Table Talk • August 20, 2025
There were several shows this past weekend that had entries of approximately 500 dogs. It seems this size entry is becoming the “norm” these days. Back in the day, large shows garnered entries of 3500-plus. Today, Louisville (March) and Orlando (December) seem to be the only shows left that consistently get an entry of 3500-plus. These days, a show with an entry of 1,200 is considered significant.
There were shows this past weekend in Massachusetts. They were held at the Game On Fitchburg Sports Complex. For at least one of the days of the show, the hall where the dog show was held was shared with a youth basketball tournament. The hall was separated by bleachers. Surprisingly, several exhibitors and show officials I spoke with said that it was not great, but it was doable. I guess this proves exhibitors and their dogs can deal with anything thrown at them!
The recent AKC announcement that the Event Fee will increase from $3.50 to $4.50 on January 1, 2026, and from $4.50 to $5.50 on January 1, 2027, could results in more shows like this in the future as clubs might experience severe financial challenges. While clubs (and exhibitors) are forced to accept less than optimal accommodations because of these challenges, many are asking what the American Kennel Club is doing in return. The most popular topic raised is the headquarters with upscale offices on Park Avenue in New York City. When offices were built in North Carolina, many expected the entire Corporate Headquarters would relocate there. Instead, there are now two AKC offices–and with that comes redundancy. While it is true there has not been an event fee increase since 2008, trying to catch up with a significant increase over two years may be quite problematic for many clubs.
The Press Release that was issued stated, “Revenue from event fees supports the more than 29,000 AKC-sanctioned events held annually. It also helps fund key initiatives that strengthen the sport, protect our mission, and benefit the dog community as a whole.” One thing that might help people understand the fee increases would be for AKC to explain those key initiatives and describe in detail what is entailed in its support of those 29,000 AKC-sanctioned events.
The sport of purebred dogs is not the only sport that is suffering from the current economy. As an example, the sport of bodybuilding is cancelling events due to low entry. The governing bodies are looking at ways to address the situation.
If you have not had the opportunity, take a moment and read Wayne Cavanaugh’s thoughts on this topic athttps://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/well-beyond-the-dollar-and-a-half-2/. Wayne’s take is spot-on, and it explains why the leaders at AKC might not understand the value that events add to the AKC brand.
A Best of the Best Junior Handling competition was held this past weekend at the Olympic Kennel Club in Enumclaw, Washington. Concerns were raised on Facebook because the kids were required to, “Stand in the sun for nearly a half an hour” with their dogs. Those writing the social media posts failed to mention that AKC Executive Field Representatives intervened to address the judging procedure. Instead of discussing concerns with club volunteers, issues were raised on social media. Were there issues with the procedure? Yes. Were they addressed? Yes. Unfortunately, procedural errors were made, and this could be because those asked to judge had not judged juniors in 5 years and, in fact, never judged All Breed juniors, only Specialty junior showmanship. Both judges have very impressive careers in the sport and putting them in this position may not have been the best decision. While the judges’ procedure was incorrect, the juniors and their dogs were not in danger. The temperatures were not excessive.
I have two thoughts on this topic: 1) This is another good example of something that should not have been put on social media, as it does not portray our sport in a positive light, and 2) Great ideas don’t work if they are not executed correctly!
I am excited to report that the fund-raising events held at the Keystone cluster a couple of weeks ago raised over $25,000. That money will be donated to the causes that support our beloved sport! Congratulations to Charlie Olvis, Liz Muthard, and the volunteers and donors who work tirelessly to make this annual event happen!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Marina Rose, Andrea McIlwaine, Alicia Morrison Jones, Janice Hayes, Tatum Bartlett, Antonio Vidmar, Megan Cloudman, Sam Mammano, Shota Mai Hirai, Dana Cline, Bonnie Linnell Clarke, David Miller, David Johnson, and Patty Keenan. Happiest of birthdays to one and all!
This week’s quote comes from Peter Green during our conversation a couple of weeks ago. He told me, “Every day is a great day when you are at a dog show.”
Wherever your travels take you next, good luck and enjoy the journey! I will see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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