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Vicki Seiler-Cushman shares her insights on judging the Working Group at the 2025 Morris & Essex show, reflecting on its history and legacy.
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Vicki Seiler-Cushman: When I received the invitation to judge the Working Group at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club show, I was genuinely honored—and, truthfully, a little awestruck. Morris & Essex isn’t just any show; it’s a celebration of our sport’s history, elegance, and tradition. The thought of standing in the same ring where so many legendary judges and dogs have made their mark is both humbling and inspiring.
This show represents everything I love about the purebred dog world—the camaraderie, the pageantry, and the deep respect for breeding excellence and preservation of purpose. Being trusted to evaluate the Working Group—a Group defined by strength, purpose, and devotion—is an incredible privilege. It’s not just an assignment; it’s a milestone in my judging journey.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: Judging at a show that takes place only once every five years is unlike any other experience in our sport. There’s a sense of anticipation and reverence that surrounds Morris & Essex—you feel it the moment you step onto the grounds. Everyone knows they are part of something truly special, a moment in time that won’t come again for another half decade.
Because of that, there’s an extra layer of meaning to every detail—the grooming, the presentation, the sportsmanship, the tradition woven into the day. The exhibitors bring their very best, not just in their dogs but in spirit. As a judge, you can’t help but feel the weight and honor of that trust. It’s both exhilarating and humbling to know you are part of a legacy that stretches back through generations of devoted breeders, handlers, and dog lovers.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: It’s more than a dog show—it’s a celebration of history, dedication, and the passion that binds our community together.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: How on earth can I choose from so many incredible dogs!
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: Absolutely—there was a remarkable energy surrounding the Working Group ring that day. You could feel it the moment you stepped inside the ring. The crowd was large, enthusiastic, and fully engaged. Everyone had their favorite in mind!
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: Judging was both a joy and a tremendous challenge—there were so many outstanding dogs, each a wonderful representative of its breed. The Working Group that day was full of excellence; every exhibitor brought a dog that could have easily been recognized on any other day.
When it came down to my final decisions, the Portuguese Water Dog and the Doberman Pinscher stood out as truly exceptional—the best of the best. Both were beautifully conditioned, presented with confidence, and embodied their Breed Standards in structure, temperament, and type. The choice between them was extraordinarily difficult; it came down to the smallest of details and the overall impression of balance, purpose, and presence in the ring.
As a judge, those moments are both humbling and thrilling—when two magnificent dogs represent the pinnacle of their breeds and you’re entrusted to make that final decision. It’s an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I left the ring that day filled with admiration for every exhibitor who shared their beautiful dogs with me.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: The Portuguese Water Dog who won the Working Group was a truly impressive representative of his breed: powerful, athletic, and beautifully balanced. He was robust and strongly built, with a thick tail at the base and a large, well-developed backskull that gave him a look of strength and purpose. His neck and shoulders were proudly carried, his topline was firm, and his body exemplified correct proportions—a broad, deep chest with proper angulation, long, well-sprung ribs, and a short, strong loin that allowed him to move with efficiency
and endurance.
His coat was in beautiful condition and perfectly trimmed, enhancing his outline without distraction. Beyond his structure, he exuded a confident, steady temperament—the kind of presence that fills the ring without demanding attention. When he moved, he did so with true purpose: driving, rhythmic, and effortless, showing exactly what he was bred to do.
He was, quite simply, the complete package—a dog who combined type, soundness, and spirit in equal measure. That day, he represented the very essence of the Portuguese Water Dog, and it was an honor to recognize him as the Working Group winner.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the dedicated members of the Morris & Essex Kennel Club and the countless volunteers who made this extraordinary event possible. The sheer scope and elegance of this show are the result of tireless planning, teamwork, and a deep love for our sport. Every detail—from the beautifully manicured grounds to the flawless organization and gracious hospitality—reflected their commitment to excellence and tradition.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: It is no small feat to bring to life a show of this magnitude, one that happens only once every five years and captures the spirit of the golden age of dog shows. Everyone’s passion and hard work created an unforgettable experience for judges, exhibitors, and spectators alike.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: For the next Morris and Essex? Each Morris & Essex becomes a cherished chapter in our sport’s history, and I can only imagine how extraordinary the next one will be.
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