The Super Bowl may be over, but we’re gearing up for what might be considered the Super Bowl of dog shows: the 140th annual Westminster Dog Show. While we eagerly wait for the prestigious canine competition to begin next week, we’ve been pondering a very important question: Who will win?
Thankfully, there’s someone to help us make a prediction: For the ninth year in a row, oddsmaker Johnny Avello of the Wynn Las Vegas has released his odds for the breeds most likely to win Westminster. While there are some breeds in his list that don’t surprise us at all, a few of the dogs he includes have never won Westminster or haven’t taken home Best in Show in years. So who will it be? If Avello’s predictions really do come true, we’re in for an interesting show at Madison Square Garden come Monday and Tuesday.
Will One of These Dog Breeds Win Best in Show?

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Pekingese
Malachy the Pekingese won Best in Show in 2012. Could the Toy breed do it again this year? He has a pretty good chance.
Odds: 20 to 1

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Scottish Terrier
We wouldn't be surprised if the Scottie took home the Best in Show title. This member of the Terrier Group has won Westminster eight times! The iconic breed last won in 2010 when Sadie was crowned Best in Show.
Odds: 18 to 1

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Boxer

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Shih Tzu
You may be surprised to hear that the Shih Tzu has never won Westminster. Well, if Avello's predictions come true, 2016 could finally be this Toy breed's year.
Odds: 14 to 1

Julie Poole, Animal Photography
Whippet
This member of the Hound Group is sleek and statuesque, but he has claimed the Best in Show title only once — and that was way back in 1964. Could it be the Whippet's year?
Odds: 12 to 1

Barbara O'Brien, Animal Photography
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is one of the most popular (and most dapper) small dog breeds, but this Non-Sporting dog has never won Best in Show. Fingers crossed he earns that coveted title this year.
Odds: 11 to 1

Alice van Kempen, Animal Photography
Brittany
Last year, Avello predicted that the Brittany had a 12-to-1 chance of winning Westminster. This year's odds are a little better for the Sporting breed, who has also never won the prestigious canine competition.
Odds: 10 to 1

Karin Newstrom, Animal Photography
Pomeranian
1988 was the last time a Pomeranian was named Best in Show at Westminster. Will the Toy breed finally do it again this year? The odds are in his favor.
Odds: 9 to 1

Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography
Skye Terrier
Dog show enthusiasts won't be surprised to see this Terrier on the list — after all, a Skye Terrier won the 2015 National Dog Show. Based on these odds, there's a high chance he could win Westminster, too!
Odds: 5 to 1

Nick Ridley, Animal Photography
German Shepherd
Well, this comes as a surprise: Avello thinks the German Shepherd will be this year's big winner. And its about time! This Herding dog last won Westminster in 1987.
Odds: 4 to 1
More on Vetstreet:
- Why Hasn't a Labrador Won Westminster?
- Trivia: How Well Do You Know Dog Breeds?
- Highlights From Last Year's Westminster Dog Show
- 7 New Breeds Will Compete at the Westminster Dog Show
- Are You Ready for Meet the Breeds? Check Out Our Preview