Three Michigan residents have been chosen to help judge one of the most prestigious dog shows in the country in New York City next year.
Allison Sunderman, of Hanover, Kathy Lorentzen, of Chesaning, and Sharon Ann Redmer, of Whitmore Lake, all will help judge the 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Manhattan, New York, according to a news release.
“The Westminster Kennel Club is thrilled to bring America’s most prestigious dog show back to The World’s Most Famous Arena in February,” Westminster Kennel Club President Donald Sturz said in the release.
Here’s what we know about the 2025 event.
What is the Westminster Kennel Club show?
Featuring nearly 3,000 dogs of different breeds, the three-day event is hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club, which was established in 1877 and is America’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the sport of showing dogs. The show chooses the top-judged dogs in various categories and, finally, best in show.
“Each breed has a standard,” the WKC says on its website, “a written description of the ideal specimen of that breed. Standards are written, maintained, and owned by the national breed club or ‘“’parent club’”’ of each breed and are approved by the American Kennel Club. Most standards describe the desired general appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height and weight, coat type, coat color, eye color, and shape, ear shape and placement, feet, tail, and more.” Some standards can be very specific, some can be rather general and leave much room for individual interpretation by judges. This results in the sport’s subjective basis: one judge, applying their interpretation of the standard, and giving their opinion of the best dog on that particular day.”
How many different breeds of dogs are there?
Currently, 212 breeds and varieties are recognized by the American Kennel Club which are divided into seven groups (sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, herding).
What dogs are eligible for best in show?
Group judges examine all the dogs and choose four placements, first through fourth with only the group winner advancing. This takes place in each of the seven groups so that there are seven Group winners that advance into the final round of the competition — best in show.
Who won the 2024 best in show award?
Cathy Gauche’s miniature poodble, Sage, was the 2024 winner, the WKC said on its website.
When is the Westminster Kennel Club show in 2025?
Competition takes place on Feb. 8, 10-11, 2025.
Group judging in the hound, toy, non-sporting and herding categories takes place Feb. 10.
Group judging in the sporting, working and terrier categories is Feb. 11. In addition, the junior showmanship finals and best in show events are the same day.
Who are Michigan judges?
Sunderman began her journey as a professional handler at 13 when she met her Welsh terrier in a training class. The dog produced three champions.
Since then, Sunderman has judged the Santa Barbara Kennel Club, the Columbia All Terrier, the Terrier Club of Michigan, and the Welsh Terrier Club of America shows.
Lorentzen got her start at age 6 when she tagged along with a family friend and later competed in the American Kennel Club’s Junior Showmanship and Obedience show. This year is her second at Westminster, where she’ll judge breeds in the second sporting group.
Redmer, who entered dog sports with an All-American shelter rescue she trained at the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club, won her first competition in 1971. She has more than 40 years of experience as an obedience judge.
For more information about Westminster week, be sure to follow The Westminster Kennel Club on social media to keep up on event news and special announcements.
How can I watch the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club show on TV?
On Feb. 8, morning events will be streamed on the WKC website starting at 7:30 a.m. Agility masters finals will be on Fox at 4:40 p.m.
On Feb. 10, streaming on the WKC website begins at 8 a.m.
FS2 offers coverage from 1-4 p.m.
Coverage of hound, toy, non-sporting and herding is on FS1 at 7 p.m.
On Feb. 11, streaming begins at 8 a.m. on the WKC website.
FS2 coverage is from 1-4 p.m.
Coverage of sporting, working and terrier groups begins at 7 p.m. and best in show coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. on FS1.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
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