Meet Janina K. Laurin – 2025 WKC Dog Show Herding Group Judge

Meet Janina K. Laurin – 2025 WKC Dog Show Herding Group Judge

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

Janina K. Laurin: The envelope is immediately recognizable. I thought it was to judge on the Breed level and was so surprised and thrilled it was for the Group! And then it was… what am I going to wear and OMG I have to lose weight! We won’t talk about the latter.

What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic event?

Janina K. Laurin: It is frightening jubilation. What an honor and responsibility.

In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC shows?

Janina K. Laurin: It’s in New York City (or finally back there). The sheer crush of humanity, good dogs, extra worldwide media attention has no comparison.

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

Janina K. Laurin: I was praying I didn’t fall, step on a dog, or miss the famous red light/green light cues. I took a deep breath and just enjoyed the sheer beauty of the moment.

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

Janina K. Laurin: Absolutely. The dogs and handlers enter with a sense of excitement and purpose. The grand entrance when they announce the Group on The Garden floor, and the roar of the crowd, adds a heightened dimension to the event.

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

Janina K. Laurin: It was a very challenging assignment. Good competition just sharpens the skills in finding the best of many outstanding dogs. There were several others that were definitely worthy. Everyone should be so proud of their dogs. It’s a challenging environment and I’d say the entire group of dogs handled it very well. Some of the handlers were nervously excited, but the dogs were fine. I wanted balance and those dogs which met the critical hallmark elements of their individual Standards.

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

Janina K. Laurin: The Group winner is the classic German Shepherd bitch in all aspects. The Second through Fourth place winners were also outstanding representatives of their breed. I still breed, perhaps not as active as in earlier years, and I looked at each dog as to what attributes they could bring to their respective breeds.

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

Janina K. Laurin: Congratulations! Westminster belongs in NYC. The Javits Center is a great choice and the logistics will only continue to improve. From my perspective, being on “the other end,” it sure looked terrific. The hospitality and care taken for the exhibitors and judges is unparalleled.

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

Janina K. Laurin: There is so much. The positive media coverage in New York cannot be underestimated. It’s a huge market and the coverage reaches national and international outlets. Westminster KC itself is largely responsible for it. The Empire State Building decked in WKC colors is a super touch. As much as we in the fancy may not like all the commercial breaks and what some view as “silly human interest stories,” it’s all critical to helping our sport and ownership of purebred dogs. Our dogs are among the most cared, vetted, and loved dogs on the planet. The message can’t be broadcast enough about the advantages of owning a purpose-bred purebred dog from responsible AKC breeders.

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

Janina K. Laurin: It will always be one of the shows to either win or judge in your lifetime as an exhibitor, breeder or judge.