Meet the 2027 Westminster Judges

In 2027, we celebrate The Westminster Kennel Club’s 151st show. Once again, thousands of dogs will flock to Manhattan, taking over the Javits Center and Madison Square Garden. Each year, a panel of judges, both canine experts and Westminster enthusiasts, crowns a final champion. From breed judging to Best in Show, these experts bring a unique wealth of knowledge and experience to the green carpet. After all, there’s only one.

Best in Show: Mr. Espen Engh of Lier, Norway

For Espen Engh, his life has revolved around dogs since birth. As a third-generation Greyhound fancier, he has produced 226 homebred champions under the “Jet’s” prefix. With his lengthy career in dogs, he has numerous Westminster memories, but his favorite was 36 years ago, when he and his husband Åge joined forces at the show.

This year, as the Best in Show judge, he is most looking forward to admiring and laying his hands on the “magnificent seven” at the very end of the show. He hopes for “an emotional high with goosebumps, a few tears in my eyes, and the hair standing at the back of my neck from great dogs.” He also expects a magnetic atmosphere and a very enthusiastic crowd—nothing less than a unique climax to more than 40 years of judging dogs.

For him, Westminster is unique in its preservation and the immense record of its history and traditions. “Just have a look at the Westminster records that are published on the club’s homepage. No other show can compare, not even remotely.” For those attending, he recommends setting aside both days from morning to evening and attending with a mindset to take in and truly enjoy it all. “Beginning at Javits and staying until the conclusion of Best in Show at Madison Square Garden is a unique experience unlike any you have had before in your life!”

GROUP JUDGES

Hound Group: Mr. Ken Murray of Island Lake, Illinois

Ken Murray’s first introduction to dog shows was at 13 years old when he started showing his Irish Setters. He quickly began working for handlers in the Dallas area, including Henry McGill and Roy Murray. In 1969, Dick Cooper contacted him to offer him a job. Ken didn’t think twice and moved to the Chicago area to be his assistant for 10 years. In 1979, he went out on his own and started his handling business, meeting his wife Virginia shortly after. Together, they showed a “tremendous string of top dogs from every group for decades,” until ultimately retiring from handling in 2004. For the 22 years since then, he has had a successful judging career. For him, Westminster is the pinnacle of success in this sport. This year, he most looks forward to “Getting it right!”

His favorite Westminster memory is “the year my wife and I drove out with a van full of dogs, along with Bob LaRouche and Mary Beecher. Virginia and Mary were both pregnant. When we were driving in the middle of the night, there were no other vehicles on the interstate going through Pennsylvania. We later found out there were no vehicles because the interstate was officially closed down and all the exits were blocked with snow.  We also had a small fire start in the van from a towel that was too close to the light in the ceiling, and it started smoldering. Once we got into New York City, it was finally daylight, and we were driving the wrong way on one-way streets to get to Madison Square Garden.”

Ken’s greatest Westminster honor was winning the Sporting Group with Gordon Setter, Ch. Bit O Gold Titan Treasure in 1997, 1998, and 1999. And while he has many memories and traditions, he always looks forward to meeting with Eliott More and his wife, Jamie, for dinner at least one night.

For those making their own Westminster memories this year, he advises arriving early if you want to be ringside to watch any breeds you are interested in. And to us fanciers, he says, “it’s important that we do the best we can to educate the public with reasons to get purebred dogs.”

Toy Group: Mr. Sei-ichiro Ishimaru of Tokyo, Japan

For Sei-ichiro Ishimaru, dogs have been a part of his life since he was a child. In 1993, he fell in love with Italian Greyhounds and has since bred them under the “Flash Shower” prefix. It wasn’t until he was in college, however, that he began exhibiting dogs. Throughout his journey with dogs, Westminster has remained far more than just a dog show to him.

When he first watched Westminster at Madison Square Garden in the early 1990s, he was deeply impressed by its unique atmosphere, long history and tradition, and the incredible quality of dogs gathered there from around the world. That experience became one of the major reasons he became more deeply involved in the world of purebred dogs and dog shows. “Had I never discovered Westminster, neither my family nor I would probably have become so deeply involved in this sport, and ‘Judge Sei-ichiro Ishimaru’ might not exist today. To later have the opportunity to stand in the Westminster ring as a judge has been an extraordinary honor for me. Westminster is truly one of the shows that changed my life.”

This year, he is honored to have the opportunity to judge the Toy Group at Westminster, a moment made all the more special thanks to his background in Toy dogs. He is looking forward to once again being part of the atmosphere that makes Westminster unlike any other show in the world.

One of his most unforgettable Westminster memories was in 1998, when an Italian Greyhound owned by his parents won Best of Breed and went on to compete in the Toy Group at Madison Square Garden. “It was an incredibly emotional moment for both my parents and me, and it remains one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.”

For those attending for the first time, he encourages watching not only the Group judging and Best in Show at Madison Square Garden, but also the daytime breed judging at the Javits Center. “By seeing so many wonderful dogs, you may discover a breed that becomes your favorite, or even find one particular dog that leaves a lasting impression on you.”

