Britt Jung: Special. It sounds so simple, but that’s the word that always enters my mind when I think of the Westminster experience. Flowers, white chairs, and purple velvet rope stanchions adorn every ring. Cameras and photographers are everywhere, capturing the small and big moments. The formality and presentation of exhibitors, spectators, and dogs reflect the specialness of this memorable show. The execution appears seamless, timely, and unburdened. The greatest dogs, handlers, and breeders from all parts of the country and the world come to participate at Westminster.
All of this is what makes Westminster the most special show of all. So, to receive the invitation to judge is a breathtaking moment that I accepted with much humility and appreciation.
“Pressure is a Privilege” (attributed to Billie Jean King) reads a plaque at the entrance of the Arthur Ashe Stadium. I’m not the only one who thought that a fitting and notable reminder to all of us who belong to the world of dog shows. The 2023 Westminster experience was no exception to the special rule. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has been filled with champions of the tennis world, veterans and newcomers alike, making it a spectacular venue for Westminster.
Britt Jung: My day started with Spinoni and Brittanys. The Best of Breed winner in the Spinone Italiano ring was a powerful, robust dog that moved with purpose. He had a wonderful coat and an expression that could melt butter.
The Breed winner in Brittanys was an agile, coordinated, far-reaching and well-conditioned dog of a really nice size. He showed with a lot of heart. I was impressed by the depth in the Brittany ring. There were some nice dogs that didn’t even make the cut and I look forward to seeing them again.
The Lagotti Romagnoli entry was small with four dogs and no bitches, but the dogs were all quality dogs. What a great sign to have such depth in a low-entry breed. I loved the proportions and balance, both still and moving, on the Best of Breed winner and he was also in wonderful condition.
The Vizsla entry was large and full of different styles, which I think my final line-up conveyed. The Best of Breed bitch was shown in terrific condition. She’s balanced, athletic, and showed with a lot of heart, which communicates to me that she is sound not only physically but mentally too.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon entry was another small entry with a lot of quality. I loved the Breed dog and the Best of Opposite Sex bitch almost equally, and they turn out to be littermates. They both conveyed they have lovely proportions, balance, and coats.
Weimaraners were my last breed of the day. I don’t think I had judged or seen any of the dogs in the ring up close before. My Breed winner was a bitch that carried herself like aristocracy, moving around the ring effortlessly and with wonderful coordination. She conveyed grace and endurance at the same time.
Britt Jung: Westminster reminds me that dog shows are just that—shows. The purpose is to show off breeding stock and to allow exhibitors and breeders from all over the country and the world to see the dogs, including some they don’t typically get to see. Years ago, my brother reminded me that fishing is called “fishing,” not “catching,” because the sport is about the pursuit of fish and all that that entails, not merely landing one in the boat. So, for the remaining months left in 2023, I hope we can remember to bring our best to each show, even if it’s not in a tuxedo or on center court. And, I hope we can remember, while in pursuit of wins, to enjoy the showing of dogs and the show they put on.
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