Pure and simple; the state of affairs for what appears to be a majority of AKC Judges is grim and frustrating. For many, it is reminiscent of the Len Brumby days of patronage advancements, a time that many judges are familiar with or were on the periphery — all because of the judges pool central tendency for advanced age. I do not wish to be disrespectful or scornful, but just restating a fact.
For those of you reading this article, raise your hand if you are able to do one thing at a time to completion? Impossible? I am not so sure, but we believe we must multi-task to get everything done in a day. However, it does take commitment to remain completely focused on a project from start to finish.
The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2014 AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals (NOHS), held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AENC) events. Breed and Group judging will be held Friday, December 12th, 2014, with Best In Show decided in the main ring on Saturday evening, December 13th.
The Multiple Best In Show & Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winning
Gold GCh. Telltale American Ride
America’s #1 English Springer Spaniel* · A Top Five Sporting Dog*
The hot topic around the rings these days seems to be, as usual, the quality of judging. Big surprise, huh? Unfortunately, this subject has been beaten to death for longer than I have been alive and it seems to be a problem that just won’t go away. However, the lack of quality judging seems to have become a bigger problem as of late.
By Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones On occasion, usually as a result of some strong sentiment or other being expressed, reader reactions are summarily received, more often than not in the form of e-mails, other times verbally, in person. Oftentimes these missives and communications come as no surprise and are, fortunately, almost always affirmative and supportive, hence [...]
Along came UH UGA HRCH MHR Southern Standards Red Creole, MH, WCX, known affectionately as “Cooper.” He was headed for a life in the show ring with Lexie as she pursued Junior Showmanship, but a top groomer and handler took a look at the young dog and pronounced him not quite show quality. So the energetic pup went to boot camp with Rich and surprised everyone when he found his true calling as a hunting dog.
In the firmament of purebred dog breeding and conformation competition, the matter of degrees of sophistication dictates how, to what extent, and at which level, each person participates.
One of the most significant pearls of wisdom I was fortunate to receive over the years was in these words: A sound dog will age more gracefully, be less likely to break down from stress or injury, experience less fatigue and greater efficiency in work, and stay healthier and more attractive throughout its life.
