The best of the best dogs will be judged at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, February 9 through 11, and Sandy Hook’s Theresa L. Hundt will be a part of the decision-making for the sixth time.

Ms Hundt is one of seven group judges who will officiate in the Sporting Group on the final night of the show.

This is the 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which will include daytime judging at Pier 94 and conclude at Madison Square Garden. With one of the piers closed, the schedule is a bit different than in the past, and judging will be spread out over three days.

“It’s going to be very exciting because there are a lot of great sporting dogs being shown,” said Ms Hundt, who will judge from a pool of the top dogs of various breeds previously selected from larger groups of the same breed.

The Sporting Group dogs, including setters, spaniels, and retrievers just to name a few, will be judged against each other but factoring in how the judges believe they rank within their own breed.

“I’m very excited about doing it — a little apprehensive but excited,” said Ms Hundt, who noted that this is a prestigious event that is held live.

“It’s a very exciting venue. When the lights go down and everybody stands for the national anthem it’s just a beautiful venue,” added Ms Hundt, who owns a miniature wire haired dachshund named Teddy.

Hundt began her career in dogs in 1963. After graduation from Boston University, she bought her first Doberman Pinscher and became involved with showing, while continuing her career in teaching and coaching. She moved to Connecticut and earned a master’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. At the same time, she became an apprentice to professional handler J. Monroe Stebbins. Upon his retirement, she became a full-time handler.

During her handling career, Hundt piloted many dogs to Best in Show wins, including the only fawn Doberman Pinscher to win a Best in Show. At that time, she also handled the all-time top winning Scottish Deerhound in history. After many years as a successful handler and a rewarding career in education, she retired and began judging in 2000, working her first Westminster show in 2003. Ms Hundt has judged multiple national specialties, numerous prestigious all-breed dog shows, and regional specialties. She is approved to judge the Sporting and Working Groups in addition to several Hound breeds, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show. Ms Hundt previously judged the Westminster Working Group in 2015.

“Dog shows have been part of my life for quite a few years,” said Ms Hundt, adding that she enjoys working with the canines and people alike.

All Westminster Week events are presented by Purina Pro Plan. The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Westminster’s influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all-breed, benched dog show held annually in New York City. Each year, 205 dog breeds and varieties — highlighting preservation breeders and purpose-bred dogs — are eligible to compete in the dog show at Pier 94. Best of Breed winners advance to the Group and Best in Show competitions at Madison Square Garden. America’s Dog Show has expanded into Westminster Week, which includes the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster and the Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster, both held at Pier 94. Nearly 3,000 dogs entered from around the world compete in these events.

For the full Westminster Week schedule and ticket information, visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org.