New York, NY — The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a storied tradition and the second-longest continually held sporting event in the United States, prepares to charm audiences once again. This event, renowned for its display of canine pedigree and poise, has been a televised fixture since 1948, combining deep-rooted tradition with the excitement of top-tier dog showing.
One of the highlights of the upcoming event is the involvement of acclaimed judge Ellen Cushman, who will be presiding over the Non-Sporting Group. Her role is crucial, as her selections will advance to compete for the coveted title of Westminster’s Best in Show. With a rich history in dog showing, Cushman expresses immense honor and enthusiasm about her involvement. “It’s a remarkable honor to take part in such a prestigious event,” she stated, reflecting on her distinguished career in the dog show realm.
Cushman’s journey with dogs started at age 12, assisting her mother in breeding Siberian Huskies. Her early immersion in the world of dog shows led to significant accolades, including a fourth-place win at Westminster during her youth. That early success was a mere beginning, as Cushman eventually clinched the Working Group at Westminster in 1990 and has since amassed over 200 Best in Show titles.
In 2016, Cushman transitioned into a judging role and has since become a respected figure in international dog show circles, officiating in countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, and Canada. Her experience and expertise are anticipated to greatly influence this year’s proceedings.
Her past roles at Westminster also include judging 10 breeds in the 2024 show, overseeing the Junior Showmanship finals in 2023, and managing seven breeds in 2020. These positions provide Cushman with a unique vantage point on the evolution and future of dog showing.
When assessing the dogs, Cushman takes a holistic approach, scrutinizing everything from their entrance gait to their poise during the hands-on examination. “Each breed has a unique standard, almost like a blueprint of what they should exemplify, from their eyes to tails. It’s my job to know these intricacies intimately,” she explained.
Currently certified to judge 100 out of the 201 recognized dog breeds, Cushman brings a deep affection and enthusiasm to her role. Her love for the animals is evident. “The most challenging part of judging is not being able to hug each dog. They all greet you with such joy; it’s incredibly moving,” she shared.
This year’s competition, which runs through February 10 and 11, is not just a display of breed standards but also athleticism and training prowess. More than 3,000 dogs from around the globe will compete, including a new Flyball Tournament, adding fast-paced, team-based action to the event.
In addition to standard competitions, the event will also spotlight its 10th Anniversary of the Masters Obedience Championship and 12th Annual Masters Agility Championship. These segments emphasize the skill and training of the dogs, ranging from well-bred pedigrees to All-American mixed breeds.
The culmination of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will see the 2025 Best in Show winner announced on February 11. Viewers can catch all events aired on FOX, FS1, and FS2, as well as streamed on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.
For more details and the full viewing schedule, enthusiasts can visit the official Westminster Kennel Club website.
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