Monroe resident selected as Westminster dog show judge

The Westminster Kennel Club has selected Monroe resident Desmond J. Murphy as a judge for the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan.

A self-proclaimed third generation dog man, Murphy will serve as a breed judge in the terrier and toy groups, marking his first judging assignments at Westminster. Dating back to his father’s historical 1958 Westminster win in the hound group, showing the first whippet to ever win the group, Murphy naturally gravitated to the world of judging.

Since starting in 1976, he has judged Best in Show at the Morris & Essex Kennel Club Dog Show in 2021 and at the AKC National Championship in 2022. He has judged on every continent of the world, having judged at the World Dog Show three times.

Murphy joins other local residents Michael Canalizo (hound and herding) of Mill Neck and Clinton Corners resident Gayle Bontecou (hound) as breed judges.

For the second year, the dog show will return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows – Corona Park, in Flushing on May 11, 13 and 14.

For a schedule of Westminster events, visit westminsterkennelclub.org/westminster-week.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/4aWrdMp. For group sales and ADA-accessible and companion seat requests, email tickets@westminsterkennelclub.org.