The Westminster Kennel Club has selected Center Cross, VA resident Mr. Michael Faulkner as a judge for the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan. For the second year, the iconic dog show will return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, in Flushing, New York on May 11, 13, and 14.
Michael returns to Westminster to judge the Herding group.
The sport of purebred dogs has been an integral part of Michael’s life, having owned, bred, and exhibited numerous Best in Show-winning Golden Retrievers, along with owning and breeding champions in the following breeds: Field Spaniel, Pointer, English Springer Spaniel, Black & Tan Coonhound, and Pug. Michael continues his Golden Retriever breeding program with his partner Dr. Ann Greenbank, and spends countless hours mentoring new judges on several of the Gundog breeds.
Michael is approved to judge all Sporting, Herding, and Hound breeds, and numerous Toy and Working breeds. He is proud of his numerous national specialty assignments, international judging experiences, and multiple invitations to judge at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club.
The 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will kick off with the 11th Annual Masters Agility Championship and the 9th Annual Masters Obedience Championship, both presented by Purina Pro Plan, on Saturday, May 11, welcoming top-ranked purpose-bred and All-American (mixed breed) dogs to compete.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of Westminster’s Junior Showmanship competition, which assesses the handling skills of children 9-18 years of age to prepare the next generation for responsible dog ownership, sportsmanship, and future success in the sport.
The breed competitions will take place on Monday, May 13 (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding breeds, and Group judging) and Tuesday, May 14 (Sporting, Working, Terrier breeds, and Group judging, followed by Best in Show).
For the schedule of Westminster Week events, please visit https://westminsterkennelclub.org/westminster-week/. Tickets are available now, exclusively on Ticketmaster. For group sales and ADA-accessible and companion seat requests, email tickets@westminsterkennelclub.org.
