Close Menu

National Specialty 2025

September 20 – September 28

Join us in September for the 2025 National Specialty in Seattle, WA.


Seattle, Washington

The English Setter Association of America is excited to welcome its members and friends from around the world to experience our National Specialty, September 21-26, 2025.  Your weekend will begin with two Scent Work Trials at the host hotel on Sunday, September 21, 2025. On Monday, September 22, 2025 we will have Agility at the Run Wild Sports and Training Center in Auburn, WA.  The off-site venue is less than 50 minutes from the host hotel.

Your week at the Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel will begin with on Sunday, September 21, 2025 with two Scent Work Trials, followed on Monday with Agility at the Run Wild Dog Sports and Training Center and , Tuesday with Obedience and Rally and a Day with our Stars, Wednesday, our Day of Vision and end with Junior Showmanship and Best of Breed on Friday, September 26, 2025. All events will be held in the newly remodeled atrium of the hotel.

The Seattle Airport Marriott boasts 24-hour complimentary shuttle service to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that runs every 15 minutes; to streamline your travel to the National. For individuals who like to keep fit, you will appreciate their 24-hour fitness center, while foodies will take delight in the locally sourced offerings at their farm-to-table restaurant, Aqua Terra.  At the end of the day, retreat to your spacious hotel room furnished with supple bedding, a flat-panel TV, and free Wi-Fi.  As a proud partner in the Marriott Commitment to Clean, this hotel has redefined their cleaning standards and is committed to focusing on health and safety.

The local sites are yours to explore, including Westfield Southcenter mall, the Museum of Flight, and many other interesting attractions.

We look forward to having you join us as we celebrate our BEAUTIFUL English Setters!

Watch this site for National developments, which will be posted here as the information becomes available.

Two Specialties will be held after the National at the host hotel:

The Willamette Valley English Setter Fanciers Specialty will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

The Puget Sound English Setter Club Specialty will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Schedule

TENTATIVE 2025 Schedule

Saturday, Sept 20 |

  • Set up Grooming & Bathing – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms

Sunday, Sept 21 |

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • 2 Scent Work Trials
  • Set-Up Conformation Ring Tables & Chairs – Atrium

Monday, Sept 22 | Day of Versatility

  • Grooming Rooms Open Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Agility – Run Wild Sports & Training Center
  • 8:30am – 1:00pm ESAA Board Meeting – Spokane Ballroom
  • ATT/CGC/CGCA & Trick Dog Test – Ring 1 – Atrium

Tuesday, Sept 23 | Day with our Stars

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Breakfast & Lunch
  • 8:00am – 2:00pm – Health Clinic – Everett & Tacoma Suites
  • Obedience/Rally Judging – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Donald Rennick
  • Gun Dog Sweepstakes – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Laura Myles
  • Hands on Judging – Top Twenty – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Versatility Showcase – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • VIP Appetizers/Cash Bar – Atrium
  • Junior Showcase – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Movement Portion – Top Twenty – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Top Twenty Silent Auction – Atrium

Wednesday, Sept 24 | Day of Vision

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Lunch
  • Welcome Hospitality Breakfast/Cash Bar – Atrium
  • 4 to 6 Month Puppy – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Futurity Judging – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Eugene Blake
  • Maturity Judging – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Eugene Blake
  • Stud Dog / Brood Bitch – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Laura Myles
  • Brace/Teams – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Laura Myles
  • Vet Sweeps Appetizers / Cash Bar – Atrium
  • Veteran Sweepstakes – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Rebecca Yuhasz-Smith

Thursday, Sept 25 

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Breakfast & Lunch
  • Puppy Sweepstakes (6 to 18 Months) – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Rebecca Yuhasz-Smith
  • Regular & Non-Regular Dog Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Michael Faulkner
    LUNCH BREAK
  • Regular & Non-Regular Bitch Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Michael Faulkner
  • PeeWees – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Junior & Pee Wee Activities
  • Junior & Pee Wee Pizza Party & Ice Cream Social – Presidential Suite 530
  • Breeders Forum – Atrium
  • Judges Education – Spokane Boardroom & Ring 1 – Atrium

Friday, Sept 26

  • Grooming Opens – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Breakfast & Lunch
  • Junior Showmanship Judging – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Michael Faulkner
  • Best of Breed Dogs – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Michael Faulkner
    BREAK
  • Best of Breed Bitches – Ring 1 – Atrium – Judge: Michael Faulkner
    • 10 Minute Break
    • Final Best of Breed Judging
    • Best Puppy
    • Best Bred by Exhibitor
    • Best Veteran
  • 2:30 PM Social Hour | Cash Bar & Raffle Drawing – Atrium
  • 3:30 PM Annual Meeting & Lunch Banquet – Snoqualmie Ballroom

Saturday, Sept 27 | Willamette Valley English Setter Fanciers Regional Specialty

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Breakfast & Lunch
  • Puppy & Veteran Sweeps – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Junior Showmanship – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Regular & Non-Regular Dog Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium
    LUNCH BREAK
  • Regular & Non-Regular Bitch Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium
    10 MINUTE BREAK
  • Best of Breed Judging (Both Sexes Check In) – Ring 1 – Atrium
    Regional Clubs Hospitality & Bronze Raffle Drawing – Presidential Suite 530

Sunday, Sept 28 | Puget Sound English Setter Club Regional Specialty

  • Grooming Rooms Open – Washington & Evergreen Ballrooms
  • Cash Concessions Breakfast & Lunch
  • Puppy & Veteran Sweeps – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Junior Showmanship – Ring 1 – Atrium
  • Regular & Non-Regular Dog Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium
    LUNCH BREAK
  • Regular & Non-Regular Bitch Classes – Ring 1 – Atrium
    10 MINUTE BREAK
  • Best of Breed Judging (Both Sexes Check In) – Ring 1 – Atrium

Hotel

Hotel

Marriott Seattle Airport

3201 South 176th Street, Seattle, WA 98188 – 206-241-2000

  • Group Rate Code for phone reservations 24 hours a day is ESAA 2025
  •  Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day at the link below:

Book your group rate for ESAA 2025

You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.

