Table Talk • April 8, 2026
Spring seems to be the season of the National Specialty. Many breeds have held their National over the last month, and many more are on the schedule between now and June.
As purebred dog fanciers, we all look forward to attending our National for many reasons. We look forward to showing our young hopefuls or bringing our veterans out to take another lap around the ring. We might be looking for that great stud dog to breed to our special girl or t a different line to our breeding program. We also relish the time spent with good friends and fellow breeders. Suffice it to say, the National is not just another dog show, it is THE NATIONAL.
If you have never had experience with organizing and hosting a National Specialty, you have no idea how much work is involved. Suffice it to say there is a “job” for everyone! Even if you don’t have experience putting on a dog show, or can’t make it to the National, there is something you can do to help your parent club and the National Show Committee put on this very special show.
There are so many ways you can help your club plan and host its National. As club members age, there is a need for others to step up and lend a hand. I encourage you to reach out to our National or local breed club and offer help. There are dozens of tasks that must be completed, and many events that have to be planned for–too many to list here–and they all need members to help do that heavy lifting.
Being part of putting on a National Specialty is a lot of work. It’s also a great way to meet new people and learn new things. It can be very rewarding. Just an hour or two from 20 people can make a difference! More people mean less work for those that volunteer.
Recently, Desi Murphy posed a question on social media about why a show entry would go down significantly at the same venue when it directly follows another show at the same venue. I think the first thing that comes to mind is the judging panel. I believe this would also hold true for National Specialty entries as well. While perusing the 2026 Poodle Club of America entry, I noted that the Standard entry is more than twice what it was last year at the same venue….
What other factors would cause you to pack up and head to another show?? Would you skip your National Specialty because of the judge? Reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com with your thoughts.
CJ Favre will be undergoing a Cardiac Catheterization procedure this week, and as a result he has had to enlist the assistance of others to set up the grooming areas for the Peach Blossom Cluster. Many thanks to Diana Pegram, Lisa Saari and Jason Starr for stepping up! Of course, CJ is still actively involved, but we must make sure he follows Dr.’s orders, and gets the rest he needs in order to make a full recovery.
Healing thoughts to David Harper who is recovering from a recent injury. In true Harper form, David wasted no time getting to the doctor for injections so he could manage to show dogs last weekend. Make sure you follow the doctor’s order, David. Get well soon!
Glenn Lycan, AKC Director of Event Operations Support retired at the end of March. I do not think we have seen the last of Glenn, though. I believe we will see him in ring, maybe as a judge, at some point in the near future!
Guy Fisher has been promoted to Director of Club Development. He has been a valuable resource at AKC through his assistance to all clubs. Whether it’s hosting the Show Chair 101 seminars, or responding to numerous club questions and requests, Guy is literally the “go-to guy”. This is a well-deserved promotion. Congratulations, Guy! The fancy is fortunate to have you in this role!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Beth Sweigart, Lesli Smith, Ken Murray, Susie Olivera, Jen Milani, Carla Sanchez, Will Alexander, BJ Whitlow, Jonathan Thomas, Kathy Guerra, Roxanne Chumbley, Kendyl Schultze Rich, Robin Stansell, Ken Wall, and Pam Peat. All the best for a great year ahead!
Remember this my friends: “You are only as good as the dog on the end of your lead.” You can read more about this in the From the Publisher editorial of the April issue: (https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/354460/)
Be safe out there. Best of luck to one and all! My next stop is one of my annual favorites, PCA! Stop by Purina hospitality if you are there! Until next time….
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