Glossary

Best in Show

The top award at an all-breed dog show, given to the dog chosen from the seven group winners as the best example of its breed.

Also called: BIS, best in show, top dog, all-breed show winner, group winner

Best in Show is the final award at an all-breed dog show. In the AKC system, the winner of each breed goes forward to compete in its group. The seven group winners, from the sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding groups, then enter the ring, and the judge chooses the one that best matches its breed standard.

The judge is not choosing the best dog overall. The decision is which dog is the best example of its own breed on that day. The finalists are compared on how well each fits its standard, and on presentation and movement.

Many local and national shows give the title. The most watched is at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where the winner is named at the end of the final night. A win is a mark of show success and breeding, not of health or temperament. It follows the conformation system.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Conformation A dog show event in which each purebred dog is judged on how closely its structure and movement match its written breed standard. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in New York since 1877, is the best-known US conformation show and ends with a Best in Show award. Breed standard The written description of an ideal dog of a breed, covering size, proportions, coat, colour, movement and temperament, used to judge dogs and guide breeding. Working Group The AKC group of larger breeds developed for jobs such as guarding, pulling sleds or carts and rescue work, including the Boxer, Rottweiler and Siberian Husky.