Event Summary:

ESAA 2025

Start Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

End Date: Monday, September 29, 2025

Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

Seattle Airport Marriott for 159.00 USD per night

Last Day to Book: Friday, August 29, 2025

Book your group rate for ESAA 2025

Hotel Rates – Features – Amenities

  • Group rate of $159 per night for king or double queen room for guests with or without dogs.
  • Group rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 12.5%) and a tourism promotion tax (currently $2.00 per room) in effect at the time of check-out.
  • Group parking rate of $23 per car, per day for overnight guests and $14 per car for day use parking.
  • 10% discount in Aqua Terra Restaurant for attendees. Excludes liquor and room service.
  • Book on or before Friday, August 29, 2025, to receive our special rate.  All bookings after the cut-off are subject to availability and current hotel room rates.
  • Booking of multiple rooms (Example: One credit card may be used to reserve up to two (2) rooms only.)  The hotel will accept no more than 2 reservations per person. (More than 2 reservations will automatically be canceled. Please plan accordingly.)
  • Cancellation policy is 48 hours in advance of reservation. 
  • All rooms with dogs will be charged a one-time, non-refundable pet fee of $80 with no limitation of number of dogs per room.
  • Plastic under all crates in guest rooms is recommended but is not required or provided by the Hotel.
  • Dogs may not enter the hotel restaurant or bar.
  • Dogs may not be left unattended in guest rooms, unless they are in a pet carrier or crate.
  • Check in time is 4 pm and check out 12 pm.
  • Every Room Features:
    • Free WiFi
    • Flatscreen TV with CNN, ESPN and HBO
    • Telephone
    • Mini-refrigerator and Coffee Maker / Tea Service
    • Workstation
    • Iron and ironing board
    • Hair Dryer

Transportation | Directions

Transportation & Directions

Directions from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Seattle Airport Marriott

Host hotel has a complimentary shuttle 24 hours a day that runs every 15 minutes to and from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

  • Directions from the Airport to the Hotel (Estimated Travel 1.3 mi about 5 min):
  • Head SE on Airport Expressway toward Departures Drive                56Ft
  • Keep Left                                                                                              0.1mi
  • Continue onto S 182nd St/Arrivals Drive                                             0.5mi
  • Keep left to continue on S 182nd St/Airport Expressway                    308ft
  • Continue straight onto S 182nd/Arrivals Drive                                    433ft
  • Turn left onto International Blvd/Pacific Hwy S                                0.3mi
  • Turn right onto S 176th St – Destination on left                                  0.2mi
  • Arrive at 3201 South 176th Street Seattle, WA
  • Directions via Interstate 5 South to the Hotel:
  • Head south on I-5 S                
  • Take exit 154B to merge onto WA-518 W toward Burien/Airport      1.3mi
  • Take exit toward Sea-Tac Airport                                                         0.3mi
  • Keep right, follow signs for WA-99 S onto WA-99 N/ International Blvd/ Pacific Hwy S/Tukwila International Blvd           1.5mi
  • Continue to follow WA-99 N/International Blvd/Pacific Hwy S.                              
  • Turn left onto S 176th St – Destination on left                                      0.2mi
  • Arrive at 3201 South 176th Street Seattle, WA
  • Directions via Interstate 5 North to the Hotel:
  • Head north on I-5 N               
  • Take exit 152 for S 188th/Orillia Rd S                                                  0.2mi
  • Turn left onto S 188th St                                                                         0.2mi
  • Turn right onto Military Rd S                                                                 0.9mi 
  • Turn left onto S 176th St – Destination on right                                  0.8mi
  • Arrive at 3201 South 176th Street Seattle, WA

Catalog Pre-Order

Catalog Pre-Order

Catalog pre-order can be found within the National Catalog advertising form – you do not have to purchase an ad to pre-order your catalog.

Catalogs will be picked up at the National


Vendor Information

Vendor Information

Vending available Sunday, September 21st – Sunday September 28th, 2025

(Set up available Saturday September 20th after 12:00 PM)

RESERVE EARLY – SPACE IS LIMITED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Vendor Table: $60.00 per day or $160.00 for the entire week!!! (Non- ESAA Members $200/week) – 1 8ft Table, 2 Chairs (Limited Electric Available for an additional $25)

BOOTH SPACE IS INDOORS LOCATED IN THE ATRIUM OF THE MARRIOTT RIGHT NEXT TO SHOW RING

Each Vendor is REQUIRED to donate ONE ITEM from their booth with a value of $50.00 or more for the ESAA raffle. Items will be collected by the Vendor Chairperson During set up.

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATION: AUGUST 30, 2025


Area Attractions

Area Attractions

Things to Do in or around Seattle

So, you’re coming to the National!!!  We’re so glad!  It is going to be so much fun. Of course,  we will have a full slate of dog show events happening for your participation.  However, you may want to experience the Northwest and all it offers.  

We’re providing you with a link so you can see some of the possible locations around Seattle that you can visit if you have a moment to explore.

