Ms. Whitney A. Meeks

MS. WHITNEY A. MEEKS of Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, is a third-generation dog person who began her career competing in the Junior Showmanship ring with a Border Terrier. Later she handled a Doberman Pinscher named Gia that her grandmother had given her. This Doberman, bred by Edd and Irene Bivin, was the dog Ms. Meeks handled in the Junior Showmanship competition at Westminster and the AKC National Championships, where the team advanced to the finals.

As a teenager, Ms. Meeks met Gerardo Reyes and was introduced to the Airedale terrier breed, which quickly became the focus of her interest. She was awarded Best Junior Handler at Montgomery County Kennel Club Terrier Show with an Airedale terrier, a first for the breed. Over the following twenty years, Ms. Meeks has co-bred Airedales with Mr. Reyes.

As a professional handler, Ms. Meeks has successfully piloted many dogs to the number one ranked position in various breeds, including Irish Wolfhounds, Xoloitzcuintles, Scottish Deerhounds, and Standard Schnauzers. Ms. Meeks’ grandmother Mrs. Anna Wanner judged dog shows internationally and had twelve judging assignments at Westminster during her career, including officiating Best in Show in 1986. Ms. Meeks looks forward to continuing the family tradition. This is her first judging assignment at Westminster.