HERDING
SPORTING
WORKING
TERRIER
HERDING
MRS . JANINA LAURIN of Ashford , Connecticut . A second-generation dog fancier and judge , Mrs . Janina Laurin has dedicated her life to breeding exceptional Belgian Tervuren under the esteemed Chateau Blanc Kennel . Chateau Blanc has produced numerous champions across multiple disciplines , with its dogs excelling as all-breed Best in Show winners , Group winners , and titleholders in everything from Obedience to Schutzhund . In 2002 , Mrs . Laurin was honored as the inaugural AKC Herding Breeder of the Year .
Mrs . Laurin began judging the Belgian breeds in 1999 and has judged at National Specialties for
Tervuren , Sheepdogs , Malinois , and Lakenois , in addition to Herding and Working breed specialties . This will be her fourth Westminster judging assignment . Following her family ’ s deep legacy in dog sports and at Westminster , she remains active in the ring alongside her sister , Darlene , showing in breed , Obedience , and herding .
SPORTING
MRS . VIRGINIA MURRAY of Island Lake , Illinois . Mrs . Virginia Murray has been immersed in the world of purebred dogs for her entire life . Her journey began with English Springer Spaniels , the first breed she showed . Alongside her husband , Ken , she spent nearly 40 years as a professional handler , showcasing many # 1 dogs and earning accolades across the country .
After retiring from handling in 2006 , Mrs . Murray transitioned to judging , bringing her extensive experience and passion for purebred dogs into the ring in a new capacity . She has judged at some of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States , including Santa Barbara , Westchester , Morris and Essex , and Philadelphia . This is her third judging assignment at Westminster .
WORKING
DR . NIKŠA LEMO of Zagreb , Croatia . With nearly 40 years in the sport , Dr . Nikša Lemo ’ s journey began with a Doberman Pinscher and grew to encompass a lifetime of dedication to purebred dogs and a career devoted to veterinary dermatology and canine science . As the breeder specializing in Miniature Schnauzers under the All-Lemo Kennel , he has co-owned and shown a variety of breeds , including German Shorthaired Pointers , Standard Schnauzers , Tibetan Spaniels , Tibetan Mastiffs , Pugs , and Norwich Terriers . Dr . Lemo ’ s contributions extend beyond the dog show ring — he has held various elected roles in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale ( FCI ) and the Croatian Kennel Club ( CKC ) since 1991 and is currently the president of the Scientific Committee of the CKC . An advocate for ongoing education , he organizes seminars for judges , students , and breeders alike .
Dr . Lemo is an FCI all-breed international judge who has judged groups and Best in Show across the globe , including the World Dog Show , European dog shows , Sydney Royal and various National Specialties . He recently had the honor of judging Best in Show at the FCI World Dog Show and is excited to make the 2025 event his third assignment at Westminster .
TERRIER
MR . DAVID J . KIRKLAND of Sanford , North Carolina . Mr . David J . Kirkland ’ s journey in the world of dog shows began in 1973 when he attended his first Westminster Kennel Club show . Starting in Obedience , he soon acquired his first show dog , a Miniature Schnauzer , which set him off on a lifelong dedication to the sport . Over the years , he has bred , owned , and handled many champions , including Group and National Specialty winners . In 1994 , Mr . Kirkland added the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to his repertoire , remaining an active figure in the Cavalier community to this day . His achievements also extend to owning and breeding champion Japanese Chins and Tibetan Spaniels .
Mr . Kirkland became an AKC judge in 1995 and now judges Best in Show , Junior Showmanship , and multiple Groups , including Working , Hound , Terrier , Toy , Non-Sporting , and Herding . His esteemed judging career includes five appointments at the AKC National Championship , having recently overseen the Non-Sporting Group in 2019 and 2023 . Internationally , he has judged in England , Ireland , Denmark , Sweden , and Canada . This year ’ s Westminster show marks his seventh assignment , following his role as Toy Group judge in 2018 .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 25