15 Things to do in Seattle

Additional Things to Do

Westfield Southcenter Mall
2800 Southcenter Mall
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl Street
Pike Place Market – Open Air Market
1st Avenue and Pike Street
Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Avenue N
Seattle Chinatown / International District
423 Maynard Avenue S
Space Needle
400 Broad Street
Seattle Aquarium

1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
Pacific Science Center
200 Second Avenue North
Museum of Pop Culture – MoPOP
325 5th Avenue N
Olympic Sculpture Park
2901 Western Avenue
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks)
3015 NW 54th Street
Gas Works Park
2101 N Northlake Way
Gum Wall
1428 Post Alley
Seattle Great Wheel – Pier 57
1301 Alaskan Way
Sky View Observatory
701 5th Avenue Floor 73
iFLY Seattle Indoor Skydiving
349 Tukwila Parkway
Museum of Flight
9404 E. Marginal Way S
Museum of Glass
1801 Dock Street
CenturyLink Field
800 Occidental Avenue S
Key Arena
305 Harrison Street
Mud Bay
148 SW 148th St Ste B130, Burien WA


Top 20

Top 20 Competition

The 2024 ESAA Top 20 Evening with Our Stars event to be held during the 2025 ESAA National Specialty week on Tuesday!

This competition will be judged by a panel of 3 judges: a Breeder judge, Handler judge, and an All-Breed judge. Judges will score the dogs using the Tuck point system, based on the breed standard, to determine the Top 20 Winner and Runner Up. There will also be a People’s Choice Award based on the votes of spectators the evening of the event. The event will include a hands-on and movement judging portion Tuesday afternoon, followed by the evening presentation with music.  Winners will be awarded Tuesday evening. 

The judges are first nominated by a panel of volunteers from across the country. Then this ballot is shared with qualifiers for voting; every dog receives one ballot, and the results are kept confidential until the week of the show. The ballot is sent to the email we have on file from previous years or gathered from ESAA Membership. For any questions or concerns, reach out to Julia Crawford & Kayla Kozak, ESAA Top 20 Chairmen via email at ESAATop20@gmail.com

  • Ballots were emailed on 6/11, if you did not receive the email please let us know right away. Ballots are due 6/20 via Google Form, information included in the email. 
  • Invitations are being emailed this year instead of mailed. We will send to the same email used for Ballots unless we heard from you about updating this. 
  • Entries and rosette orders will close July 20th, no exceptions.

PLAN AHEAD! We will require 2 high resolution photos and a pedigree in excel format. Download a sample pedigree template HERE. All names and titles are your responsibility. 

ENTRY FOR TOP TWENTY – Please only choose one:

1. Top 20 Entry Form

If you wish to compete, or wish to have your dog featured in the catalog, you must enter. Your $125 entry includes the two page catalog spread, your custom rosette, and a commemorative gift exclusive to qualifiers.  From this page, you can order additional rosettes for any co-owners, breeders, or friends. We will not cover the cost of shipping, so you will need to pick up at the National or make other arrangements with the committee. 

2. Rosette Order Only

For those who do not wish to enter, we will still offer custom commemorative rosettes. This is a separate entry as we require much less information from you.  The cost is $50 for pick up at the National. If you require shipping, they will be $65 each and will ship after the National. This option is limited to US and Canadian shipments.

For any questions or concerns, reach out to Julia Crawford & Kayla Kozak, ESAA Top 20 Chairmen via email at ESAATop20@gmail.com

The following Top Winning English Setters from 2024 have qualified for this event:

(based on Canine Chronicle statistics for Top 20 Breed-Only and Top 20 All-Breed systems, January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024; Top 15 NOHS, September 22, 2023 to September 21, 2024).

2024 Breed

  • GCHG CH Kaska’s Meant To Be CGC TKN 
    • D Brnger / L Gancer / L Cook
  • GCHB CH Wingfield ‘N Chebaco Now And Then       
    • D Coller / P Coller / E Hackett
  • GCHS CH Set’R Ridge’s Fireproof 
    • M Newman / N Alexander
  • GCHB CH Tirza’s Breaking And Entering JH                  
    • C Carrizo / S Hoeflinger / D Gideon
  • CH Honeygait Dancing In The Moonlit Sky 
    • M Nowak / J Nowak
  • GCHS CH Wingfield ‘N Chebaco Link To Bridgewood               
    • D Coller / P Coller / E Hackett
  • GCH CH Firehouse ‘N Wingfield Turn Back Time      
    • D Coller /P Coller / E Hackett
  • GCHG CH Winchester’s An Apple A Day JH                  
    • S Nordstrom / C Hodges / S McGraw / R Barnes
  • GCHS CH Braemar Hiddenlane Dakota On My Mind @ Willowpond 
  • D Frykman / B Arnold / K Lishinski
  • Sevenoaks Rock Legend 
    • S Oakes / H Oakes
  • GCHB CH Ciara N’ Honeygait’s Naughty By Nature CGC       
    • A Ciaravino / J Nowak / M Nowak / S Rundle
  • GCHB CH Anjos Walking On Sunshine         
    • J Mistler
  • GCHB CH Birdhaven Bring On The Rebels 
    • M Ptacek / J Graef
  • GCHS CH Kaska’s Bacon Me Crazy At Wicked           
    • D Gilley / M Gorman / M Aldrich / L Cook / M McCue
  • GCHB CH Huntwood’s Smarter Than A Fifth Grader CGC     
    • J Braatz / A Braatz
  • GCHS CH Kaska Tamarack Just Imagine    
    • E Shanahan / B Hubbard
  • GCHB DC AFC RACH Winchester’s Having A Field Day UD BN RM3 RAE2 MHA OA OAJ OF TKP                   
    • T Barnes / R Barnes
  • GCHB CH Kei-Rin Windstar Follow My Shadow        
    • D Dubbink / K Kozak / P Kozak / B Dubbink
  • GCHS CH Sleepy Hollow’s American Patriot               
    • L Mowery / J Mowery
  • GCHB CH Wingfield Fancy Like Chebaco  
    • B Blasel / A Blasel

