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Thomas W. Coen reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, Breed winners, and Group success.
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Thomas Coen: I was very excited to receive the envelope containing the invitation to judge at the 150th Westminster show. For me, it was a validation of six decades as a breeder, handler, and judge.
Thomas Coen: My day started with a nice entry of Mudis, a breed that has come a long way in the last few years. My Best of Breed bitch, with her correct picture standing, drew my eye early on. In motion, she was free-moving, agile, and true, and covered ground easily. A total package.
The Australian Cattle Dogs filled the ring and it was an unforgettable sight. There were quite a few nice ones and the breeders are to be commended. My Best of Breed dog was a picture of strength, balance, and symmetry. There was no doubt that he could perform the job for which he was bred. He was eye-filling standing, and as he went around the ring he illustrated that there is beauty in motion.
The Norwegian Buhund entry was small, but the quality was excellent. My Best of Breed dog possesses a beautiful outline and proportions, and is built to move correctly. It was a pleasure to watch him in motion.
The Icelandic Sheepdog entry also contained some good ones. The Best of Breed dog made a pleasing picture, moved well, and had exceptional expression.
It was a pleasure to judge the ring full of Miniature American Shepherds. As I glanced around the ring, it was readily apparent that the quality was deep. Kudos to the breeders for stabilizing type and producing some really superior examples of the breed. I eventually narrowed it down to a dog and bitch who were both exceptional standing and in motion. The eventual winner, on this day, was the dog, and he went on to Second in the Herding Group.
The Bouvier des Flandres entry was small, but the quality was excellent. This was such a nice group of breed representatives. The eventual Best of Breed bitch had beautiful breed type and moved with a balanced and free gait. She later went on to Fourth in the Herding Group.
The Shetland Sheepdog entry was large and there were some real quality dogs. For me, as a Sheltie breeder, balance, symmetry, and soundness are of great importance, and I know from experience that these qualities are not easy to achieve in one package. My eventual winner made a well-balanced picture that resulted from correct proportions and structure under his coat. His head was nicely shaped, of appropriate size, and his dark, well-shaped and set eyes contributed to his expression. Best of Opposite went to an impressive blue merle bitch who was well-angulated and excelled in side gait.
Quality in the Bearded Collies was high and it was a pleasure to judge this entry. My Best of Breed dog appealed to me at first glance. He made an impressive, balanced picture that caught my eye, and he didn’t disappoint on close examination. He moved with that balanced, easy gait and covered ground effortlessly. An outstanding representative of his breed.
Thomas Coen: For me, Westminster has always been the benchmark of quality for dog shows. The venue, the quality of the entry, and the excitement of the competition was extraordinary. The 150th anniversary was extra special and I was very honored to be a part of it. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this such an unforgettable event!
Meet the Judges
Sharon Ann Redmer reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting breed function, type, and standout winners.
