Local dog to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City

PERRY — Perry local Emily Landrum and her dog Phasma are set to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, one of the nation’s most prestigious dog shows on Tuesday, Feb. 3 in New York City. 

Phasma is a Doberman Pinscher and Landrum said she has been showing Dobermans for the last 15 years. 

“I got Phasma when she was about 10 weeks old, and I was able to finish her championship all by myself,” she said. “We continued to show and last year, we achieved the number one Lifetime Winning Owner Handled Doberman Award with the [American Kennel Club], and that record had not been beaten in quite some time, so that was pretty awesome.”

Landrum got Phasma from her breeder, Rebecca Roter, of Nicholson, Ga. She said she would not be in this position with Phasma if it wasn’t for her. 

“There were only two female puppies in that litter, and Phasma just kinda spoke out to me and she was very beautiful and well put together,” she said. “Rebecca trusted her with me and has supported us the entire way.”  

Phasma has also been awarded the number one Doberman in the Owner Handled Series in 2024. She also finished in second place last year and is currently holding the number one spot this year. 

Phasma is also no stranger to competition as Landrum said she has been showing since she was 10 months old. 

“Before they can compete for points, they have Beginner Puppy Dog Shows, so that the puppies can get ranked experience to get ready for when they turn six months old where they can actually get points towards their championship,” she said. 

Landrum and Phasma’s first show together occurred in Atlanta back in 2021. She went on to win Best Puppy in Show in the two circuits shown. 

Phamsa also has a junior handler, Blaine Crowder, who also received an invitation to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Landrum said the top five dogs in their respective breeds get an automatic invitation and the rest are selected through a lottery. 

“So, we put in the entry and crossed our fingers and we actually won the lottery,” she said. 

Landrum is feeling a little nervous but also very excited to be competing in one of the biggest dog shows in the country. 

“I’ve always wanted to attend, so I feel very lucky that we were selected,” she said. “We’re very excited and ready to go.” 

After the competition, Landrum is looking forward to Phasma hopefully having her own litter of puppies. She hopes to enjoy the moment while being at the competition. 

“Of course, I hope to get a placement, but you never know as there are a lot of dogs competing,” she said. “Overall, I hope [Phasma’s] Junior Handler makes it to the finals as well.” 

To learn more about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and to see where to watch Phamsa compete, go to  www.westminsterkennelclub.org/