DR . JOSÉ LUIS PAYRÓ of Mexico D . F . Mexico . Dr . José Luis Payró has been a respected figure in the world of dog shows and veterinary medicine for more than five decades . Beginning his judging career in Mexico in the 1970s , he went on to earn invitations to judge internationally , including AKC and Fédération Cynologique Internationale ( FCI ) events across the globe . In addition to his role as a judge , Dr . Payró is the current President of the Mexican Kennel Club ( Federación Canófila Mexicana ) and formerly led Mexico ’ s Afghan Hound Club .
A veterinarian and educator at the National University of Mexico , Dr . Payró also serves on the FCI board , specializing in welfare and health standards for dogs worldwide . He has authored five books on dog breeds , offering guidance for students , veterinarians , breeders , and judges alike . This year ’ s Westminster Kennel Club assignment marks his debut , a significant honor in his distinguished career .
MR . RICHARD W . POWELL of Palmyra , Pennsylvania . Mr . Richard W . Powell has spent nearly his whole life around dogs . Originally from England , he began his journey with a local breeder before breeding and showing English Cocker Spaniels , eventually transitioning to English Setters . In 1976 , Mr . Powell moved to California , where he worked alongside top professional handlers and met his wife , a fellow dog enthusiast with a background in Irish Setters . Together , they moved to central Pennsylvania , establishing a successful boarding kennel , breeding program , and professional handling business while raising their family .
With over 20 years of judging experience , Mr . Powell is approved for the Terrier , Sporting , and Toy Groups , as well as Dachshunds , Poodles , and several Working breeds . He has judged numerous National Specialties for breeds he has been involved with and is a familiar face at major shows in the U . S . and internationally . This is his third Westminster assignment .
DR . MARGARET REED of Wilton , Connecticut . For Dr . Margaret Reed , Westminster ’ s 2025 event marks a return to where her love for the sport began . The author , educator , and historian first discovered her passion in 1968 when she attended her first Westminster event . In 1969 , she showed her first dog at the Saw Mill River Kennel Club . She began showing German Shepherds and Pekingese , eventually establishing Reedmar Pekingese Kennel in 1970 , where her family has since produced more than two dozen champions . Dr . Reed has won National Specialties with Pekingese , Pomeranians , Lhasa Apsos , and , in 2024 , the UK Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Specialty as well as Best of Breed at Crufts .
Dr . Reed began her judging career in 1996 , and currently judges Best in Show , the Toy Group , and several Herding breeds , as well as Junior Showmanship . She has had the honor of judging the Toy Group at the AKC Invitational , several National Specialties and internationally in Canada , Sweden , Taiwan , Japan , and Ireland . This is her first assignment at Westminster .
MR . JAY RICHARDSON of Elgin , Illinois . Mr . Jay Richardson ’ s passion for purebred dogs began at the age of 10 , when his parents introduced him to the world of dog shows with their first Standard Poodle . Immersed in the care and training of the family ’ s Poodles , he quickly advanced from Junior Showmanship to the conformation ring . As a teenager , he worked after school in the kennels of J . Lynn and Mabel Welsh , later assisting Collies . His commitment grew , leading him to work with respected all-breed handler Denny Kodner before launching his professional handling career in 1975 .
Mr . Richardson ’ s handling career brought success , with numerous top-winning dogs across several groups , and in 1996 , he transitioned to judging . Now an experienced international judge , he is approved for the Sporting , Working , Terrier , and Non-Sporting groups and has officiated across the globe , from Canada to South America , Europe , and Asia . This Westminster Kennel Club assignment will be his sixth , adding to a distinguished career dedicated to the advancement of the sport .
32 THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 2025