Interview With Sioux Forsyth-Green: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Working Group Judge

Interview With Sioux Forsyth-Green: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Working Group Judge

Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Working Group at this year’s historic 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: My first Group assignment for Westminster started a little crazy. My husband, Pete, and I had been out to dinner with friends. It was late when we got home, so I picked up the mail on the way in and set it on the counter. The next morning, Pete got up first and then myself. Our guests were still sleeping. We were drinking coffee and Pete said, “Congratulations on your Working Group at Westminster.’’ I replied, “Honey, remember, I am doing nine Working breeds, not the Group.” And he said, “That’s not what that letter says!’’ With that, I jumped up and ran into the kitchen to read the letter… and then I screamed, waking up our guests.

What does it mean to judge a Group at Westminster’s sesquicentennial event?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: Judging a Group at Westminster is like no other, not to mention the 150th anniversary of the second-longest running sporting event in our country! I enjoyed every moment on the infamous green carpet!

When you got your start in dogs, did you ever imagine you’d judge a Group at this landmark show?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: Growing up in this business, I never dreamed I would be the one in the middle of the ring. I forever wanted to do it at Westminster, but never thought I would be invited to do so.

What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: By the time I was stepping onto the floor, I was ready to do my job as I know it. I had butterflies earlier in the day. I have to say, my friends doing my hair and makeup, Tim Lehman and Clif De Raita, totally put me at ease. It was the best experience ever.

Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel any excitement from the spectators?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: The rotunda that night was totally electric! The crowd was loud, the handlers and dogs rose to the occasion. Everyone did a fabulous job with their dogs, and the dogs were awesome.

How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: The quality in the Working Group, in my opinion, was the deepest of all the Groups. I could have handed out four more ribbons. I could have cut more dogs. There were several selections I could have made and not been wrong. The dogs I pulled and placed asked for it! They went above and beyond; they rose to the occasion.

Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: My Group winner, a Doberman Pinscher named Penny, was just amazing that night. Although I have judged her before, on that night she was on fire. The Saint Bernard was probably the best I think I have ever had my hands on. The Portuguese Water Dog is also a superb dog. The Samoyed was spectacular, and I was told it was this young lady’s first show dog.

Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: I think The Westminster Kennel Club does the best job of getting the public involved. The TV coverage, the advertising of the show ahead of time, their social media presence, and the extra things like bringing back past winners were wonderful.

There is no other show quite like Westminster. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of The Westminster Kennel Club and the show’s sponsors?

Sioux Forsyth-Green: There is no other show like Westminster on earth! They go above and beyond in every way, from picking us up at the airport and all of the pre-show communication, to the gift bag in our rooms, the judges dinner, and the shuttles to and fro. There is nothing they don’t think of. At the Group judges meeting on Sunday, Donald was speaking to David and said, “Judging BIS at Westminster ruins you for any other show.” I have to say, judging a breed at Westminster ruins you for any other assignment! The sponsors make this show just that much better; my shoes were provided by Johnson & Murphy and our judges gift was provided by Ororo. How amazing is that!

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

Sioux Forsyth-Green: Westminster has been a highlight to my year. I had dreamed of judging at Madison Square Garden since I was about six, the first time I was allowed to attend. If you never attend another dog show, attend this one! This was always a show my family attended and did quite well. My parents are still the only married couple to have both won Best in Show at Westminster as handlers and judged Groups there. Being given the honor of following in their footsteps and judging a Group is beyond comparison.