MR . JOSEPH BUCHANAN of Drexel Hill , Pennsylvania . Mr . Joseph Buchanan ’ s journey in dog sports began at age 10 , showing Whippets in Junior Showmanship . A pivotal moment came in his teens when his family owned a multiple group-winning Whippet , which deepened his enthusiasm for the breed . In early adulthood , he expanded his horizons with Pharaoh Hounds , a breed he grew to love while showing for a friend . Together , they began breeding Pharaoh Hounds , achieving success as both breeders and handlers . Buchanan ’ s career highlights include Best in Show wins with various breeds internationally , along with a slew of memorable experiences showing in the Group ring at Westminster .
Mr . Buchanan is approved to judge most Hound breeds . His judging qualifications also include
Cavaliers and Chinese Cresteds — two breeds he ’ s passionate about and has shown to breed wins at Westminster . This year ’ s assignment with us marks his debut as a judge , where he will oversee six Hound breeds , making it a deeply meaningful milestone .
MR . PHILIP CAPOZZOLO of Babylon , New York . Mr . Philip Capozzolo ’ s love for purebred dogs began in 1992 as an enthusiastic exhibitor . Alongside his husband , John Miksa , Mr . Capozzolo bred and showed dogs under the Serenade prefix , finishing over a dozen champions . In 2008 , he transitioned his focus to judging , channeling his deep knowledge and passion for the sport into a new role . Over the years , Mr . Capozzolo has served as President and Vice President of the Chow Chow Club of Greater New York and Vice President of the Non-Sporting Group Club of the Garden State , further contributing to the sport .
Mr . Capozzolo has had the privilege of judging at numerous specialty shows across the United States and internationally , including the Chow Chow National in both Canada and Italy . He aims to create a positive experience for both exhibitors and their dogs . The 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will mark his first judging assignment at Westminster .
MRS . LINDA A . CLARK of Tulsa , Oklahoma . With almost half a century connected to dog shows and purpose-bred dogs , Mrs . Linda Clark has dedicated her life to breeding , training , and promoting animal welfare . A registered veterinary technician for more than 30 years , she is also a longtime member of the AKC Registered Handlers Program and the Professional Handlers Association . Extending beyond the sport , Mrs . Clark ’ s passion for animals led her to becoming co-founder of the Woodland West Pet Resort in Tulsa . There , she combines her expertise in animal behavior with her passion for care . She has bred German Shepherds , Beagles , and other breeds to championship status . Her commitment to animals extends beyond obedience instruction to volunteer animal rescue work .
Mrs . Clark began judging in 2011 and she serves on the board of the Dog Judges Association of America . Her judging assignments have included National Specialties in the Sporting , Herding , and Working Groups , with international appointments across South America , South Korea , Africa , and Mexico . This year is her first assignment at Westminster — a notable milestone for the passionate dog lover .
MS . PATRICIA M . CRUZ of Coram , New York . With nearly six decades in dog sports , Ms . Patricia Cruz has dedicated her life to breeding , judging , and promoting the sport . She began in the mid-1960s with Afghan Hounds and English Cocker Spaniels . A member of the Dog Writers Association of America since 1971 , Ms . Cruz was inducted into its Hall of Fame and has written extensively about the sport . She serves as Delegate to the AKC for the Heart of the Plains Kennel Club and previously held roles on the AKC Board , including as Vice Chair . She is also a member of several local breed clubs and kennel clubs .
Ms . Cruz was first approved to judge in 1972 , and is currently approved to judge Dachshunds , Bull
Terriers , and Miniature Bull Terriers . Honored with her AKC 50-year judge recognition in 2022 , Ms . Cruz is also an all-breed judge for Federación Canófila Mexicana and Fédération Cynologique Internationale , allowing her to judge on six continents . This event marks her first assignment at Westminster , where her wealth of experience and dedication will be on full display .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 27