Veteran breeder and owner-handler Paula Nykiel has been involved with the sport of purpose-bred dogs for nearly 50 years . She has bred over 50 Pointer Champions under her Sydmar banner , including the breed ’ s all-time top producer , Ch . Sydmar the Heartless Wench . Paula owner-handled her Pointers to the # 1 ranking in 1978 , 1979 , and 1982 .
She transitioned to judging in 1990 and has since judged 33 National Specialties in the Sporting , Hound , and Working Groups . International assignments have included Sweden , Ireland , the United Kingdom , Italy , Australia , Canada , and Mexico .
Paula is a lifetime member of the American Pointer Club , a current member of the Judges Education Committee , and a founding and lifetime member of the Missouri Rhineland Kennel Club and the Gateway Sporting Dog Association .
The 2025 Best in Show assignment will be Paula ’ s ninth at Westminster . She previously judged the Sporting Group in 2005 and 2017 , as well as the Working Group in 2009 and 2023 .
Recently , Paula received the esteemed “ Judge of the Year ” honor in the 2023 Show Dogs of the Year Awards .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 23