Meet Virginia Murray – 2025 WKC Dog Show Sporting Group Judge

Meet Virginia Murray – 2025 WKC Dog Show Sporting Group Judge

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

Virginia Murray: Ken and I had just returned from the shows in Orlando, and Ken was going through the mail we had gotten while gone. He came walking down the hallway with an open letter in his hand with a look on his face… the first words out of my mouth were, “Oh no, is it from the IRS?” HAHAHAHAHA. He just smiled and shook his head and handed me the letter. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was floored!

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

Virginia Murray: To judge a Group at Westminster is unbelievable. I have judged breeds there a couple of times in the past, but to be asked to judge a Group is beyond incredible. Ken judged the Sporting Group a few years ago, and I just remembered how proud I was to watch him do it. Now, it was my turn and I hoped to make him proud of me.

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

Virginia Murray: Well, it’s “Westminster!” It’s the pinnacle of dog shows! It’s what everyone aims for in the dog world. There are shows that are larger in numbers, but not in prestige!

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

Virginia Murray: I was watching the end of the Best Junior Handler competition and I was thinking to myself, “I’m not nervous… at all… I got this!” That is really what I was thinking.

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

The dogs and handlers, I feel, are always more “on”…always. The dogs definitely feel the energy of the moment and the excitement of the crowds—and the seating was packed! The spectators were totally into it! It’s their moment! They make the most of it.

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

Virginia Murray: The only real challenge was narrowing it down to eight and then to four. I feel I left so many really outstanding dogs out. I›m hoping to have some of the other dogs in my ring at some upcoming shows, because there were so many that deserved to be there and be seen and appreciated.

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

Virginia Murray: I ended up giving First to the English Springer Spaniel. The handler has shown many other Springers to me over the years, and I may have placed them in Groups, but this one, I feel, is the best one she has shown… at least to me, and I told her that when we were getting the picture taken. She also has him in phenomenal condition!

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, I felt, is also the best one that handler has had. She had a bitch a few years ago that I liked, but this dog is really something.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is such a show dog! And beautifully presented and so close to the Standard to me. When we were getting the picture taken, the handler told me that I had him as a very young dog, under a year, and I gave him a win somewhere and I told her then that I thought he would be something special when he grew up.

The Golden Retriever is just starting his career and just showed his heart out. He’s very sound at both ends and has a solid topline. He has a great future ahead of him.

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

Virginia Murray: To the people behind Westminster… all of them, but especially Donald Sturz, this show was spectacular! It was literally a well-oiled machine. Maybe there were glitches in the background, but to all of us NOT involved in the entire production, it was so well run, so perfect, so over-the-top incredible. I was unable to go to the Javits Center and see the production there, but all I have heard about the judging and venue is tremendous positivity. I can’t wait to go next year and enjoy it all!

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

Virginia Murray: Westminster puts purebred dogs front and center! And I feel, having daytime judging at the Javits Center only helps to introduce the public to all the different breeds so that they can determine which breed works for them and their family and lifestyle. Also, having live TV of the Groups and BIS brings in more education, and hopefully, opens the world of purebred dogs to more people and lets them know they are welcome to join in our love of these breeds.

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

Virginia Murray: I have been attending Westminster Dog Shows for decades, either as a handler/exhibitor, ring steward, or judge. I have shown and won with dogs that we handled for clients, and I have shown and won with my own dogs. It’s so exciting, so special, and so incredible to be part of it. I can’t wait for next year!