Insights From Erica Cross – 2025 National Dog Show Junior Showmanship Judge

Insights From Erica Cross – 2025 National Dog Show Junior Showmanship Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Junior Showmanship competition at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina?

Erica Cross: What an exciting assignment full of fantastic talent! I want to thank the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for the opportunity.

2. Can you talk a bit about your typical process for judging Junior Showmanship? How evident was breed-specific presentation among the Juniors?

Erica Cross: Some of the things I look for are the partnership between the Junior and the dog. This has to be there. There is a love, a bond, a connection that is evident. Breed-specific knowledge and handling is something I am watching for; foot timing with the dog, not just a long, kicking stride. Where hands are placed on the dogs, and the correct presentation, is where it shows who has been practicing.

One thing I have always said is to look back at the judge’s initial breed and you will probably gain some knowledge, and showing at the correct speed for your breed is something very important to me. I breed and show Spinoni Italiani. The Spinone, being a slow, methodical trotter, is absolutely beautiful, but I want to see a Chihuahua have swift, light movement.

Some things I don’t care for are being robotic in the ring. Perfection isn’t necessarily the top goal for me. Also, watch out for how far the swing of the counterbalance arm is; it can be very distracting and unnecessary.

I always think, going into the ring, that these kids are like painters creating moments on a canvas. I want to see outlines and silhouette, and after you’ve created that, check in quickly with your eyes. The dogs notice facial expressions, and when you give them a pleased look it creates a moment in time. Judges don’t have a long time to wait to make sure everything is perfect, but I always glance around the ring, catching those moments.

3. Based on this assignment, would you say the future of purebred dogs is in capable hands?

Erica Cross: The Juniors ring was filled with the future of our sport. I admire how hard these kids work, and putting themselves out there. It was such a privilege to be able to be in the ring with them. I look forward to watching all of these Juniors excel in the ring and would be proud to have any of them show my own dogs.