National Dog Show: A Firsthand Experience from an Owner-Handler’s Perspective

By: Susan London

On Saturday, November 16, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia hosted the annual National Dog Show. Over 200 AKC breeds were showcased in the seven group rings, filmed by NBC, and it will be aired at noon on Thanksgiving Day.

I would like to recognize the amazing dogs and their talented handlers, both owner-handlers and professionals, who present and promote their beloved breeds.

Now that I have experienced it firsthand, I truly understand the enormity of the work and the production that goes into a show of this magnitude. If you haven’t seen or experienced it, I’d like to share a bit about it.

It’s all very exciting–and completely outside the normal experience most dogs or show dogs will ever have had before.

From the moment you arrive in the backstage holding area, there is an electrifying energy. Camera people are everywhere, with large rolling cameras filming the dogs. Booming voices can be heard over the loudspeakers. The crowd is cheering enthusiastically. Every handler’s focus is on their dog–in the most loving and dedicated way. Each person understands this is not a typical dog show environment. Their attention is on the well-being of their dogs, and they are ensuring their energy is calm and confident, providing their dogs with the best possible experience to enhance their performance.

The intensity builds when they call the groups into the big arena. The announcement is loud, the music is pounding, and the crowd is going wild. It’s “Go-Time!” It’s invigorating and surprising all at once.

Each dog trusts their person! What moved me the most was the absolute, unequivocal bond and loyalty between the handler and the dog. The dogs felt confident and supported, in a completely unnatural environment, because of their faith in the protection of their handlers. This is truly what defines dog shows! The ongoing commitment of handlers is to make every experience, even different and unusual ones, the top priority for their dogs.

Once inside the arena, things calm down a bit. Each dog gets their opportunity to be presented. The judges are steady and consistent in their approach, and while the groups are large, there is plenty of time to wait. The handlers continue to ensure their dogs are relaxed and comfortable. The commentary is still quite loud, the crowd is cheering, and the cameras are floating above, following the dogs. But none of this seems to faze these dogs. They’re all enjoying the one-on-one attention from their handlers. It was beautiful and relaxing.

All 200+ breeds have been purposefully bred; each dog raised from birth to prepare them for moments like this one. It was a magnificent collective experience to be part of, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to attend and show my Lacey, GCHB Sáregresi Pure White Lace JH, in the group.

This show runs like a finely tuned machine. I commend Frank DePaulo, Show Chairman, and his entire National Dog Show team for all their hard work and dedication in making this event a success–both at the show and on Thanksgiving Day.

Bravo to the sport of purebred dogs, bravo to the dog handlers, and God bless the dogs we all love so deeply. I am incredibly proud to participate in this sport with my fellow breeders, owners, and handlers. I am also deeply grateful to those who came before me, ensuring this sport remains alive, inspiring, and progressive.

Our dogs are truly magnificent and delightful beings. To witness and share in their kindness, deep affection, and devotion is one of life’s greatest blessings.

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Posted by Liz on Nov 28 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.