent hounds. For those interested in following the world of competitive dog shows, the 2022 event serves as a reminder that any breed, if represented by an exceptional individual, can take the top prize.
If you are inspired by Trumpet's win and are considering a Bloodhound as a pet, it is highly recommended to contact the Bloodhound Club of America to learn about the breed's specific needs. These are powerful, scent-driven animals that require dedicated training and a commitment to their unique physical traits. For those interested in the technical aspects of the show, reviewing the AKC's "Points of the Dog" can provide deeper insight into how judges like Dr. Sturz evaluate the winners of tomorrow.
