Conversation with Harold “Red” Tatro, III – 2025 WKC Dog Show Hound Group Judge

Conversation with Harold “Red” Tatro, III – 2025 WKC Dog Show Hound Group Judge

Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Hound Group at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: It was bit surreal. To be invited to judge the Hound Group at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was like a dream. I had to ask my wife, Denise, to read the letter to me so that I knew it was real.

What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic event?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: To be asked to judge anything at Westminster is an honor, to be asked to judge a Group is truly humbling.

In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC shows?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: Well, just the longevity and tradition make Westminster KC a historic achievement. With the venue returning to Madison Square Garden, it made this assignment even more special and unforgettable.

What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: That this was really happening… and please don’t trip!

Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: It was truly exhilarating to walk out onto the green carpet and hear the applause from the audience for all the dogs. The dogs and handlers felt that same energy and performed to perfection.

How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: This was, by far, the most difficult Group I have ever judged. As expected, the depth of quality was such a nice thing to experience. Yet this also required a very difficult task of limiting the short list cut to only eight beautiful hounds. There were so many that I could not cut that I have awarded in the past—so this speaks to the quality of the final eight.

Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: My Group winner was the Whippet bitch, Bourbon. While her resume, being the top-winning Whippet of all time, speaks for itself, the fact that this 9.5-year-old veteran and dam of three litters was in such immaculate fit and firm condition, still sound as a dollar and showing as well as anyone could ask, speaks to her true greatness in our breed. As a Whippet breeder myself, it is rare that any top-winning Whippet received the universal stamp of approval from virtually every breeder-judge. This was her third Westminster Hound Group win and she went on to also win a record third Reserve Best in Show at Westminster, a true testament to her quality and the vision her breeders and owners have strived for.

I had not ever judged the Basset Hound or Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen that I placed second and third, respectively. When I turned and looked at this Basset Hound, I heard in my ear all the things my mentors for this breed had said—beautiful forechest, legs set back under to hold up the frame, level top, and good balance. Then the true test was the movement. He moved with such power and grace, which the breed should have, and when he turned to come back he had the most wonderful correct wrap front. It was such a pleasure to award him second.

The PBGV was so lovely, balanced, and correct as well. She was wonderfully sound and had the movement and attitude this breed is well known for. The breeder/owner-handler and her co-breeder have produced and shown many great ones. She is absolutely a statement of the dedication these ladies have for their breeding program.

My fourth-place winner was an Afghan Hound bitch I think is gorgeous. I have previously judged her in the past and she looked as good now as she did then. She has the wonderful light lift of movement when going around the ring and is one of the soundest Afghan Hounds I have ever judged. Her handler had her in immaculate condition and she showed off the “arrogant” attitude this
breed commands.

There is no other show quite like Westminster. Is there anything you’d like to say to the Officers of The Westminster Kennel Club?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: Bravo! This show is a massive undertaking and definitely takes a village to accomplish. But it also takes a leader with drive and a vision. President Donald Sturz accomplished this “to the nines.” There was no detail left unattended to, and being able to return the show to The Garden was a monumental feat. The new Breed judging venue at the Javits Center is a great change and I know it received glowing reviews from the handlers and exhibitors as well as the spectators.

Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: The large crowds of spectators that attend during the day and are able to walk around the benching area to see the dogs and meet the people were terrific. The Javits Center is also spacious and it was less crowded around the large rings.

One only has to go to the evening events at Madison Square Garden to see the huge numbers of people who come to watch and, of course, cheer on their favorites! The public gets to see the finest examples of all the breeds, but also see that all of these purebred show dogs are still someone’s well-loved pet.

Now that your assignment is complete, what does Westminster mean to you personally?

Harold “Red” Tatro, III: Westminster KC has always meant a great deal to me. From being an exhibitor who desired to win a ribbon or Breed, or a judge who is asked to judge a Group, nothing compares. It is the absolute pinnacle of the dog world. This is the most prestigious and significant dog show in the world. There is only one Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.