Antoinelle Vulpis, 34, and her 8-year-old Skye terrier Archer captured top honors in the terrier group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a result observers described as both composed and uncommon. Archer, a veteran in the ring, was praised for trotting confidently and “acing every competition component and trotting confidently across the show floor,” according to those who watched the judging.

The win was striking in part because Vulpis is an amateur handler. She previously worked in the American Kennel Club publications department, and she said earlier successes helped build momentum and belief heading into Westminster. “It was never a goal of mine to win because I thought it would be impossible,” Vulpis said, adding that a Best in Show at the Montgomery County Kennel Club in 2024 “gave me hope that we could do well at Westminster.”

In the ring, Vulpis and Archer presented a calm, well-practiced performance. Judges and onlookers highlighted Archer’s steady gait, even carriage and presence as the pair moved through the judging cycle. Vulpis framed the result in personal terms: “I’m just a regular person having a good time with my pet,” she said after the announcement, later adding, “I grew up watching this show as a girl, and I just can’t believe I’m here right now,” reflecting both surprise and excitement in the moment.

The accomplishment carries extra resonance within the structure of competitive showing. The American Kennel Club reports that more than 80 percent of show dogs at major events are handled by their owners rather than by professionals; that predominance of amateur handlers underscores how common — and noteworthy — owner-handled success can be at the highest levels of competition. At Westminster, where group judging is intensely competitive and closely watched, an amateur take on a group prize underlines the performance’s significance.

For readers curious about entering the sport, experienced participants suggest straightforward first steps. Amateur dog handlers can get started by attending a conformation event in person to observe ring procedure and atmosphere, then joining a local AKC club for handling classes that teach skills like leash walking, stacking and judge exams. Those classes are a common pathway for owners to translate enthusiasm into ring readiness.

Vulpis’ path to Westminster was gradual and marked by modest aims that expanded with each successful outing. The Montgomery County Best in Show in 2024 provided a tangible boost in confidence; subsequent placements and experience carrying Archer through larger venues helped the pair perform under Westminster’s unique pressure. Observers noted that the team’s routine in the ring — steady gait, prompt stacking and consistent focus — matched the breed standard expectations judges apply during group work.

The story of Vulpis and Archer has drawn wider attention, including a profile in Marquette Today and placement in the American Kennel Club’s official records and event results pages, where the Westminster and other group winners are archived. That official documentation ensures the victory joins the record books alongside other historic group winners.

The broader landscape of competitive and registration trends also frames the result. In 2025, French Bulldogs remained the most popular breed in AKC registrations for the third consecutive year, displacing the Labrador Retriever after a 31-year run; they were followed by Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Poodles. Those registration trends influence which breeds are commonly seen in rings and the public’s attention, though veteran handlers note that success at a given show still depends on individual preparation, breed presentation and performance on the day.

Vulpis and Archer’s terrier-group victory will sit alongside those listed in Westminster’s records and in broader accounts of the show. For Vulpis, the arc — from modest expectations to a Best in Show at Montgomery County and finally to a top group at Westminster — provided a clear through line: steady improvement, owner handling and a polished ring performance culminating in a top-level group honor.

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