Kenny, a small yet mighty Affenpinscher, has made a big impression at the prestigious 2025 Westminster Dog Show. Known for his big personality and feisty spirit, Kenny earned the title of Best of Breed and placed third in the Toy Group category.
Owner Yvonne Savard describes the pint-sized canine as her “loveliest little dog,” though she acknowledges his stubborn streak. “Affenpinschers are ratters, guard dogs, and have a lot of spirit,” she explains.
Speaking from an Air Canada lounge while returning to Vancouver, Savard shared her excitement about Kenny’s recent success. Despite his small stature, Kenny’s journey began across the Atlantic. Imported from a renowned Affenpinscher breeder in Holland, Kenny’s lineage includes impressive bloodlines, with his grandfather, Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, winning Best in Show at the 137th Westminster Dog Show in 2013.
Kenny’s journey to the Westminster stage has been filled with accolades. After being introduced to the breed through the success of his grandfather, Savard brought Kenny into her life in 2019. The dog became her constant companion during the pandemic, bringing joy and laughter throughout those difficult months.
Following the pandemic, Kenny became the top Affenpinscher in Canada, competing primarily against other toy breeds, as there are few Affenpinschers in the country. His success wasn’t limited to Canada; Savard took him to major competitions across North America and Europe, where Kenny placed third at the 2023 World Dog Show in Geneva, standing out among over 15,000 dogs. A European judge even remarked that Kenny “walked into the ring like a Great Dane.”
Under the guidance of his breeder Mieke Cooijmans and handler Olivia Hodgkinson, Kenny has won multiple Best in Show awards, including several in the U.S. in 2024. Savard fondly reflects on Kenny’s confidence, noting that if he were human, he’d likely take selfies.
Now nearly six years old, Kenny has conquered the dog show world on both sides of the Atlantic. After his success at Westminster, Savard plans to let him relax and enjoy some well-earned fun at home. “He’s conquered Europe. He’s conquered the U.S.,” Savard said. “Now, I’ll just play with him.”
Kenny’s impressive achievements have made him a standout in the dog show circuit, and his journey is far from over, though for now, a well-deserved break is in order.
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