Follow Up Letter From Mr. Steven Gladstone to Delegates, Judges & Fanciers

I have been inundated with favorable responses to my comments about how we can return the sport of dogs to an emphasis on the Breed judging rather than Group competition. I am evaluating moving forward with a proposed Rule change in the judging of Conformation shows. My suggestion that a judge should be allowed to judge the group in which he has his first breed approval after five years from his first approval has been overwhelmingly well received. Based on the emails I have received personally and the discussions on the e-lists there seems to be strong support for the concept. I am considering presenting a change in the AKC Rules Governing Dog Shows for the Delegates to vote upon.

In evaluating the value of such a radical change in the judging system I would appreciate hearing your opinion. I have set up an email to which I would ask you to forward or send comments and ideas. I want to consider as many options and practical concerns as possible before proceeding further. I would like to hear from Delegates, parent club members and officers, all-breed club members and officers, show chairs, judges and all other fanciers. What do you believe the impact of such a Rule change would be on judging, entries, panel selection, venues and club expenses? Please see my original post, reproduced below.

Please send comments to mailto: judging_rule_change@cwcorgi.com It is a private email to me only.

Thanks for your help to try and better our sport.

Still radically yours,

Steven D. Gladstone, Esq.
AKC Board, Class of 2015