Interview With Sandra Pretari Hickson: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge

Interview With Sandra Pretari Hickson: 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?

Sandra Pretari Hickson: It was an honor, to say the least. While this was my third judging assignment at Westminster, this year was by far the most memorable. No attention to detail was spared, from the ring layouts to the judges’ dinner to the gift of the 150th anniversary commemorative book. Each and every member went above and beyond to make sure we were not only taken care of and appreciated, but that every exhibitor, owner, handler, etc., was as well. You could feel it in the energy when the members spoke to you, the energy of the exhibitors, and the energy of the judges as well. This year was special. And it was palpable.

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

Sandra Pretari Hickson: Judging at Westminster brings you a depth of quality not generally seen. When talking with exhibitors after my assignment in various breeds, I found out that in my ring I had many BIS, National Specialty, and National Dog Show winners. While one would think that would make your job easier, it actually makes your job harder. Instead of one or two standouts, your ring is filled with standouts, and decisions now come down to breed nuances instead of just the basics. As a breeder/owner-handler of a low-entry breed myself, I can say we don’t always get enough attention; that being given to the more popular breeds. As such, I’d like to concentrate most of my comments on a few of those.

The Dogos Argentinos were my most interesting assignment of the day as we rarely get to judge a large entry. While there were some very pretty, very white dogs in my ring, there were only a few that had the correct head proportions. Those proportions and a correct head are not only type but function. A Dogo without a correct head will die trying to do its job. A lot of the dogs had muzzles that were much too short, and lips long enough to border on a DQ; not quite but close. It’s always interesting to find out your winners’ stories afterwards, and my Breed dog was no exception. He was bred in Argentina, imported to the US to do his job and hunt, and somehow made it to the show ring. While I’m sure there were some who were not happy with my choice, his Breed win has since gone viral among the Dogo community. My BOS could have been his feminine clone. Two beautiful dogs who not only could do their job, but actually do it.

Both the Black Russian Terriers and the Giant Schnauzers were also interesting, as both require size, substance, and bone while maintaining their athleticism. My winners in both breeds had all of that along with correct heads and coats for their breed. Again, breeds where we don’t usually have the opportunity to judge a large entry with depth of quality, so very nice to have such a good entry in both breeds.

Boxers were my largest entry by far, and so my ring was filled with the correct square dogs with good heads and movement. I did not have enough ribbons to award all the dogs I wanted to. My BOB dog was square, with the elastic, ground-covering gait the Standard calls for, correct muzzle-to-skull proportions, and overall balance.

The last breed of the day was German Pinschers, and unfortunately, only one showed up. As we made our way to the tape to get his win video taken, I told the young man showing him that this was a really good Pinscher to which he replied, “I won the National with him. He’s my first show dog.” The perfect end to a perfect day.

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

Sandra Pretari Hickson: I know it’s cliché, but there truly is nothing like it. The electricity of this show is unmatched. As I was judging Boxers, I looked around the gallery which was packed and deep. There was cheering and clapping, especially as we neared the end of judging. Doberman judging was going on in the ring across from ours at the same time and it was the same. As both rings were nearing the final selections, verbal instructions became impossible as it was so loud; hearing became impossible. This happens nowhere else—and that is Westminster.