Table Talk · May 21, 2025
The leaders of the Sport of Purebred Dogs have, in my opinion, been pro-active over the last few years attempting to ensure that our sport continues to thrive in the future. While I continue to hear some say, “Our sport is dying,” I do not agree. While the sport may have a different “look and feel” out of necessity, I believe there are many of us that will continue to do what we can to preserve it and contribute to it in a positive way.
The National Owner-Handled series is an example of a program that was developed to increase interest in the sport. There are many individuals who have been very successful in it. These individuals are successful because they are willing to learn, put in the hard work, and focus on their goals. They continue to learn and perfect their craft, not unlike professional handlers. Successful owner-handlers ensure they have a good dog that conforms to the breed standard and focus on the conditioning and training of it.
Recently, there was an anonymous post on an NOHS Forum that disparaged the sport. The post was directed to Show Chairs and the author was complaining about the quality of AKC judges. I am sharing a response from Sharon Sherwood that I believe is very accurate. I think all exhibitors should take this to heart:
“I think some have lost sight of what AKC shows are about. NOHS is icing on the cake, but it is nothing without the cake. I don’t enter a show with the goal to win OH. I want to win the Breed, Group, and Best In Show. I want to have a dog that is good enough to do all of the above, not just OH. If your idea of a Special is to just get to OH Groups, maybe you need to think about what it means to have a Special.
Seriously, maybe NOHS has been detrimental to what should still be the goal. It is sheer nonsense that judges only care about the pros. Are there some that gravitate to the Pros? Sure. But if you have a dog that is quality, in condition, and well presented, a good judge will find your dog. If you want to compete with the Pros then consider it your job to do that, because it is theirs, and they do the work to make it happen.
If you are so upset with NOHS, then stop checking the box!!! Clubs are clearly struggling, and judges are pushed to their limit in judging. Why not try to be part of a solution? Offer clubs a donation. Sponsor a bigger rosette. Show up a day early and offer to help set up or stay late and help to tear down. At a recent show, the club Show Chair, and two other club members were the only ones to show up to lay out grooming, the RVs, and get everything else ready for all of us to participate. We were SO disappointed in exhibitors as all they could do was complain to these poor people. Bathing wasn’t ready (read the premium, it clearly stated after 3 PM for availability), power wasn’t working (read the premium, it clearly stated after 3 PM), their RV spot had a puddle, etc. We offered to help in ANY way we could because we felt so bad that exhibitors were treating these people, who were obviously working their rear ends off for US, so badly. It was embarrassing, sad, and an example of why clubs are calling it quits.
“To end this on a better note, I’m blessed–blessed to have quality dogs, blessed that I know what it takes to present a dog well. Blessed to now have two generations of Best In Show dogs, as I sit in the whelping box wondering if there will be another. Blessed to have won NOHS BIS at the AKC National Finals; and we’re all blessed that there are clubs, club members, facilities, etc. that continue to put on shows for us; and we’re all blessed that at the end of the day, we all get to take home the best dogs, no matter what happens at a show.”
Bravo, Sharon! Thank you for being a voice of reason, and thank you for allowing me to share your wise words with the fancy!
I recently saw a Westminster Kennel Club memory of Doug Holloway, Jr. going Best In Show in 1997 with his Standard Schnauzer “Pa” and it reminded me of how much I miss ‘Dougie’. His wife, Rita, is now 86 years old. She is living in Florida and would love to hear from all of her friends in the fancy! Please take a minute to send her a card to: Rita Holloway, 543 Bermuda Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859. If you would like to give Rita a call, please drop me an email at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com and I will give you her phone number.
It is with great sadness I share that Luis Sosa, a highly accomplished breeder, photographer, and AKC judge, peacefully lost his valiant battle with Pneumocystis pneumonia while surrounded by family. Our sincere thoughts are with Patty at this most difficult time. Patty and Luis enjoyed a wonderful 34 years filled with love and happiness.
Terri and Paul Erickson are enjoying some rare quality time together in Italy and Greece! Have a great time, great food, and safe travels home.
Congratulations to John Miller and Tristen Lawrence on your recent engagement! Best wishes for a bright future ahead for this amazing young couple.
Happy anniversary to Maddie and Adam Peterson and Tuni and Ernie Conti. Best wishes for many more years of love and happiness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Bert Rettick, Judy McMaster Descutner, Brenda Combs, Ania Romano Kelly, Geno Sisneros, Kevin Ellingson, Kim Langlands, Nancy Smith, Kate DeSanto, Klayton Harris, and Jack McIlwaine. Enjoy your special day and may your future be bright!
Be safe out there, my friends! I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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