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Interview With Ekarat Sangkunakup: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge

Ekarat Sangkunakup at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Interview With Ekarat Sangkunakup: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge

What does it mean to be invited to judge at this year’s historic 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

Ekarat Sangkunakup: As an All-Breed Judge, definitely a lifetime dream coming true and fantastic memories. What a grand and prestigious event! Quality and class combined to highlight the sport and bring together the best. A true celebration of the Dog World.

Can you share your thoughts on your various Breed assignments? Please be specific.

Ekarat Sangkunakup: Excellent quality represented in each of the Breed assignments I was given. In the following:

Chow Chow: A Breed I have owned, bred, and shown for over forty years. What a lovely entry representing the breed. It was an honor to judge my breed and apply the experience and knowledge in doing so.

French Bulldog: A lovely, large entry with beautiful representation of the Breed Standard. The breeders did very well with their breeding stock. At the end of judging the breed, some of the dogs I awarded were related, which pleased me with their consistency in type. The Breed winner was selected for the cut in the Non-Sporting Group as well.

Lhasa Apso: A beautiful entry, with wonderful breed type, excellent condition and presentation. The Best of Breed winner ultimately winning the Non-Sporting Group.

Chinese Shar-Pei: A lovely entry of the breed, beautiful breed type and condition. The Best of Breed winner was awarded Non-Sporting Group 3.

Tibetan Terrier and Biewer Terrier: Beautiful entries and condition in both breeds, with excellent breed type.

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

Ekarat Sangkunakup: Having attended, exhibited, and now honored to judge at Westminster, the thrill of the show just keeps getting stronger with each attendance. It was an absolute honor to judge at the show, and one that I will always be proud of.