Meet José Miguel Doval Sánchez: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Breed Judge

Meet José Miguel Doval Sánchez: 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?

José Miguel Doval Sánchez: Without a doubt, having the opportunity to participate in the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was an enormous privilege and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, given the historical significance of the event. For me, it is one of the highlights of my career as a judge, although I hope it won’t be the last. It was certainly an honor and a great responsibility, considering that it was the first time in 150 years that a judge from Spain had officiated here.

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

José Miguel Doval Sánchez: Obviously, judging the two breeds I’ve been involved with as a breeder and exhibitor for 35 years made it all the more special, especially knowing that the Golden Retriever was the most numerous breed in the show and the Labrador Retriever was the third largest—a true honor that I accepted with humility and a desire to enjoy and learn from each of the dogs I had the privilege of judging.

In both breeds, making a final decision about the winners wasn’t easy, given the overall quality of the participants. I want to congratulate their breeders and owners, as well as the handlers, for their superb execution and great sportsmanship.

My Best of Breed Labrador Retriever, CH Firewater’s Bronco’s Bear Necessities, a black male, is a dog that closely embodies my own ideal for the breed: balanced, strong, and masculine but not heavy, giving the appearance of a Sporting dog capable of performing both in the ring and in the field. I believe this is a dog that will continue to bring much joy to its owners, and I hope it can pass on its virtues to its offspring. The BOS was hotly contested by a female, CH Everland Dance Party At Gallivant, also black, strong but also possessing that rustic elegance characteristic of the breed, and shown in impeccable condition.

In Golden Retrievers, despite the obvious differences between the English and American types, I must say that I was very impressed with the overall quality of the breed, but above all, with the condition and presentation of all the dogs, their balance, and their excellent overall performance and movement. When I saw the final line of nine Goldies vying for prizes, I asked for a round of applause for all of them, given their exceptionally high quality. The winner, CH Hillock’s Burl Oak, a mature, fully formed male, was impeccable in every way, visually appealing, and a joy to touch and judge. A dog that could be at the forefront in any situation, at any show, as was his half-brother, CH Hillock’s Sea Cat, whom I hesitated about until the very end and who ultimately became Select Dog. The BOS went to a truly fantastic female, CH Rohan & Chuckanut Livin For The Weekend At Alloro, elegant, distinguished, with a truly special head and expression, and the type every breeder wants in their kennel. A dog to take home.

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

José Miguel Doval Sánchez: This show will undoubtedly remain one of the most exciting memories of my career. From now on, I hope to maintain a much closer connection with the event, and I certainly consider myself one of the “evangelists” of The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, an event that every purebred dog lover should attend at least once in their life. That’s what I will share with everyone who has the opportunity to hear about Westminster.