2024 All Breed

  • GCHG CH Kaska’s Meant To Be CGC TKN 
    • D Brnger / L Gancer / L Cook
  • GCHB CH Wingfield ‘N Chebaco Now And Then       
    • D Coller /P Coller /E Hackett
  • GCH CH Firehouse ‘N Wingfield Turn Back Time      
    • D Coller / P Coller / E Hackett
  • GCHS CH Wingfield ‘N Chebaco Link To Bridgewood               
    • D Coller / P Coller / E Hackett
  • GCHS CH Set’R Ridge’s Fireproof 
    • M Newman / N Alexander
  • GCHG CH Winchester’s An Apple A Day JH
    • S Nordstrom / C Hodges / S Mcgraw / R Barnes
  • GCH CH Tirza’s Country Squire Slash Of Blue            
    • D Jauron / S Carrizo / D Jordan / S Jordan
  • GCHB CH Tirza’s Breaking And Entering JH                  
    • C Carrizo / S Hoeflinger / D Gideon
  • GCHB CH Set’R Ridge’s A Legend In Time 
    • M Newman / C Hodges / S Mcgraw / J Spiers
  • GCHS CH Set’R Ridge’s Benelli Of Set-Point JH BCAT               
    • N Day / L Day
  • GCHS CH Braemar Hiddenlane Dakota On My Mind @ Willowpond 
    • D Frykman / B Arnold / K Lishinski
  • CH Admiralty & Country Squire Fancy          
    • B Kasiski / D Jauron / S Jordan /C Fonda
  • GCHB CH Birdhaven Bring On The Rebels 
    • M Ptacek / J Graef
  • GCHB CH Admiralty’s Discovery CGC TKN                  
    • K Daugherty / S Baker/ B Kasiski
  • GCHB CH Anjos Walking On Sunshine         
    • J Mistler
  • GCHS CH Kaska Tamarack Just Imagine    
    • E Shanahan / B Hubbard
  • GCHS CH Set’R Ridge’s Creekscrossing Always On My Mind                  
    • N Alexander / M Newman / C Becker / B Rasmussen
  • GCHS CH Sleepy Hollow’s American Patriot         
    • L Mowery / J Mowery
  • GCH CH Kaska’s Mystery Machine                  
    • L Cook / L Gancer
  • GCH CH Upland Essington Bee Brave          
    • A Anderson

2024 Setters (English) NOHS

  • GCH CH Blu Stars Southern General RN DCAT CGC TKN      
    • Patricia Chin Janis Flaherty Michael Chin
  • GCH CH Covenant Here Comes The Sun   
    • Jennifer Stastny
  • GCHB CH Wingfield Fancy Like Chebaco  
    • Ben Blasel Amy Blasel
  • GCH CH Set R Ridges’s Gold Memories      
    • Melissa Newman JESSICA BAKER Nancy Alexander
  • CH Summer Hill Hot Mango Tango                  
    • Daniel Fabelo, John Fabelo
  • GCHB CH Summer Hill This Girl s On Fire 
    • Daniel fabelo Jayson Rankin John Fabelo
  • GCHB CH Jada Thank Heaven For Little Girls              
    • Lisa C Moreau Ronald F Moreau
  • GCHS CH Stagedoor Fast & Furious              
    • Natasa Stankovic-Brown
  • GCHS CH Esthete N Pajarito Don’t Stop Me Now RN ACT2 ACT2J CGCA TKN
    • Carl Necker Jennifer Necker Julie Bremser
  • GCHB CH Pine Hollow s Eleanor Gee I Think Your Swell JH CGC         
    • Lynda R Chase David Otlewski
  • GCH CH Edwardian Intarsia Bewitched By Columbine JH BCAT           
    • Deborah Bean Joyce B Weichsl Claudia A Bartelt Juli Jensen
  • GCHB CH Kei-Rin Windstar Follow My Shadow        
    • Dawn Dubbink Kayla Kozak Pamela W Kozak Becky Dubbink
  • CH Set R Ridge s Man With History                 
    • Barbara Wardlaw Judith Wardlaw Ace Williams
  • GCH CH Admiralty s Discovery CGC TKN  
    • Kaitlin Daugherty Steven Baker Betty Jo Kasiski
  • GCH CH Huntwood Master Of The Force   
    • Shawna Hanneman

