He has judged at the AKC National Championship show four times , including the Non-Sporting Group in 2019 . During his tenure in the dog fancy , Mr . Kirkland has enjoyed serving as an Officer , Board Member , Show Chairman , and JEC Chairman for several all-breed and specialty clubs . Retired after 27 years with GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals , he shares his life with his partner Stephen and spends his time judging dog shows worldwide and working in the music ministry at his church . This is his sixth Westminster assignment , which included judging the Toy Group in 2018 .
DR . JERRY KLEIN of Chicago , Illinois , passion for dogs started at a young age , it ’ s not surprising that he has found ways to dedicate himself to the betterment of dogs through his work and in his free time . As Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club , Dr . Klein serves as an official spokesperson and policy leader for the American Kennel Club and purebred dogs .
For more than 35 years , Dr . Klein practiced emergency veterinary medicine at Chicago ’ s oldest and largest veterinary emergency center , retiring as Department Head Emeritus of MedVet Chicago . During that time , he was selected as America ’ s Favorite Veterinarian . Today , Dr . Klein continues to provide primary care for cats and dogs in the Chicago area . He is active in several professional organizations , including serving on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation .
Dr . Klein is a renowned breeder of champion Afghan Hounds and has owned several other breeds , including champions in Wire Fox Terriers , Miniature Schnauzers , a Standard Poodle , and Whippet . Breeding under the kennel name Sebring , his dogs have won top prizes at major shows throughout the U . S .
He has been a dog show judge for more than 30 years and has judged on both the national and international levels , including The AKC National Championship and the Westminster Kennel Club . This will be his third Westminster assignment .
MRS . LOUISE LEONE of Franktown , Colorado , began her journey in dogs with a Miniature Schnauzer in 1974 . Since that time , Mrs . Leone has owned , bred , and exhibited Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers , Norfolk Terriers , Norwich Terriers , and Border Terriers . She is best known for her owner-handled multiple Best in Show Norfolk Terriers and multiple Best in Show winning Border Terriers .
Mrs . Leone is the President of the Colorado Kennel Club , Show Chair , and AKC Delegate . She has been a member of the Colorado Kennel Club since 1974 and has served as Secretary , a Board Member , and a Show Committee member . She has served as Secretary of the Norfolk-Norwich Club , Norfolk-Norwich Terrier Club Judges Education Chair , Secretary of the Norfolk Terrier Club , and wrote the first Judges Educational Handbook on the Norfolk and the Norwich Terrier . Mrs . Leone serves on the Board of the Rocky Mountain All Terrier Club and is the Show Chair . She also is the President of the Colorado Federation of Dog Clubs .
Mrs . Leone is approved to judge the Terrier Group , Miscellaneous Group , Junior Showmanship , and Best in Show . This is her first judging assignment at Westminster .
MISS SANDRA M . LEX of Toronto , Ontario , Canada , began in Affenpinschers with the help of Affenpinscher breeder Jerome Cushman of Hilanes kennels . Her first Affenpinscher became ranked the # 2 Toy dog in Canada , a feat that was not easily attainable for a rare breed . Ms . Lex ’ s first litter produced two Best in Show winning dogs , with one of those pups going on to become the # 2 Toy and # 11 all-breed dog of the year . That dog produced four UK champions and Best of Winners at the US National Specialty . Ms . Lex ’ s small breeding program had produced many National Specialty winners , including two Best of Opposite Sex awards , two Winners Bitch , Winners Dog , Best Veteran twice , and two Awards of Merit .
An active club member Ms . Lex has held several positions in all-breed and judge clubs , including President , Secretary , Show Secretary , and this year ’ s Show Chair for the Affenpinscher National in Syracuse , NY . She is approved to judge Sporting Toy and Non-Sporting Groups , several Terrier breeds , Junior Showmanship , and Best in Show . This is her first assignment at Westminster .
WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2023