Non-Sporting Group: Mrs. Patricia Sosa of Madisonville, Louisiana

After acquiring her first Bullmastiff at the age of seven, Patricia Sosa never looked back. She has bred, owned, and shown Bullmastiffs with the “Bandog” prefix ever since. In 1985, she added French Bulldogs and has now bred over 100 champions. She was a successful professional handler for many years, but also had many notable wins, including three National Specialty Bests of Breed, breeder-owner-handled.

This year, judging the Non-Sporting Group is a culmination of 40 years of her dedication to the sport. “There is only one Westminster, and it is very surreal, humbling, and terrifying all at the same time. It is something you only dream of, and when that letter came, I could not believe it. It wasn’t until it was published that I realized it was real. It is the honor of a lifetime.” She most looks forward to “enjoying the entries and doing my very best job.”

Patricia has attended nearly every Westminster since the early 80’s, and she has many wonderful memories, but the most memorable was the night Everette Dean was doing Best in Show. She and Luis had dinner with him and got to share his excitement, so he did not have to dine alone. He even treated!

For many years, her annual tradition was to attend the opera with a large group of friends. It was very grand, but changed after 2020. Her tradition evolved to visiting NYC with her son, having dinner, drinks, and enjoying a show or two. Then, when the dog events started, her son would go home, and she and her husband would partake in everything dogs! This year, her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson will be coming to support and spend a few days in the city, making it a family affair.

For first-time exhibitors and spectators, she advises, “breathe and take it all in. It can be overwhelming with the crowds and just the electricity that is in the air. Have a plan if certain breeds interest you, and then just enjoy. There is something for everyone, especially if you are searching for that special breed.”

Herding Group: Mrs. Marilyn Van Vleit of Salem, Oregon

For more than 40 years, Marilyn Van Vleit has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs, beginning with German Shepherds, before transitioning to Pembroke Welsh Corgis, breeding under the “Aurora” prefix. While she remains a dedicated breeder, she pivoted to judging more than 15 years ago, judging her first entry of Pembroke Welsh Corgis in 2007.

For her, Westminster is the pinnacle achievement for dogs and for judges. It is the epitome of elegance and showmanship. It is the “Super Bowl of dog shows” where the best of the best compete.

Of her fond Westminster memories, a standout was her first year judging, in 2025. That day, “walking into that fabulous dog show site at the Javits Center and seeing my name on the board at the ring. My grin just had to be huge!” Westminster has held its supreme place for 150 years. Even people who don’t know dog breeds, or even own one, know what Westminster is. It is an incredible feeling to be a part of living history.

To those attending for the first time, she advises, “Don’t miss a minute! Watch as many breeds being judged as possible at the Javits Center and purchase a really good seat for the Group and Best in Show judging at Madison Square Garden. Remember to enjoy your time in New York City. It is an incredible place to visit.”

Sporting Group: Mrs. Kathy Lorentzen of Chesaning, Michigan

Kathy Lorentzen’s journey in dogs began in the early 1960s, when she added her first Golden Retriever to her family. After breeding a Golden litter and successfully finishing her first homebred champion, she acquired an English Springer Spaniel in 1972. She has since actively bred Springers for more than 50 years, with over 80 champions to date. Kathy has devoted her entire life to breeding and exhibiting Sporting dogs.

With her rich history, she has always dreamed of judging the Sporting Group at Westminster, and now that dream is coming true. The moment will be full-circle for her. In 2006, her first assignment at Westminster, the Golden Retriever she awarded Best of Breed won the Sporting Group under Michael Faulkner. Now, she will get to crown her own Group winner.

For her, Westminster is the pinnacle. She has attended many times, and “when thinking back on all the Best in Show winners, a really good dog always goes to the top, which speaks to the quality of the judging panels that are chosen with so much thought.” While she doesn’t quite have an annual tradition, in years past, she and her husband would go to NYC together. They’d see a play, eat at a couple of great restaurants, and then she would spend two days at the dog show while he cruised the city.

Because of the wonderful way the show is presented to the world, she has so many non-dog people who tell her that they always watch Westminster. Now, with the Netflix deal, even more people will see it, presenting the show and our beloved breeds in such a positive light. She advises every spectator to understand the hard work, the commitment, and the financial sacrifice that breeders and exhibitors make to get a dog to the level of being able to compete at Westminster.

Working Group: Mr. Dana Cline of Albany, Georgia

Dana Cline is another lifelong fancier, whose involvement in the sport began in 1970 with his first Great Dane, “Samson.” After successfully competing at shows with his own dog, he began a 20-year professional handling career before ultimately pivoting to judging in 1997. Since then, he has achieved many honors, including judging the Westminster Hound Group in 2005 and receiving the Judge of the Year award in 2017.