National | Regional Judges

National & Regional Judges

Juinors, Class, and Breed Judge Michael Faulkner
The sport of Purebred Dogs has been an integral part of Michael Faulkner’s life. As a youngster Michael was active in Junior Showmanship and assisted his parents with their kennel and breeding program. Michael acquired his first Golden Retriever, along with Field Spaniels in the early 70s, starting a lifelong love for these two breeds.
During the late 1970’s Faulkner pursued his education earning his BFA, MS.ED, from Alfred University, Alfred, New York while maintaining a breeding program and actively showing his Golden Retrievers, Field Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Pointers.Upon the completion of his education Michael established a partnership with the late David White (Woodspoint Springer Spaniels). For 12 years this team dominated the Sporting Group, completing championships in all of the Sporting breeds, along with numerous group and best in show winners in all seven groups.
Michael has owned, bred and or exhibited numerous multiple best in show winning Golden Retrievers along with owning and breeding champion – Field Spaniels, Pointers, English Springer Spaniels and Pugs. He owes his passion and knowledge for the sport to his “English Mum” Mrs. Peggy Grayson (judge/breeder/author) who unselfishly took him under her wing as a youngster, providing decades of mentoring. As a student of the Gundog breeds, Michael spent countless hours with many of England’s great breeders including the late Mary Roslin Williams, Rae Furness, Kay Holmes, Faith Gilham, Peter Chandler, Molly Thomson, and many more over a span of thirty-eight plus years.
Michael takes the role of judging extremely seriously and refuses to compromise when evaluating breeding stock. He often quotes his mentor Peggy Grayson: “It is the ability to understand the subtle nuances of each breed that makes for a truly great judge.”
Faulkner retired as a professional handler in 1995 and immediately embarked on a judging career.Michael is approved to judge all Sporting breeds and numerous other breeds in five of the seven groups. He is proud of his numerous national specialty assignment, international judging experiences, and multiple Westminster Kennel Club & AKC National Championship assignments.
Michael continues his Golden Retriever breeding program with his partner: Dr. Anne Greenbank, under the “Verdoro and Woodspoint” prefixes and spends countless hours mentoring new judges on several of the Gundog breeds.
When Michael is not judging dog shows he keeps busy with his artwork, kayaking, gardening, writing and serves as the Executive Director for a Health Clinic.

Futurity & Maturity Judge Eugene Blake
Eugene started working with dogs in 1954 as a dog bather at a French Poodle Shop in Houston, Texas. He attended his first dog show in 1955 and then decided he wanted to show dogs and became an All-Breed licensed handler in 1968. He showed dogs professionally for some 33 years, then, he retired, and became a judge. During that time, he bred Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Italian Greyhounds, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Salukis, and Afghan Hounds. He never bred more than 4 litters of any of one breed. As a handler he helped many of his clients with their breeding programs, including choosing studs, and picking puppies. Eugene started judging in 1990, with the Hound Group. Since that time he has added the Sporting Group, Toy Group, and Non-Sporting Group. He judges 4 Groups: Best in Show, Junior Showmanship, and Miscellaneous, and has judged in Australia, Canada, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Taiwan, and Thailand. Currently, he judges between 60 and 70 shows a year.

Gun Dog, Stud Dog/Brood Bitch, and Brace/Teams Judge Laura Myles
Laura Myles grew up with German Shorthaired Pointers and German Wirehaired Pointers.  Her parents were active hunters. They also showed first their German Shorthairs, then later their German Wirehairs in both conformation and obedience. She grew up taking it for granted that a “hunting” dog was also a “show” dog. Thus, the ideal of the “dual” dog has been pretty well ingrained from the get go. 
Laura has hunted, bred, trained & competed with GSP, GWP and Gordon Setters since the early 70’s.  Laura and her husband have been breeding GWPs and Gordon Setters and the occasional Standard Wirehaired Dachshund under the Inverness prefix since 1978.  They enjoy hunting with their wirehairs as well as having them as companions and part of their family, and expect them to finish in the breed ring. 
The saying that “form follows function” is ever so true for a sporting dog.  A sporting dog must be able to move correctly, have proper coat to protect the dog in the field, and be sound both mentally and physically in order to be a successful hunting dog and companion.  Health testing is important to us, and we test our dogs per the GWP parent club CHIC recommendations. Currently we own/bred 9 CHIC GWP’s. 
As of 2015 Laura is an approved to judge GWP, GSP, Gordon & Irish Setters, and have  regular status for All breed Junior Showmanship. She is pleased to share, that she has provisional/permit in English Setters, Irish R/W Setters, and Italian Spinone’s.  
Prior to judging Hunt Tests, she ran her forever favorite GSP (FC Ammertal Marshland Sinner, MH) in field trials and hunt tests, and began judging pointing dog field trials. Laura has judged Hunt Tests since the AKC began to offer this event, and judged National Hunt Tests for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, Italian Spinone, German Wirehaired Pointers with the English Setter Assoc of America in Sept 21, along with the GWPCA Natl HT again this year.   
Laura is a Breeder of Merit, active in parent club events, an approved parent club mentor/JEC for the GWP’s and am Show Chair for Whidbey Island KC.  She has held various other club positions over the past ten years both at the specialty level and all Breed Club.  

