MRS . ALLISON SUNDERMAN of Hanover , Michigan . Mrs . Allison Sunderman ’ s journey in the dog show world began at age 13 , when she started showing an AKC Poodle in 4-H and AKC shows , competing in Obedience and Junior Showmanship events . Her passion for Terriers ignited when she met a Welsh Terrier in a training class , which she eventually purchased . Although this Welsh Terrier preferred not to show , she produced three champions , including a dog that placed in multiple groups . Mrs . Sunderman later acquired Ch . Coryridge Talisman , who she successfully showed to multiple Group wins and a Best in Show .
After a successful start , she transitioned to full-time handling , specializing in Terriers . Married to Mr . Joseph Sunderman since 1993 , they showed dogs together until their children started school , after which she continued her handling career for nearly 42 years . The pair has continued to breed Welsh Terriers and have also produced numerous champion Airedales , Norfolks , and Lakelands . Approved to judge the Terrier Group in 2023 , she has judged at the Santa Barbara Kennel Club , the Columbia All Terrier Show , the Terrier Club of Michigan , and the Welsh Terrier Club of America . This marks her first Westminster assignment .
MRS . MARILYN VAN VLEIT of Salem , Oregon . Mrs . Marilyn Van Vleit ’ s passion for the sport began over 40 years ago with a German Shepherd she trained in Obedience , which quickly expanded to conformation and handling . While she initially bred German Shepherds , it was the Pembroke Welsh Corgi that truly captured her heart . Her dogs went on to produce numerous specialty , national , and group-winning Pembrokes , and over the last 15 years , she has also produced several winning Cardigan Welsh Corgis . She has dedicated years of service to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America in various capacities , including past President and JEC Chair . She is also an active charter member of the Columbia River Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club .
Mrs . Van Vleit began judging Pembroke Welsh Corgis in 2006 and has since judged many specialty shows across the U . S ., including the prestigious Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America National Specialty . She is approved to judge the Herding Group , most of the Hound Group , and Best in Show , and she has had the privilege of judging Corgis in nine countries . This is her first assignment at Westminster .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 33