For Dana, Westminster is all about “people exhibiting with pride the dedication to their beloved companions.” Every year, he always enjoys seeing so many friends and colleagues, and of course, the fabulous dogs! While he has attended nearly annually, for any year he is at home, he remains glued to the TV. His favorite Westminster memories are winning Best of Breed on three occasions with three different dogs, all of which he owned. There is nothing like stepping onto the green carpet as a judge or exhibitor.

For those attending for the first time, he suggests taking in the excitement and emotions of the very special moments provided by this great canine event! Westminster is important because it highlights and showcases the bonds between man and dog on so many different levels. Enjoy it!

Terrier Group: Mr. Clay Coady of Paradise Valley, Arizona

Clay Coady’s involvement in dogs began in 1962 when he showed his Samoyed at his first dog show. While he was not a big winner, he “made a decision that dog shows were what I was going to do for the rest of my life,” and never looked back. His career in dogs began in 1966, when he moved from Arizona to Illinois to work as an assistant for Larry and Alice Downey. After his tenure, he married Bergit, and the two of them set off on their adventure of being professional dog handlers. Throughout their career, they also bred many successful dogs. In 1999, he retired from professional handling and began judging.

For him, Westminster is the most recognizable dog show in the United States, and he is honored to have both placed in and won Groups at the prestigious show. Throughout his judging career, he has judged at Westminster five times, including presiding over the Working Group in 2014. This year, he most looks forward to “a great group of dogs with everyone doing their best job. Including me!”

His favorite memory is winning Best of Breed with a Wire Fox Terrier in the mid 80s under Emil Klinkhart. For those making their own Westminster memories as spectators or watching from home, he offers one word of advice: “enjoy.”

JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP JUDGES

Finals: Ms. Lisa Gallizzo of Flemington, New Jersey

As a longtime fancier, Lisa Gallizzo began in the sport by exhibiting Golden Retrievers and Pointers in Junior Showmanship, qualifying for and competing at The Westminster Kennel Club multiple times. She is now a professional handler, specializing in Sporting, Working, and Terrier breeds with a focus on Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers, and is also a breeder of Bernese Mountain Dogs. In addition to her conformation career and Junior Showmanship judging, she works at Johnson & Johnson, balancing a full-time job with the canines she loves dearly.

With more than 20 years of Junior Showmanship judging experience, Lisa has judged at many prestigious events, including the National Dog Show in 2010 and the historic Westchester Kennel Club show in 2025. She also possesses a unique perspective, having judged the Junior Showmanship Preliminaries at Westminster in 2022. She will step onto the green carpet with the knowledge and experience of both a former Junior Handler and judge as she selects the next Westminster Best Junior Handler.

Preliminaries: Mrs. Madeline Peterson of Seagrove, North Carolina

Madeline Peterson is a generational fancier, and she grew up attending shows with her mom. Her true love for the sport, however, began with a Smooth Fox Terrier of her own, whom she showed in the breed and eventually in Junior Showmanship. Of her many Westminster memories, making the Junior Showmanship Finals at 14 with her Smooth Fox Terrier, Pete, will always be one of her favorites.

She has attended Westminster annually since she was a teenager, competing in Junior Showmanship, and she has been in the shoes of the young exhibitors who will enter her ring. This year, she is most looking forward to seeing the talented junior handlers who represent the future of the sport.

Westminster is the ultimate show, and “there’s something special about walking into the show and seeing the green carpet and purple velvet ropes. The atmosphere and prestige are unlike anything else.” For those attending for the first time, she suggests planning ahead and getting to the rings you want to watch early. The best seats fill up quickly.

Preliminaries: Dr. Tracie Laliberte of Attleboro, Massachusetts

Tracie Laliberte’s journey in dogs began when her fifth-grade teacher invited her to a local dog match. As her family and her teacher became closer friends, they were eventually offered a Lhasa Apso to work with, thus beginning a lifelong commitment to the sport.

For Tracie, being asked to judge Junior Showmanship Preliminaries represents the beginning of a full-circle moment. She qualified to show at The Garden twice as a junior handler. The first time was when she was 12, and she made it to the finals. The second time was when she was 17, and she won Best Junior Handler.

To her, Westminster is the pinnacle event for purebred dogs. “It’s the quintessential Focal Activity that I write about in my Doctoral Dissertation; it’s a centering activity that gathers the fourfold of earth, sky, mortals, and divinities. It’s about the dogs, and it’s about the people. Westminster is simultaneously the creator and culmination of the dog enthusiast’s hopes and dreams. It’s the glorious maker of the moment at hand and the revealer of the rich history of all that came before us.” To put it simply, she loves everything Westminster: the hype, the chatter, the dogs, the viewing, the stories, the results, all of it. And her tradition, she cries during the National Anthem! Every. Single. Time. That moment brings her back to winning Best Junior Handler on that fateful night, walking off the carpet, and hearing the arena fill with the Anthem. It was then that it all sank in.

To every first-time spectator, “enjoy the living art that is purebred dogs; let it fill your eye. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes.”