Puppy & Veteran Sweeps Judge Rebecca Yuhasz-Smith
Rebecca Yuhasz Smith is a third generation English Setter fancier, her Grandmother sporting and herding group Judge Nancy Frey raising the breed under the Lazy F kennel name in the 1950’s – 1970’s.  Rebecca’s Mother, multiple group judge Ann Yuhasz, launched her own English Setter kennel name, Hemlock Lane in the mid 1960’s.  By the time Rebecca’s Mother started judging quite a bit in the late 1980’s, Rebecca began managing the Hemlock Lane breeding program with her husband Derek well over 30 years ago.  Rebecca’s Grandfather, Richard Frey, was a multiple term past president of ESAA and her grandmother helped found the ESAA Futurity. 
Rebecca has raised dozens of Specialty winning English Setters and many stud dogs and brood bitches who have positively impacted the breed.  Her Ch. Hemlock Lane Ruby Red Slippers was an ESAA Dam of the Year and her Veteran Dog, Multiple BISS Ch. Fox Chapel Black Gold  (Bradley) won the ESAA Veteran Sweeps Twice.  Multiple BISS Gr Ch. Hemlock Lane Flying Colors was the first Grand Champion of the ES breed. Fortunate to mentor with and learn from some of the most esteemed breeders who wrote the books about this breed in the US, she still considers herself a student of the breed, always learning from the past and applying that knowledge forward to pedigrees of today.
Always a breeder, owner, handler until recent years (when the arthritis took its toll!), Rebecca started showing as a junior handler and qualified for Westminster Junior Handling at the age of 10, the year that the legendary Annie Rogers Clark judged the finals.  She distinctly remembers the bright red vest and skirt that her Mom sewed for her but also remembers that her Mom made her wear white knee socks instead of nylon hose, as Rebecca was only 10.  This still remains a touchy point in their relationship to this day.  
In addition to English Setters, Rebecca has also raised Flat-Coated Retrievers, with her Mom, Ann, importing numerous British dogs.  Michael Gadsby of Afterglow fame, imported one of Rebecca’s English Setter bitches to England where he and she co-bred two litters, ultimately sending progeny back to this country that was instrumental in diversifying her English Setters pedigrees, while still breeding phenotype to phenotype. She also has owned and whelped several litters of Border Terriers with good friend Peter Holson (McHIll’s) and co-bred the current number one Border Terrier bitch in the US. Also serious horse people, Rebecca and her husband Foxhunt and have “walked out” and whelped English Foxhounds, under British Huntsman Mark McManus and shown hounds at the Bryan Mayr Hound Show. 
When not working with the dogs, Rebecca founded and owns an eponymous design firm called Rebecca Ray Designs and she and her husband raise Percheron driving horses that they show both conformation in hand and in driving classes.  Their daughter, Elizabeth has carried on their equestrian tradition and is an extremely accomplished equestrian who will be graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, this Spring. 
Rebecca enjoys judging sweepstakes and was honored to do the ESAA puppy sweeps many years ago in conjunction with Combined Setter Club in Patterson, NJ (as well as the Irish Sweeps several years later) and judged the Clumber Spaniel Sweeps at the last Morris & Essex.  


Raffle Donations

Raffle Donations


Show Secretary

Show Secretary

Please do not contact Patricia Shaw until all national event information is updated – Patricia won’t be able to help at this time.

PATRICIA SHAW

SPECIALTY SHOW SECRETARY

P.O. BOX 2806 

BELFAIR, WA 98528-2806

Cell-360-731-7855

secretary@patriciashawsss.com 

www.patriciashawsss.com

Premium List:

Judging Program:

Preliminary Counts:


Trophy Donations

Trophy Donations


Health Clinic

Health Clinic

The 2025 Health Clinic will be on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 8:00am-2:00pm at the host hotel. As in the past ESAA will be contributing funds towards screening to keep costs low for members. This year we will be offering AKC/DNA screening, and AKC Reunite ISO microchips. We will also offer Thyroid Panels submitted to Michigan State University, OFA, CHIC, and DNA Repository. Appointments and payment must be made in advance of the clinic.

AKC/DNA screening is a simple non-invasive procedure to determine parentage and genetic identity of the dog. You will need to fill out paperwork first, so please arrive 15 minutes before appointment. Upon completion, the owner will receive an AKC letter of DNA analysis containing the sample dog’s registration information, DNA profile number and dog’s genotype. The cost to members will be $25 per dog. 

AKC Reunite ISO microchips will also be available at the Health Clinic. The ISO microchip is internationally recognized as a form of permanent identification. Purchase of the AKC Reunite ISO chip includes lifetime registration into the AKC Reunite database and an identifying collar tag. Any changes such as address or contact information can be updated at any time at no charge. The procedure produces little if any discomfort and the microchip can be placed on puppies older than 8 weeks. The cost to members will be $15 per dog.

Thyroid panels will be sent to Michigan State University for processing and interpretation. Guidelines for testing are as follows:

  • No bitches “in season” will be screened.
  • Stop supplements for 1 week prior to the clinic.
  • Dogs must not be on Thyroid supplement (e.g., Thyrozine, Thyroxine or Soloxine).
  • If supplements are included in diet, and contain Kelp, discontinue prior to testing. Kelp can alter test results.
  • Have dates available of last vaccinations, both Rabies and Distemper/Parvo.
  • Dogs should be fasted prior to blood draw.
  • Dogs MUST be 1 year or older to be screened.

Cost to members will be $45/dog.

OFA, CHIC, and DNA Repository collections will be sent to OFA. This collection provides a free source of DNA for future health research. The cost to Members is $10.00 per dog.

Registration and payment can be made online via Stripe or mailed to Paula Spiering at the address below. Your registration and appointment time will be confirmed by email. If you have not received an email confirming your appointment and registration at least a week before the clinic, please contact Paula Spiering.

REGISTRATION CLOSES: Same as show entries  . – Additions after the close of registration is on a space available basis and clinic time will not be extended. PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE 10 MINUTES BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

All tests are deeply discounted to members through funds allocated by ESAA. If you do participate, please take the time to thank a member of the Board of Directors for this benefit.


Judges Education

Judges Education

A Judges’ Education seminar for

  • Licensed and aspiring judges who wish to add English Setters as a new breed.
  • ESAA members
  • Anyone interested in judging someday.

will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in conjunction with the National Specialty. Please let B.J. Parsons know if you are a potential English Setter judge interested in stewarding at the National. You can find the schedule of classes elsewhere in the premium.

The seminar will begin at 6 pm with a PowerPoint presentation, followed by a hands-on opportunity with dogs in the ring. Ringside Mentoring will be available on Thursday, September 25th for Classes & Friday, September 26th for Best of Breed.

