In Their Own Words – 2025 Westminster KC BIS & Group Judges Comments

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258 – March, 2025

By Joan Harrigan

After four long years and a pandemic, Westminster returned to Manhattan and the Garden on February 10 and 11, 2025. Once again, we asked the seven group judges and Paula Nykiel, the Best in Show judge, to talk about their assignments and placements. Their comments, as well as those of the Junior Showmanship Finals judge follow.

The Hound Group

Judge Harold “Red” Tatro III who hails from Crowley, Texas was the judge of the first group on Monday evening, the Hound group.

He wrote that, “the longevity and tradition of the Westminster Kennel Club is truly remarkable. To be asked to judge anything at Westminster is an honor; to be asked to judge a group is truly humbling. With the venue returning to Madison Square Garden, it made this assignment even more special and unforgettable.

“It was truly exhilarating to walk out on the green carpet and hear the audience’s applause for all the dogs. The dogs and handlers felt that same energy and performed to perfection. This show is a massive undertaking and definitely takes a village to accomplish. But it also takes a leader with drive and a vision. President Donald Sturz accomplished this to the nines. There was no detail left unattended to and being able to return the show to the Garden was a monumental feat. The new breed judging venue at the Javits Center is a great change, and I know it received glowing reviews from the handlers and exhibitors as well as the spectators. Bravo!

“This was by far the most difficult group I have ever judged. As expected, the depth of quality was such a nice thing to experience. Yet, this also required the very difficult task of limiting the short list cut to only eight beautiful hounds. There were so many that I could not cut that I have awarded in the past—this speaks to the quality of the final eight.”

Mr. Tatro’s four placements were:

Group One:

Click here to read the complete article
258 – March, 2025

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