MS . KATHY LORENTZEN of Chesaning , Michigan . Ms . Kathy Lorentzen ’ s journey in the world of dog shows began at age six , tagging along with a family friend and soon competing in Junior Showmanship and Obedience . She welcomed her first Golden Retriever in 1964 , followed by her first English Springer Spaniel in 1972 . Her passion for breeding and showing blossomed , and in 1971 she proudly raised her first homebred , owner-handled champion .
Ms . Lorentzen has been judging since the late 1990s , with assignments taking her across North America as well as to Australia , China , Japan , and the Philippines . This year marks her second Westminster assignment .
MR . JUAN MIRANDA of Mexico City , Mexico . Hailing from Mexico City , Mr . Juan Miranda is a celebrated figure in the world of Afghan Hounds . As the breeder , owner , and handler of Damos Afghans alongside his parents , he has produced the most successful Hounds in Mexican history since 1980 . His junior handling career was exceptional , winning the World Championship three times , placing third at Crufts , and reaching the finals at Westminster . Damos Afghans have earned numerous Best in Show titles globally , including at the Afghan Hound Club of America National Specialty and the World Championship .
Mr . Miranda ’ s judging career began with his appointment as the youngest Fédération Cynologique Internationale all-breed international judge . He has since judged Best in Show across five continents , lending his insight to prestigious events like the World Dog Show and the AKC National Championship . This will be his second assignment at Westminster , having previously judged in 2022 .
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 .
MRS . ELIZABETH MUTHARD of Lake Wales , Florida . Mrs . Elizabeth Muthard began her journey in dog sports showing her Siberian Husky in conformation , an experience that sparked a lasting passion and friendships that led to involvement across multiple breeds . Her selective breeding program has produced Best in Show and Specialty winners in Otterhounds , Labrador Retrievers , Standard Poodles , and Old English Sheepdogs . Over the years , she has remained an active volunteer , serving in various roles with the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club , the Penn Ridge Kennel Club , and national breed clubs for Siberian Huskies , Otterhounds , and Old English Sheepdogs , including the PRKC Charitable Foundation .
With over 25 years as an AKC judge , Mrs . Muthard is an esteemed “ all-rounder ” qualified to judge all AKC breeds . Her judging assignments have taken her to every U . S . state and several countries , with each experience enriching her appreciation for the sport and the global community . She describes this year ’ s Westminster Kennel Club assignment , her second , as a distinct honor and one for the memory books .
MR . CHARLES L . OLVIS of Lake Wales , Florida . Mr . Charles L . Olvis began his journey in the dog show world with his first Old English Sheepdog in 1970 . His passion deepened with the success of a notable Old English Sheepdog that not only excelled in the ring but also became a top producer . Under the Sunup prefix , Mr . Olvis developed a limited yet impactful breeding program that included a second-generation top-producing dam , alongside several Best in Show and Specialty-winning Old English Sheepdogs . He has served as a working member , committee chair , and officer in various all-breed and specialty clubs , including the Dayton Kennel Club , the Old English Sheepdog Club of America , the Potomac Hound Club , and the Penn Ridge Kennel Club , as well as the Penn Ridge Kennel Club Charitable Organization .
With a judging career spanning nearly 30 years , Mr . Olvis has traveled extensively , learning about additional breeds and advancing his judging status . He takes pride in achieving all-breed status and is honored to have judged across the U . S . and in several foreign countries . This is his third Westminster assignment .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 31