Interview With Patricia V. Trotter: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge

Interview With Patricia Trotter: 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?

Patricia Trotter: It meant the world to me to be included in this historic Westminster 150th anniversary show. Thanks to the fabulous members of the classic Westminster Kennel Club, it was a show like no other. They simply outdid themselves for this splendid anniversary!

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

Patricia Trotter: The selection of breeding stock is a very serious commitment to the integrity of the dog show—especially one with the magnitude of Westminster. My assignment this year was for all three varieties of Dachshunds. The entry profiled good representatives of the breed with a variety of virtues to be used in the breeding programs.

The Longhaired Variety winner was a dog with a correct keel, long rib cage, and a very short and strong loin—qualities to be appreciated by breeders. He is a good dog to go over and presents a pleasing head. The Smooth and Wirehaired Varieties both went to bitches. Because I believe the bitches to be the backbone of breeding programs, I search for those that have so much to give to their puppies. The Smooth bitch is a total package that presents a good breed profile and made the cut in the very strong Hound Group under Mr. Canalizo. The Wire bitch is typey and strong in topline and moves with precision and balance.

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

Patricia Trotter: Since I was a child, Westminster has always been the ultimate to me. Its tradition, history, and elegance truly define the concept of great fanciers, super dogs with classic competition combined with theater and the world’s best-known arena coming together for the most important dog event of them all. It truly is the epitome of the concept that there is only one! It serves as the inspiration for breeders to bring successive generations of quality animals to New York to showcase for all to see and appreciate.