The fee for the seminar is $25.00 payable to E.S.A.A. through Stripe (see link below)


Committee List

Committee List

CommitteeChairEmail
Show ChairJulie Brimble  send an email
Assistant ChairDebbie Davissend an email
National Specialty CoordinatorTannley Goldbergsend an email
AgilityCarl Neckersend an email
Annual Awards Mary K. Iverson send an email
Banquet (RSVP Food Reservations)Sabrina Rundlesend an email
Welcome Table & Bags / Catalog SalesJudy Clarksend an email
Bathing station (Shampoo/Conditioner)Tannley Goldberg send an email
Breeder’s ForumMelissa Newmansend an email
Canine Good CitizenLouise Daysend an email
Catalog AdvertisingLiz Alakszaysend an email
Decorations (photography area)Nina Brownsend an email
Educational/Health ProgramDenise Parkersend an email
ESAA RaffleKathy Cunningham-Roy & Tracy Wilesemail Kathy | email Tracy
Futurity/MaturityKaitlin Daugherty send an email
Grooming SpaceLisa Nielsensend an email
Grounds
Health & Genetics ClinicPaula Spieringsend an email
Judges’ EducationBJ Parsons send an email
Judges’ LiasonDeb Davissend an email
Juniors’ ActivityKristen Apodacasend an email
2025 National Logo WearTannley Goldberg & Joan SavageEmail Tannley | Email Joan
Obedience/RallyRhonda Dillmansend an email
Photographer Nina Brown send an email
PublicityJanet Graysend an email
Ring StewardsJean Johnson & Lisa MerkiEmail Jean | Email Lisa
RV ReservationsMarriott Seattle Airportsend an email
Scent WorkLouise Daysend an email
Top Twenty Silent AuctionKayla Kozak & Julia Ingvalson send an email
Top Twenty EventKayla Kozak & Julia Ingvalson send an email
TrophiesDeb Davissend an email
Trophy DonationsKathy Cunningham-Roysend an email
RibbonsJessica Bakersend an email
VendorsCharnell Bolgersend an email
WebsiteWebmastersend an email


RV Reservation

RV Reservation Information

Seattle Airport Marriott RV Parking
(THE HOTEL CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 10 RV’S MAX)

RV’s will be reserved on first come, first serve reserved basis.
Once payment has been collected, then that is when it will be reserved.

  • $100.00 per Occupied RV per day plus taxes = $114.33 per day
    including tax.
  • $60.00 for Non-Occupied RV per day plus taxes = $70.25 per day
    including taxes.

RV Rules & Information:
Generators are not permitted on property.
(If they are used the RV will be fined/ or towed.)
No power or water hook ups are available onsite.
RV Reservations:
Please contact J’Nee Sprague (Director of Events)
206-444-6894 or by email: jnee.sprague@marriott.com


Juniors Activities Schedule

Juniors Activities Schedule

NEW THIS YEARTOP 5 Juniors SHOWCASE – to be held during the Top 20 event

If you would like to donate or sponsor a junior for the showcase then please reach out to Kristen Apodaca at juniors@esaa.com

Please fill out this form if you are a junior/peewee or have a junior/peewee that plans on attending the ESAA National

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFy4qMlpu14MaKH48_8WvR5zjAPAQg7_30n6mqOFrUrPMs_g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

There are many opportunities for Juniors to learn about our breed and the Juniors Committee encourages you to meet other English Setter fanciers and learn about topics including health and genetics, judging, and what it takes to put on an event like the national. Here are some volunteer opportunities and please email these wonderful volunteers in advance or seek them out when you arrive! You may also contact Kristen Apodaca at juniors@esaa.com for help with contacting someone.

Sunday September 21st: Scent Work Trials

  • Volunteer at the Scent Work Trial: contact Louise Day – nfday@msn.com

Monday, September 22nd: Agility

  • ESAA will be hosting Agility at the Run Wild Dog Sports and Training Center in conjunction with the National. If you would like to participate or get involved by volunteering, please contact Carl Necker at nmesagility@gmail.com
  • ATT/CGC/CGCA & Trick Dog Test – ESAA Junior committee will cover the cost of any Junior Handling Team registering for the Canine Good Citizen test. The Junior handlers can apply for reimbursement after they have completed the test by emailing Kristen Apodaca at juniors@esaa.com

Tuesday, September 23rd: Health Clinic, Obedience/Rally & Top Twenty

  • Help decorate for the Top Twenty: contact Kayla Kozak – Top20@esaa.com
  • Health Clinic & Genetics Clinic: contact Paula Spiering – HealthClinic@esaa.com

Wednesday, September 24th: Veteran Sweeps

  • Help decorate for Veteran Sweeps by emailing Kristen Apodaca at juniors@esaa.com

Thursday, September 25th: Handling Seminar & Juniors Festivities

  • This year we have Stuart McGraw & Justine Spiers to coach our junior exhibitors during our annual handling workshop. Bring your dog and come ready to learn. This will be in the competition ring immediately following Pee Wees. Food, fun and games for Juniors, Pee Wees, and their parents will follow. Please let Kristen Apodaca know by September 1, 2025 if you plan to attend the festivities at juniors@esaa.com

Friday, September 26th: Junior Showmanship & Banquet

  • ESAA will cover the cost of any juniors attending the banquet. Please indicate that you have a junior attending when purchasing banquet tickets.

