Meet Sheree Moses Combs: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Herding Group Judge

Meet Sheree Moses Combs: 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Herding Group Judge

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

Sheree Moses Combs: I was overwhelmed, honored, humbled. It is the highlight of over 40 years spent in dogs.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: It is such an honor, and a responsibility. The Westminster Kennel Club is such an iconic event, and we are representing the purebred dog community to the world. On the 150th anniversary, this is particularly important.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: I started out with German Shepherd Dogs; Conformation and Performance (Schutzhund) were equally important to me. I’ve loved watching The Garden on television, but I never imagined I’d be judging there one day.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: Frankly, I was very nervous. It is such a big responsibility on so many levels. You are judging the best of the best, determined to do a great job… and at the same time, presenting the Conformation arena on a world stage. Several of the more experienced judges told me not to worry; once I got in the ring, I would only see the dogs—and they were right. I had a glitch right at the beginning, because I was just seeing the dog and forgot all my instructions, lol, but once I got past that first exhibit I settled down and it was just about the dogs. An amazing experience.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: There is definitely a heighted sense of energy that is unique to The Garden. Handlers are at the top of their game. The dogs feel the excitement… and the crowd always has their favorites.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: Judging here is particularly challenging because the overall quality of the Group is so deep. There were dogs I didn’t pull who would certainly have gotten Group ribbons at less competitive shows. You just have to judge each dog against its Breed Standard, on the day, and find the very best of the best.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: The Old English Sheepdog is breathtaking. Strong, powerful, but at the same time so easy in motion. He was presented perfectly, in flawless condition. My second place, the Miniature American Shepherd, was a beautiful package, correct in structure, fluid, and coordinated in motion. Third, the German Shepherd Dog, was a mature bitch who still maintained an athleticism not often seen, along with beautiful breed type and impeccable temperament. Fourth place went to the Bouvier des Flandres bitch who was correct in structure, beautiful, strong breed type, and an easy, fluid mover.

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

Sheree Moses Combs: This show is particularly important in so many ways. It is the show that most serious breeders see as the gold ring, an iconic show that celebrates the best of the best. Our Super Bowl, as it were, or the Olympics. But I think its greatest importance is the visibility it gives to our sport and our passion for dogs to the world at large. It’s a window into the lives of purebred dogs and preservation breeders, and in the current climate of attacks by AR, I think that this is our community’s opportunity to show the general public why we do what we do; a chance to see the love and commitment we all feel for our dogs.

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?

Sheree Moses Combs: The dedication of The Westminster Kennel Club, its members, and the organizations that sponsor this show is exceptional. Year in, year out, despite pandemics, snowstorms, construction, etc., they continue to make this the most amazing dog show in the world. Kudos on a job so very well done!

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

Sheree Moses Combs: I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet! I’ve been here as a breeder and competitor for so many years, and we have certainly had our share of triumphs and defeats. This show is the gold ring. Westminster 150 was my third judging assignment at WKC… to judge the Group here was a tremendous honor and will probably remain one of the best memories of my life!