NEW YORK — The participants of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show range from diminutive Chihuahuas to towering Great Danes, each a champion in its own right. But how does a judge determine which dog deserves the title of best in show in this celebrated competition?
For those unfamiliar with the nuances of dog confirmation judging, it can be difficult to understand what insights judges derive from their detailed examinations of the expertly groomed canines. Evaluating the top dog at one of America’s oldest and most revered dog shows demands extensive knowledge of 201 distinct breeds and their variations, as well as a calm demeanor under pressure.
“When judging at Westminster, it’s a completely different experience compared to any other dog show,” shared Donald Sturz, who awarded the 2022 top prize to a bloodhound named Trumpet. He now serves as the kennel club’s president as the event returns to Madison Square Garden after a four-year hiatus. “Stepping into the world’s most famed arena while everyone is watching puts you in a moment of reflection—‘What am I going to do?’” he remarked.
Judges closely examine each dog and assess their movement to determine which one aligns most closely with the breed’s ideal, as defined by a “standard” that specifies desirable attributes reflecting the breed’s historical background and purpose. For instance, take the Pekingese, particularly Fiona, Sturz’ 18-month-old companion and show champion. He demonstrated judging techniques with her for reporters, even though Fiona, a relative of the 2021 Westminster champion Wasabi, is not participating this year.
Sturz, who is also a retired school superintendant and clinical psychologist, has been involved with dog showing since he was a child and has judged them for many years. He emphasizes looking for “presence of virtue” rather than flaws, focusing on “the dog that resonates most positively with me from nose to tail.”
While working with Fiona, Sturz began with her prominent round eyes, gently examining the distinct flatness and shape of her head, ensuring it conformed to the breed’s hallmark envelope shape, a feature deriving from the Pekingese lineage of ancient Chinese palace dogs revered as noble companions due to their lionlike appearance.
He then inspected Fiona’s forelegs, chest depth, neck length, rib width, and the extent to which her body tapers from her front to her back. The breed standard dictates that Pekingese should embody a compact, pear-shaped, low-slung appearance.
As Fiona poised delicately on the examination table, Sturz analyzed the structure of her back, the texture of her rich tawny fur, and the posture of her tail. Concluding the physical evaluation, he lifted Fiona to confirm that she had the requisite substantiality for her breed, which should feel relatively heavy despite her size.
The next phase of the judging involves observing the dogs in motion as they walk with their handlers. Pekingese are characterized by their slow, flowing gait, which Sturz likens to a hefty rugby player paired with the fluid grace of a fish navigating water.
Judges also consider a dog’s temperament; Fiona displayed a relaxed, confident demeanor, complemented by signs of appropriate care, exercise, and grooming as noted by Sturz.
The process begins with judges selecting the finest dog from each breed, leading to competition among the breed champions within their respective groups, such as hounds or, for Pekingese, toy breeds. The seven winners from these groups then compete for the best in show title.
During the event, the best-in-show judge is kept separate from the earlier rounds, requiring them to know the standards for all breeds, while they can inquire about which breeds are advancing to the final round. Sturz opted not to ask questions regarding the final dog’s identity, preferring a fresh perspective.
“As a judge at Westminster, you can hardly make a wrong choice since any of the seven dogs are deserving,” he pointed out.
What, then, defines a champion?
“A great dog having a stellar night,” Sturz concluded. “There’s just an inherent quality in that dog that elevates it above the impressive competition.”
