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Judy Harrington reflects on judging at Westminster 2026, sharing insights on her assignments and the quality of the entries.
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Judy Harrington: To be a part of this historic event will remain a cherished invitation forever. This was my fifth invitation to Westminster KC, and every single one is the best trip that you, as a judge, will ever make to your mailbox!
As a breeder, owner, exhibitor, and handler, walking into the ring at WKC is a very special experience. This feeling is also shared by every judge who has the same experience. The 150th Westminster KC, on a scale of 1 to 10, was about… a 100! There wasn’t a detail overlooked, from the very beginning to the last minute.
It was inclusive of every area of our sport and included everyone who loves dogs: Performance, Conformation, Entertainment, Legends from previous WKC’s, Agility, Shopping, Seminars, and Outstanding Entries leading to a Magnificent BIS Lineup.
From being an owner/handler with my first show dog, a professional handler, and a judge, this anniversary assignment has meant the world to me.
Judy Harrington: Would love to. In my larger entries of Great Danes, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Newfoundlands, there would have been more Awards of Merit if it was based on quality instead of entry numbers.
The Portuguese Water Dog entry was represented by the majority having correct body substance and proportion, as well as the correct breadth of topskull and lovely ear size and set, full pigment, and soundness coming, going, and around. I appreciated this quality entry, and my BOB and BOS checked all of the boxes for a dog and bitch.
The Great Dane entry was represented by a ring full of lovely quality, breed head type, substance, proportion, and soundness. Since this is my foundation breed, the exhibitors entered are well aware of what I look for in this breed—and it was there throughout the entry. Temperaments on this breed were all that they should be. My BOB dog is a beautiful example of this giant breed. His proportions are correctly square, his head is correct, and he carries a lower mask that is often not as glamourous as the higher mask but just as correct, with a lovely neck into shoulders, balanced angulation, and sound on the move in every direction. BOS is a lovely, feminine yet substantial brindle bitch who checked all the boxes as well. A beautiful profile, substantial and typey in head and body. She carried her profile on the move as well. This breed was a joy to judge at WKC for me.
The Newfoundland entry was deep in the breed qualities of head type, heavy bone, and coat, with correct proportion. Muscle tone and general condition was well felt under the coat and carried through on the move. My BOB dog was correct on the hands-on exam and proved what I felt when he moved. A beautiful profile, and he held it going around. BOS was feminine yet had all of the qualities desired in the Breed Standard of substance, head type, and correct coat. A pleasure to have both to judge.
Another exceptional entry was the Kuvasz entry. Not a large entry but outstanding quality throughout, with BOB representing the Standard in every way: head type, coat, substance, and soundness. Would be pleased to have any one of these entered in my ring at a regular all-breed show.
Other breeds judged were Standard Schnauzer, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, and a young Mastiff that were representing their breeds well in the “Big Ring” on Tuesday evening.
Judy Harrington: From showing my first breeder/owner-handled Great Dane and winning BOS in a huge entry under breeder-judge Rose Sabetti to being selected for BOB and invited to the Big Ring as a professional handler, to standing in the middle of the ring as a Group Judge, Westminster Kennel Club means the world to me. It is recognition of your passion for our dogs and sport, recognition of your ability to reward excellence, and time spent with so many you respect, love, and have learned from.
Well Done, WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB!
Meet the Judges
Sharon Ann Redmer reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting breed function, type, and standout winners.
