Editorial: July 18, 2025

As we suffer through this extremely hot, humid and stormy summer, it’s time to start thinking about autumn, when the weather is cooler and the competition gets hotter … That can only mean one event: the once-every-five-year Morris & Essex Kennel Club dog show, to be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The star-studded panel consists of Best in Show judge Terry Stacy and group judges Lorraine Bisso, Sporting Group; Ken Murray, Hound Group; Vicki Seiler-Cushman, Working Group; Clay Coady, Terrier Group; Vicki Abbott, Toy Group; Patricia Sosa, Non-Sporting Group; Michael Faulkner, Herding Group, and Cindy Stansell, Miscellaneous Class. This upcoming panel consists of 87 breed judges joined by 47 sweepstake judges — an astounding 134 judges in total. This record-breaking year will see 81 specialties and 83 supported entries divided across all seven groups. The massive one-day event will continue to serve a free box lunch to exhibitors — paying homage to the tradition established by Morris & Essex matriarch the late Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, whose 1939 event drew a record entry of 4,456. The present-day entry is limited to 4,455 dogs. That’s one less dog than that record-breaking entry so that her record will not be broken. Organizing this every-five-year event is a herculean task headed by the infatigable Wayne Ferguson. Wayne works tirelessly to see about every detail of the show, working closely with committee heads and park officials to make the day as memorable as possible. On completion of this upcoming event, Wayne will start planning the 2030 one. However, all this wouldn't be possible without the generous contributions made by you. Entries open on August 4, and they close on September 10, 2025. The latest updated judging panel appears in this issue of Dog News. So grab your hats and start making plans: It’s the star of a fabulous weekend. After all, you don't want to wait another five years to take part in this chapter in American dogdom, which also consists of two Hatbox Dog Club shows, Devon Dog Club and the Sunday all-terrier Montgomery County Kennel Club. For those traveling long distances, there are several shows on Long Island, New York, the weekend preceding the Morris & Essex event. 
So start making your plans and reservations for a great celebratory weekend of purebred dogs and a chance to see old and new friends as your dogs compete with the top dogs in the country. Great and unique, come celebrate: Morris & Essex and You.