George Milutinovich: To be invited to judge any year at Westminster, much less the historic 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, must be the greatest honor a dog show judge could possibly receive! This revered event has always set the standard for excellence, attracting many of the finest dogs from around the world. It is overwhelming to be asked to judge and uphold the long-standing legacy that is Westminster.
George Milutinovich: I was fortunate to judge eight breeds: five from the Toy Group and three from the Non-Sporting Group.
My Toy assignment was comprised of Silky Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers, Shih Tzus, Brussels Griffons, and a large entry of thirty-three Pomeranians! The playful, affectionate, and lively nature that Toys are so well known for was on display.
I was very pleased to see the Silky Terriers not only display the inquisitive “toy terrier” nature they are well known for while also showing off sound and light-footed movement. The icing on the cake was finding true silk coat in the correct shades of blue and deep tan. The quality was evident in a smaller entry!
My Toy Fox Terriers were lively, athletic, well-colored and marked, and very consistent in quality. It’s a breed where you find many owner-handlers and they did themselves proud on the day. Congratulations to all!
It’s no secret that my Shih Tzu entry had the winningest dog of its breed of all time, and his quality shone through as he took Breed that day as well as a Group placement that evening. Worth mentioning is the stunning Select Dog and the BOS winner! Outstanding examples of the breed, I look forward to seeing them in my ring again.
I was particularly happy to have a mix of rough and smooth Brussels Griffons, and even happier to find a smooth (my Breed winner) who had the perfect balance of type mixed with the soundest body and movement you could ask for. A gorgeous headpiece with almost human expression, this little lady was not to be denied.
The Pomeranian entry was outstanding, and it was equally a challenge and a great privilege to sort through them all. The handlers did not make it easy with their grooming and handling skills! Kudos to most of them for not over-trimming and leaving the very important guard hairs visible. A thrill to see another of my Breed winners place in the Group.
Not to be outdone by the Toys, I had an outstanding entry of Boston Terriers (thirty of them!), Bulldogs, and Bichon Frisés from the Non-Sporting Group.
How appropriate that the Boston Terrier, aka the “American Gentleman,” was showcased at “America’s Show.” I’m happy to report that my entry had it all; dogs with not only the distinctive head characteristics the breed is known for, but also the sure-footed, graceful movement that is a must. On the day, my winner blended all of the breed’s critical attributes perfectly. Stunning in every way. I was proud to award him Best of Breed!
A lovely bitch was my Bulldog Breed winner. This girl held her own in a very strong entry. I was most impressed with not only her magnificent headpiece but also her shape. Her handler presented her to perfection, and no matter what angle I viewed her from, she was the perfect picture. She displayed the very important pacific and dignified demeanor throughout the judging. It was an honor to have her in my ring!
What an absolute thrill to judge my “heart breed,” the Bichon Frisé. I soaked up every moment of their presence in the ring and knew that a forever memory was being created. Judges often say, “there weren’t enough ribbons,” but in this case, that was not hyperbole. There was a razor-thin margin among my top placements, and I was proud to send a stunning dog for a return trip to the Group. The gorgeous BOS winner, Select Dog, and Select Bitch are destined for amazing show careers!
George Milutinovich: This is a compelling question that deserves true reflection. I have been honored to judge at Westminster three times! Each is a treasured memory embedded deep in my soul! On the surface, Westminster is pomp, ceremony, and a dog show event of a magnitude and atmosphere unrivaled anywhere in the world. But at its very heart, Westminster is a true celebration of purebred dogs, sportsmanship, and the work we all put in to preserve our breeds. This is undeniable, but to me, Westminster is also the unifying event of the year that attracts the best dogs from around the world! It’s a place where you feel a connection among the exhibitors, where we cheer each other on, where tears come to the eye at a moment’s notice. It doesn’t matter if you are an attendee, a novice showing there for the first time, a seasoned professional, a judge, or the Best in Show judge handing out the final ribbon, Westminster is for all of us. How fortunate we all are to have the greatest show on earth here in the greatest country on earth! WKC President Donald Sturz and the entire membership are to be congratulated on beautifully executing this event honoring the rich history of the Westminster Kennel Club! Westminster, There’s Only One! The world was watching, and once again, Westminster delivered!