Questions prior to the national please email: juniors@esaa.com Junior questions during the National, please see Kristen Apodaca

Please fill out this form if you are a junior/peewee or have a junior/peewee that plans on attending the ESAA National

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFy4qMlpu14MaKH48_8WvR5zjAPAQg7_30n6mqOFrUrPMs_g/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Versatility Showcase

Versatility Showcase

To recognize and honor those who have earned Versatile English Setter (VES) titles by successfully competing in at least three different venues with their English Setters. The handlers and their dogs will enter the ring with the dogs on leash, their names and a short biography will be read. They will be presented with a rosette inscribed with the dog’s name and titles earned. Only dogs and handlers present at the National will participate in the Showcase. If you have earned one or more VES titles, will attend the National with your VES dog, and want to participate, fill out the application below and send to the VES tabulator Sue Johnson, birchrun5@aol.com.

To be eligible to enter the 2025 ESAA National Versatility Showcase on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the first Versatility title must be earned and awarded by July 31, 2025.

Applications and fees ($32 for each inscribed rosette) are due by: DEADLINE: Friday, August 5, 2025

Ribbons will not be mailed – the showcase is for those who are going to be attending the National.


Scent Work

Scent Work

Premium List: 

Judging Program: 

Preliminary Counts:


RSVP Food Reservations

RSVP Food Reservations

Deadline: Monday, September 15, 2025

Tuesday, 9/23/25 VIP APPETIZERS – $20 per person includes service charge & tax

Join us for Cash Cocktails and VIP Appetizers to Celebrate our Top Twenty and Versatile English Setters, Gun Dog Sweepstakes & Top Twenty Silent Auction. We are asking that you reserve your spot for VIP Appetizers so we can order enough for people that are attending this Afternoon and Evening of Special

Wednesday,9/24/25 Welcome Hospitality Breakfast & Veteran Sweeps Appetizers

Join us for Cash Cocktails and Complimentary Continental Breakfast in the morning and Cash Cocktails and Complimentary Appetizers in the evening during our Veteran Sweeps. We are asking that you reserve your spots for the Day of Vision so we can order enough for people that are attending this Morning and Evening of Special Events

Thursday,9/25/25 FISH TACO BAR – $27 per person includes service charge & tax

Join us for Cash Cocktails and a Fish Taco Bar and feel free to join our Breeder’s Forum or sign-up for Judges’ Education.

Friday,9/26/25 Annual Meeting & Luncheon – $61 per person includes service charge & tax

Join us for our Annual Meeting and Luncheon Buffet -Includes Freshly Brewed Coffee/Decaf & Assorted Tazo Teas. San Juan Buffet – Market Salad, Butternut Squash Soup, Grilled Salmon with Buerre Blanc Sauce, Pork Tenderloin Black Truffle Demi-Glace, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, Yukon Jack Mashed Potatoes & Seasonal Fruit Tarts.


Agility

Agility

 Monday, September 22, 2025

Run Wild Dog Sports & Training Center
35612 212th Way SE
Auburn WA 98092
dogs@runwilddogsports.com

Event Secretary – Gillian Crawford
Judge – Paula Ratoza
Event Chair – Carl Necker
nmesagility@gmail.com

Details: All-breed, indoors, on turf

T2B, STD, JWW (no premier)

High in Trial and Reserve High in Trial for English Setters

Premium – being finalized!

Grooming Reservation

Grooming Reservation

Deadline: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

  • Reserved grooming spaces will be approximately 8’ x 8’
  • Price including electric will be $95 for an 8’ X 8’ space
  • Grooming will be available after 12PM Sunday, September 21, 2025
  • NO Private ex-pens will be allowed in and around the grooming area.
  • Everyone will need to be out of the grooming areas by the end of day after the Sunday, September 28, 2025 Puget Sound English Setter Club Regional Specialty.
  • DOGS WILL BE ALLOWED IN GROOMING AREAS OVERNIGHT. Hotel has overnight security from 11:00PM to 6:00AM, Sunday through Saturday.
  • All crates must have emergency contact information. The Seattle Airport Marriott has strict rules pertaining to barking dogs. BARKING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

CGC, CGCA, TDI, TRICK DOG

CGC, CGCA, TDI, & TRICK DOG

We are proud to offer these AKC tests at the 2025 National

Canine Good Citizen – Canine Good Citizen Advanced

 Therapy Dog International – Trick Dog

Monday, September 22, 2025

Testing will be conducted by AKC certified CGC evaluator and ESAA member, Louise Day

CGC and CGCA tests cost is $20.00 each

Therapy Dog International test cost is $10.00 each

Trick Dog Title Certification cost is $20.00 per level (TDN, TDI, TDA, TDP)

Pre-Registration Recommended

Walk-Ups are Welcome

(Walk-Ups will be taken in order, as time permits, after pre-registered dogs)

Direct questions to Louise Day at nfday@msn.com


National Catalog Advertising

National Catalog Advertising

DEADLINE: August 1 2025

ADVERTISING IN THE NATIONAL CATALOG IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3:

  1. Create your ad and save it as jpeg or high-resolution PDF (ESAA will not be providing ad set-up this year. Below are names of people that can assist with your ad design. Contact them for information and fees).
  2. EMAIL ALL ADS TO: cyber2dogs@gmail.com
  3. Pay for your ad on 2023 National website CATALOG ADVERTISING PAGE via the order form below.

ADVERTISING SPECIFICATIONS (all ads are full bleed, full color):

•        Finished full bleed page size is 5.75″W X 8.75″H (Keep all pictures and type within the live area of 4.75″Wx 7.75″H)

•        Acceptable formats are PDF or JPEG

•        Ads should be set at 300 dpi and CMYK

(Ads sent in RGB will be returned for conversion)

The following people are available to help create ads. Please contact them for information and fees:

•        Julie Luck: julie.luck4454@gmail.com