ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A South Georgia dog show veteran is heading to one of the biggest stages in the sport.

Dana Cline of Albany has been selected as a judge for the 151st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious and longest-running sporting events.

Cline will judge the Working Group when Westminster returns to New York in February 2027. The event will feature more than 3,000 champion dogs representing more than 200 breeds from around the world.

For Cline, the honor is the latest milestone in a career that spans more than five decades.

His passion for purebred dogs began in the 1970s when he exhibited his first dog, a Great Dane named Samson. Since then, Cline has built a career as a breeder, exhibitor and American Kennel Club all-breed judge.

His experience has taken him to prestigious dog shows across the United States and internationally. He was also named 2017 Judge of the Year in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Cline has a long history with Westminster. He previously judged breed assignments and the Hound Group in 2005. His upcoming Working Group assignment will mark his sixth time judging at Westminster.

The 151st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place in New York, with daytime breed competitions at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and evening judging at Madison Square Garden. Group judging and Best in Show will be held February 1-2, 2027, with the evening competition streaming live on Netflix.

The event will culminate with the crowning of Best in Show on February 2 at Madison Square Garden.

For South Georgia, Cline’s selection adds a local connection to one of the most recognizable events in the world of purebred dogs.

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