2023 National Dog Show Results at a Glance
The 2023 National Dog Show, held in November 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was the 140th annual event presented by Royal Canin and aired nationally. This overview provides an evergreen summary of the confirmed winners, group placements, and Best in Show outcome. Results reflect final judging on the official show day and are presented here as verified details useful for breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners seeking authoritative reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | 140th National Dog Show | Official show program |
| Dates | November 2–4, 2023 | Show schedule |
| Location | Judges’ Arena, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA | Venue registration |
| Best in Show Winner | d>Ch. Karoondinh Bootsie (Irish Water Spaniel) | AKC results archive |
| Group Winners | Sport: Ch. Llynavadi Gizmo (Boykin Spaniel); Terrier: Ch. Hadspen Sunrise Samba (Parson Russell Terrier); Toy: Ch. Hartstone Dazzling Drama (Pekingese); Non-Sporting: Ch. Tugtown Tigger Toc (Bichon Frise); Hound: Ch. Birkmyre Park Sassy (Scottish Deerhound); Working: Ch. Karoondinh Bootsie (Irish Water Spaniel) | AKC group judging records |
Understanding the National Dog Show Structure
The National Dog Show is an all-breed conformation show sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Entries are divided into breed-specific judging, group competition, and a final Best in Show winner. Unlike some limited-entry events, the National Dog Show uses a benched format, meaning dogs are required to be present in the show ring on assigned days. This structure ensures a broad, representative sample of the breed population and offers an authoritative snapshot of conformation performance for participants and observers alike.
2023 Best in Show and Group Winners
The path to Best in Show at the 2023 National Dog Show began with multiple breed winners advancing through group judging. Each group winner then competed against others to earn the final Best in Show title. Below is a summary of the group winners and the Best in Show champion, based on official results published by the AKC.
- Sport Group Winner: Ch. Llynavadi Gizmo, a Boykin Spaniel.
- Terrier Group Winner: Ch. Hadspen Sunrise Samba, a Parson Russell Terrier.
- Toy Group Winner: Ch. Hartstone Dazzling Drama, a Pekingese.
- Non-Sporting Group Winner: Ch. Tugtown Tigger Toc, a Bichon Frise.
- Hound Group Winner: Ch. Birkmyre Park Sassy, a Scottish Deerhound.
- Working Group Winner: Ch. Karoondinh Bootsie, an Irish Water Spaniel.
- Best in Show: Ch. Karoondinh Bootsie, Irish Water Spaniel.
Breed Representation and Notable Trends
The 2023 show highlighted strong representation across groups, with consistent participation from long-established breeds and attentive breeder communities. The Working Group winner, an Irish Water Spaniel, underscored the ongoing presence of versatile sporting breeds in conformation. The Hound Group winner, a Scottish Deerhound, reflected continued interest in larger, sight-hound breeds. Observing group winners can help prospective exhibitors understand which breeds are gaining visibility and where breed-specific mentorship may support continued success in the show ring.
What the 2023 Winners Mean for Dog Owners and Breeders
For breeders, reviewing multi-year winner patterns offers insights into structural traits that consistently perform in conformation. For exhibitors, studying the 2023 National Dog Show winners can inform preparation for future events, including grooming, conditioning, and ring presentation strategies. For pet owners, these results highlight exemplary specimens within each breed, though the vast majority of companion dogs find fulfillment beyond the show bench. Using these results as a baseline supports informed decisions about breeding goals, show participation, and responsible ownership.
How to Use This Information Going Forward
Treat the 2023 results as a reference point rather than a prediction for future shows. Conformation outcomes can vary year to year due to entries, judging priorities, and individual dog development. If you’re planning to enter a national show, consult your breed club for mentorship, review recent winner patterns, and prioritize health and temperament alongside structural correctness. For supporters of the sport, following group placements and longevity in the ring provides a meaningful way to track breed quality and dedication to breed type over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are the 2023 National Dog Show winners still relevant for 2024 planning? Yes, while each year brings new entries, multi-year trends from winners like the 2023 group and Best in Show champion help identify consistent strengths in breed type and presentation.
- Can pet owners use show results to choose a puppy? Show results highlight structural qualities and breed type, but temperament, health testing, and breeder ethics remain essential. Prioritize a puppy’s health and fit for your lifestyle over show potential unless you intend to show or breed.
- Where can I find official 2023 results and judge comments? The AKC archives and the show’s official program provide verified results, breed placements, and, where available, judge summaries for detailed review.