Best in Show Winner 2017: Quick Answer
The Best in Show winner at the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre, a Wire Fox Terrier handled by Jeremy Davies. He was selected from seven group winners on February 13, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York. This evergreen summary explains who won, what Best in Show means, and how Westminster determines its winner.
What Is Best in Show at Westminster
Best in Show is the final award at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and crowns the dog that a seven-member judging panel considers the most exemplary specimen across all breeds entered that day. Westminster is a "Benched" show, meaning each dog must remain on display during its breed judging, a tradition that emphasizes sportsmanship and allows spectators and breeders to observe individual dogs closely. Best in Show is decided after the seven group winners compete head to head in the ring.
2017 Westminster Group Winners
Before the Best in Show selection, seven dogs won their respective groups. Each winner represented one of the following AKC groups:
| Group | Winner | Breed | Role in Best in Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting | Ch. Llaneilian My Guy To The Chief | Cocker Spaniel | Competed for Best in Show |
| Hound | Ch. K-Run’s Park Me In First | Basset Hound | Competed for Best in Show |
| Working | Ch. Bayou Arc Angel | Bernese Mountain Dog | Competed for Best in Show |
| Terrier | Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre | Wire Fox Terrier | Became Best in Show winner |
| Toy | Ch. Za-Za’s Gildo | Italian Greyhound | Competed for Best in Show |
| Non-Sporting | Ch. Hohokus’ Impressionist | Bichon Frise | Competed for Best in Show |
| Herding | Ch. Amarillo’s Baby Doll | Old English Sheepdog | Competed for Best in Show |
Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre: Profile
Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre, commonly referred to as Ricky, was a Wire Fox Terrier bred and handled by Jeremy Davies. As a Terrier group winner, he advanced to the final round of judging. The selection of Best in Show is based on each dog’s adherence to its breed standard, temperament, movement, and overall presence. Ricky’s victory highlighted the qualities prized in the Wire Fox Terrier breed and concluded a strong performance at the 2017 show.
How Best in Show Is Selected at Westminster
The Best in Show decision follows a structured process:
- Group judging determines the seven group winners on the day of competition.
- The seven group winners are re-entered into the ring and evaluated once more.
- A single judge reviews all criteria (conformation to breed standard, movement, temperament, and overall quality) before selecting one dog.
- The announcement concludes the televised portion of Westminster and is widely covered in dog show media.
What Winning Means in Context
Winning Best in Show at Westminster is widely regarded as the pinnacle of conformation dog shows in the United States. It signifies that, on that day, the judge viewed the competing dog as the closest to its ideal breed expression among all entries. The honor elevates the dog, the breeder, and the handler within the dog show community and often influences breeding and showing decisions for years. Many past Westminster Best in Show winners are still referenced decades later as benchmarks of their breeds.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Winner Name | Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre | Official Westminster Results |
| Breed | Wire Fox Terrier | AKC Breed Standard |
| Handler | Jeremy Davies | Westminster Show Records |
| Date Awarded | February 13, 2017 | Event Schedule |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | Westminster Venue History |
| Group Won | Terrier | Show Day Results |
Practical Takeaways for Dog Show Enthusiasts
For people interested in conformation showing, the 2017 Westminster Best in Show winner exemplifies how breed type, movement, and temperament are judged against centuries-old standards. Studying dogs like Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre can help newcomers understand what judges look for beyond surface appeal, including gait, structure, and expression. Reviewing past winners—spanning many breeds and decades—offers a long view of evolving type within breeds while reinforcing that consistency to the standard is the core of success at any all-breed show.
Summary
At the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the title of Best in Show was awarded to Ch. Afterglow Maverick Sabre, a Wire Fox Terrier handled by Jeremy Davies. The selection followed the traditional format of group competition followed by an overall winner chosen by a single judge. This result reflects the breed ideals of the Wire Fox Terrier and remains a reference point for enthusiasts evaluating structure, movement, and breed character at bench shows.