2025 BREED JUDGES
MR . LARRY ABBOTT of Fairview , Texas . Mr . Larry Abbott has spent the last 40 years working in dog shows , accruing experience as a breeder , handler , and judge . With his wife , Vicki , he ’ s bred and handled Champion Shetland Sheepdogs and Malteses , with their dogs achieving Best in Show wins . Since pivoting to judging in 2001 , Mr . Abbott has remained an active leader in the dog show community , serving as Show Chairman for the Trinity Valley Kennel Club and Cluster Chairman for the Lone Star State Classic in his home state of Texas .
Mr . Abbott is approved to judge the Sporting , Toy , Non-Sporting , and Herding Groups , as well as Best in Show . His assignments over the past 24 years have taken him across the U . S . and all around the world , with judging positions in Japan , South Korea , Norway , Sweden , and Australia . This year marks his debut assignment at Westminster .
MRS . VICKI ABBOTT of Fairview , Texas . Mrs . Vicki Abbott has dedicated over 40 years to the world of purebred dogs as a breeder , handler , and judge . Throughout her career , she has handled some of the sport ’ s most celebrated dogs , including Ch . Sand Island Small Kraft Lite , “ Henry ,” the top-winning Maltese of all time and the 1992 Westminster Toy Group winner . In addition to handling champions for other breeders , she has bred and shown her own Best in Show winners . Beyond the show ring , Mrs . Abbott is an accomplished author and speaker , having written several books on dog breeds and contributed articles to national canine publications .
As an AKC judge , Mrs . Abbott is approved for the Toy , Non-Sporting , Terrier , Sporting , and Hound
Groups , as well as Best in Show . Her judging career spans 24 years , during which she has presided over events such as the AKC National Championship and Best in Show at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia . Internationally , her expertise has taken her to Japan , South Korea , Norway , Sweden , and Australia . She has also had the honor of judging numerous National Specialties across multiple breeds and groups . This will be her first assignment at Westminster .
MR . LARRY ADAMS of St . Louis , Missouri . Mr . Larry Adams has dedicated more than four decades to Pembroke Welsh Corgis — a breed that immediately sparked his curiosity and passion for the sport . He ’ s also bred and owned Norwich Terriers , Skye Terriers , and German Shepherds , leading many dogs to their AKC championships . Today , Mr . Adams owns two prominent Pembroke Welsh Corgis , ranked among the top 10 stud dogs in breed history . Committed to preserving breed standards , he is an active member of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America , Norwich Terrier Club of America , Gaitway Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America , and the Mississippi Valley Kennel Club .
An approved AKC judge since 1997 , Mr . Adams judges the Herding Group , a portion of the Terrier
Group , Junior Showmanship ( Limited ), and Best in Show . His judging assignments have taken him around the globe , including roles in Italy , Australia , Wales , and Finland , as well as National Specialties in the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club National , the Norwich Terrier National , the Australian Shepherd National , and the Beauceron National . He has also judged numerous Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Regional Specialties . This will be his second assignment at Westminster .
MR . WILLIAM ALEXANDER of Milton , Ontario , Canada . Mr . William Alexander grew up immersed in the world of purebred dogs , being raised in a dog-loving family that instilled in him a lifelong passion for the sport . As a professional handler for over 30 years , he has guided numerous champions to success , with his most notable achievement being handling Miss P the Beagle to Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2015 . This landmark win is a career highlight that reflects his dedication and skill .
In 2020 , Mr . Alexander embarked on a new chapter in his dog sports journey by becoming a licensed judge with the Canadian Kennel Club . His experience in the ring and deep understanding of canine structure and movement have made his transition to judging a natural progression . This will be his first judging assignment at Westminster .
26 THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2025