Table Talk • December 17, 2025
And just like that, the 2025 show year is over! Many tight races came down to the very last moment in the ring. The fact that the largest dog show in the country is the very last show of the year creates a certain amount of stress and tension for exhibitors. One win can change everything. Congratulations to one and all on your accomplishments in 2025. At the end of the day, we all take home the BEST dog.
The Space Coast Kennel Club, Brevard Kennel Club, and Central Florida Kennel Club came together once again to make the nation’s largest cluster a spectacular success in Orlando. The incredible hard work and experience the club officers and members, and Linda Rowell, the Cluster Chair, somehow make it all happen year after year. I hope you know how much everyone in the sport of purebred dogs appreciates you! Kudos to all!
When you exhibit at the largest dog show in the country, you accept the fact that each show will be a long day. This year, group judges were told not to make cuts to save time. I was able to do several segments of Table Talk Live! about this topic. I spoke with judges and exhibitors and asked their opinion directive. Hop over to the Canine Chronicle Facebook page and see what some fanciers think about it. What do you think?? Please drop a comment here or email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.
The AKC National Championship changed their format a bit this year and held the NOHS and Bred-By Competitions on Saturday and Sunday as opposed to Friday. There were group shows, specialties, and puppy stakes on Friday. As exhibitors, did you prefer this format?
Junior Showmanship is another favorite at the AKCNC. Talented Juniors from around the country compete for the coveted Best Junior title! This year there were over 150 juniors competing at this year’s event.
I am fortunate to be able to cover the AKCNC Groups, which is one of my favorite segments of the week’s coverage. Thank you to Brandi Munden, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations with AKC, for the giving me access and making my job easier!
When I watched the Best Bred-By in Show competition, I was blown away. I was not sure if I was watching the Bred-By or the regular Best In Show! Hats off to the breeders. Congratulations to you on your incredible breeding programs that produced these high quality dogs.
The AKC National Championship will air Sunday, December 28 at noon Eastern Time. You can also watch all the group coverage on AKCTV!
The National Dog Show, which aired on Thanksgiving Day, had 24.6 million viewers! This is a record for NDS! This show, the AKCNC and Westminster are our opportunities to reach the public and try to encourage new participants.
Charlotte Patterson hurt her knee and was unable to judge Friday at the AKCNC. We all hope to see you back in the ring soon.
It was great to see Linda Pitts back running lefts after a 4-month recuperation from shoulder surgery. I hope to see you ringside doing push-ups at our next show together, Linda!
After a fall, Melinda Lyon was hospitalized and will undergo surgery to remove brain tumors. Best wishes to Melinda for a full, speedy recovery.
Our condolences to Susie Olivera whose mother passed away last weekend. These two had a special relationship that most will never experience. There is nothing we can say to assuage the pain of this loss, Susie. Please know we are thinking of you and your entire family during this painful time in your lives.
Condolences to Kim Rudzik on the passing of her father. We are thinking about you at this difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays include Kellie Williams, Richard Powell, Ariel Cukier, Ashley Ryan, and Michael McGuire.
As the year ends, I hope that each one of you achieved your goals and enjoyed your journey.
I look forward to kicking off the new year in Palm Springs, and bringing you Table Talk Live coverage from the most beautiful show in the country!
Remember this my friends: There is no goal, in the show ring or otherwise, worth sacrificing your dog’s or your mental or physical well-being!
I hope you all had a safe journey home from Florida! I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…
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