05/17/2026
➡️ https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/judges/
Judging Panel Press Release:
Marking his fourth judging assignment at Westminster, Espen Engh, a third-generation
Greyhound fancier, top champion breeder, world-renowned judge, and veterinarian by
education, will serve as Best in Show judge. With four decades of judging experience
spanning over 100 countries and an upcoming Best in Show judging assignment at Crufts in
2028, Engh is the only active judge to receive an invitation to award Best in Show at the two
iconic shows domestically and abroad.
Seven highly respected group judges will make their selections over two nights at Madison
Square Garden, with their winning dogs advancing to the Best in Show competition.
NIGHT 1
● Mr. Ken Murray of Island Lake, IL will judge the Hound Group.
● Mr. Sei-ichiro Ishimaru of Tokyo, Japan will judge the Toy Group.
● Mrs. Patricia Sosa of Madisonville, LA will judge the Non-Sporting Group.
● Mrs. Marilyn VanVleit of Salem, OR will judge the Herding Group.
NIGHT 2
● Mrs. Kathy Lorentzen of Chesanin, MI will judge the Sporting Group.
● Mr. Dana Cline of Albany, GA will judge the Working Group.
● Mr. Clay Coady of Paradise Valley, AZ will judge the Terrier Group.
The finals for the 93rd Annual Junior Showmanship competition at Westminster, which
highlights and supports dedicated youth in the sport of dogs, will be held on Tuesday, February 2 at The Garden and streamed live on Netflix. The Junior Showmanship Finals judge, Miss
Lisa Gallizzo of Branchburg, NY, will name the Best Junior Handler.
For the complete judging panel, please visit westminsterkennelclub.org/judges.
