What Makes a Winning Dog at the Westminster Kennel Club? A Judge's Insight

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show brings together a diverse range of competitors, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, bulldogs to greyhounds. Each of these dogs has already earned a champion title. But how does a judge determine which dog stands out above the rest and takes home the coveted Best in Show award?

To the untrained eye, it might seem impossible to understand what the judges are looking for as they examine and assess each carefully groomed dog. However, selecting the winner at this prestigious event demands an intimate knowledge of over 200 dog breeds, and it takes nerves of steel.

Donald Sturz, the current president of the Westminster Kennel Club, who awarded the Best in Show title to a bloodhound named Trumpet in 2022, explained the intensity of the experience. “Judging at Westminster is unlike any other competition," said Sturz. "You walk into the world’s most famous arena, and the entire world is watching. It’s a moment that makes you stop and think, 'What am I going to do?’”

The judging process involves hands-on inspections and observing the dogs in motion. Judges carefully analyze how closely each dog matches its breed’s "standard," a detailed description that reflects the breed’s historic purpose and characteristics. For example, when Sturz demonstrated his judging techniques using Fiona, his 18-month-old Pekingese, he started by checking her distinctive round eyes and flat face. Fiona, a champion in her own right, gave Sturz the perfect opportunity to show how judges examine a dog’s structure and form.

As a clinical psychologist and retired school district superintendent, Sturz’s deep knowledge and passion for dogs began when he was just 10 years old. When he judges, he looks for the “presence of virtue” in a dog, focusing on what stands out positively rather than searching for faults. The goal is to find the dog whose qualities ring the most bells of virtue when examined from nose to tail.

Sturz started with Fiona’s head, noting its envelope shape—a hallmark of the Pekingese breed. From there, he checked her forelegs, chest depth, neck length, ribcage breadth, and the tapering of her body toward her rear. Pekingese are known for their compact, low-slung, pear-shaped form, which Sturz took into account during the examination. He also reviewed her coat, its texture, and how her tail sits. Lastly, he lifted Fiona to confirm that her breed “picks up heavy,” meaning she should feel substantial for her size.

The next phase involves watching the dog in motion. Judges closely observe how the dog walks, noting its gait and grace. Pekingese dogs are known for their slow, rolling movement, a distinctive feature that Sturz likens to the stride of a heavyset rugby player or the flowing motion of a goldfish swimming. Judges also pay attention to the dog’s temperament and overall condition, assessing how well the dog has been cared for, groomed, and exercised.

At Westminster, judges begin by selecting the top dog from each breed, and these dogs are then grouped by categories such as hounds or toy dogs. The seven group winners then face off for the prestigious Best in Show title.

The judge for the Best in Show category is kept isolated from the action leading up to this moment. They are expected to have an expert understanding of all breeds but are not informed about which specific dogs will make it to the final ring. Sturz, who has experience as a Best in Show judge, chose to go in with a blank slate, saying, “I didn’t ask which dogs would be going into the final ring because I wanted to make the decision with a fresh perspective.”

Ultimately, what makes a dog a winner?

“A great dog having a great night,” said Sturz. “It’s that special quality that makes the dog stand out and shine, putting it a notch above the others.”