Members
Pat M. Jenkins reflects on the honor, challenges, and joy of judging the Working Group at the National Dog Show, a cherished tradition.
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.
Pat M. Jenkins: By describing my feeling about the invitation to judge the Working Group at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, my first reaction was that I was so pleased to be considered for this honor. This show is a special occasion not only for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia but for the entire community of purebred dog breeders, owners, and handlers who spend years of their lives dedicated to the preservation of these dogs. It is also a special day for NBC’s TV audience to see and appreciate these special dogs and their achievements.
Pat M. Jenkins: What it means to judge a Group at this historic show is that the judge has a huge responsibility to evaluate the dogs based on their adherence to the AKC written Breed Standards. This means that you are not judging the dogs necessarily against each other, but rather, you are judging them against their own Standard and how they represent that Standard.
Pat M. Jenkins: The National Dog Show differs from other dog shows in the fact that not only are the Groups televised, but this is a benched show. Being a benched show gives the visitors a better chance to see the dogs and visit with their owners, handlers, and breeders. Also, Purina sponsors this show along with NBC. There were many great dog supply vendors and the visitors were plentiful.
Pat M. Jenkins: Just before I stepped into the center of the Group ring, I was mentally reviewing the Standards for each breed. I was excited to see what the representation of those breeds would be this year.
Pat M. Jenkins: With the great organization done by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and NBC, and how the dogs were announced as they came into the ring, you could feel the energy from the dogs and their handlers. The crowd was amazing and supportive of each breed.
Pat M. Jenkins: The Working dogs in the ring were great representatives of their breeds. Each one was presented in the correct way for their breed. Each dog was examined and gaited to evaluate their characteristics and Breed Standards. I made a cut of eight dogs that I felt were on their game and represented their breed extremely well. This is not to say that there were not other fantastic examples that I did not pull. My final four were all in fabulous condition.
Pat M. Jenkins: My Group winner was the Giant Schnauzer. He was a very robust, strongly built dog. His gait was very balanced with great reach and drive. His back remained very level and he was in fantastic condition. My Second Place dog was the Portuguese Water Dog. He had good, substantial bone and a very muscular body. His topskull had the great breadth required in this breed. Feet were nice and round and well padded. My Third Place dog was an Alaskan Malamute bitch. She also was in great condition; appropriate reach and drive with powerful thighs and great layback to her shoulders. She moved beautifully around the ring. My Fourth Place dog was the Tibetan Mastiff. While he was a young dog, he was substantial and large. He had the typical expression you want to see in this breed. The head and muzzle were broad. He had great feathering on the tail and it was carried high in a single curl. Topline was level to the tail set. Movement was steady and powerful.
Pat M. Jenkins: To the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and all its members and volunteers, NBC, and Purina, I want to say, thank you. Thank you for your continued support of purebred dogs, their breeders, owners, and handlers.
Pat M. Jenkins: The cause of purebred dogs is highlighted at this show by having it be a benched show where visitors can see the dogs close up and find out more about particular breeds that they are interested in. Having this show on TV after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is so great, as families gather and watch the show together. I know many people are excited to watch the show each year and cheer on their favorite breeds.
Pat M. Jenkins: Personally, this show has been part of my family’s tradition to watch each year, and now that I have had the opportunity to judge the Working Group at this show, it has become that much more special. To be part of this show is special.
Meet the Judges
Sharon Ann Redmer reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting breed function, type, and standout winners.
