
Insights From Connie Clark: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge
Connie Clark reflects on judging Toy breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, assignments, and Group success.
Home » Editorial

Connie Clark reflects on judging Toy breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, assignments, and Group success.

Sheree Moses Combs reflects on judging the Herding Group at Westminster 2026, covering top entries, placements, and her Group winner.

Heidi Rubin Cohen shares her Westminster journey, from first-time exhibitor to returning 25 years later as an owner-handler.

Eugene Blake reflects on judging the Non-Sporting Group at Westminster 2026, covering his selections and placements.

Charlotte Patterson reflects on judging the Toy Group at Westminster 2026, outlining her selections, top placements, and Group winner.

Polly Smith reflects on judging the Terrier Group at Westminster 2026, discussing entry quality, key placements, and her Group winner.

Barbara Dubois of Calypso Kennel discusses preserving the Peruvian Inca Orchid, breed hallmarks, and challenges facing rare breeds.

Sharon DiGennaro of DireWolf Kennel shares her journey with Czechoslovakian Vlciaks, breed hallmarks, and the future of CSVs in sport.

Greta Dalrymple of Stonehenge Teddy Roosevelt Terriers shares breeding priorities, temperament insights, and trends impacting the sport.

Kristina Chaput of Destiny German Spitz discusses breed hallmarks, ethical breeding, growing demand, and the path toward AKC recognition.

Rebecca Burnett of Hickory Meadows shares her breeding journey, priorities, and vision for preserving the Yakutian Laika in the US.

Breeder Bobbie Berg shares her journey with Yakutian Laikas, breed hallmarks, health testing, and preserving this historic breed.

Bill Stebbins shares insights from judging the National Owner-Handled Series Working Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship.

Betsy Yates reflects on judging the National Owner-Handled Series Sporting Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship.

Pluis Davern shares insights from judging National Owner-Handled Series Group Finals Best in Show at the 2025 AKC National Championship.

Claire Wisch Abraham reflects on judging at the 2025 AKC National Championship, highlighting depth of quality and memorable winners.

Daniel Smyth shares insights from judging at the 2025 AKC National Championship, reflecting on preparation, quality, and a standout year.

Andrew Ritter reflects on judging at the 2025 AKC National Championship and shares his take on quality, organization, and the year ahead.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Amanda Yokum. Read about her opinions on various topics about dog handling in the show ring.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Renee Rosamilia. Read about her opinions on various topics about dog handling in the show ring.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Bekki Pina. Read about her opinions on various topics about dog handling in the modern show ring.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Tara Hartman. Read about her opinions on various topics about dog handling in the modern show ring.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Adrian Ghione. Read about his opinions on various topics about dog handling in the modern show ring.

Insights from the Professional Handler, Ciara Cassell. Read about her opinions on various topics about dog handling in the modern show ring.

Taylor Johnson wins Best Junior Handler at the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, sharing her journey, celebration, and advice.

Meet Kennedy Green, a 10-year-old Junior Handler from San Francisco, sharing her journey and passion for showing Pugs and Pekingese.

Katelyn Sorensen, a 12-year-old Junior Handler, shares her journey in dog showing, achievements, and passion for the sport.

Colorado Springs’ Taylor Johnson wins Best Junior Handler at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with her Old English Sheepdog, Sven.

Meet Rose Wentzel, a passionate Junior Handler from PA, showing Basset Fauve De Bretagnes & Beagles with heart and dedication.

Discover goal ideas for Juniors in dog shows, from joining clubs to earning titles, learning new breeds, and giving back!

Meet Chris Miller, lifelong dog enthusiast, breeder, judge, and passionate advocate for the intelligent and rare Canaan Dog.

Meet Leona Sibo, a passionate Breeder/Owner Handler shaping Dobermans and mentoring the next generation in the dog show world.

Lisa Wiecki shares her journey in Doberman showing, from her first dog to NOHS success and tips for aspiring Owner Handlers.

Judges are withholding awards from poor-quality dogs, sparking a quiet revolt to uphold breed standards and improve show quality.

Melissa Scofield, RVT, shares her journey with Irish Wolfhounds, breeding goals, and success as a dedicated Owner Handler.

Addison Lancaster shares her journey in dog sports, from Juniors to GBGVs, mentorship, and dreams of a Best in Show victory.

Megan Currier shares her journey with Leonbergers, highlighting their versatility, temperament, and her experiences in breeding.

Kado, an Australian Shepherd, brought joy as a Therapy Dog and Pet Educator, positively impacting hospitals and schools.

Follow Humphrey, a Conformation Saint Bernard, who defies expectations and excels in top Rally Performance competitions.

Learn how to start puppies on tracking with fun, effective games and methods that build confidence and skills from an early age.

Westminster’s Canine Celebration crowned top dogs in Agility, Obedience, and Flyball at the Javits Center, showcasing elite canine talent.

Fox Terriers are active, intelligent dogs with a rich history in hunting, therapy, and various canine competitions.