Table Talk • May 13, 2026
There are several thought-provoking articles in this month’s issue concerning the quality of judging. Our editor and publisher took “a stab” at why the quality of our judging pool may be deteriorating in his From the Publisher column. You can view it at: https://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?i=864549&p=12&view=issueViewer
I think it is very important to highlight the importance of the job our judges face. As Tom mentions in his Publisher’s comments, we must recognize that judging is hard work. Those who begin their judging career recognize it is actually more work to judge up to 175 dogs per day, then judge a group or two as well. We can only hope that those judges take their job seriously. It is very important to the sport of purebred dogs, the breeds they are judging, and the future of those breeds.
As Tom so eloquently states:
“Judges are the keepers of our sport: they are responsible for keeping breeders and exhibitors on the right track. It is not up to the handlers. It is not up to the breeders. It is not up to the magazine publishers. It is up to you, the judges.”
To add another perspective, Wayne Cavanaugh’s article Bandwagon Judging – A New Twist on an Old Problem (view it at https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/bandwagon-judging-new-twists-on-an-old-problem/) addresses the added dimension of online information and show results. Those of us who have been involved in the sport before the “internet age” remember that we did not have to contend with the possibility that judges would be able to go online and see show results from the prior day. Judges were not given their tear sheets and catalog until they were done judging for the circuit. This is still the case, but now everyone has that instant access to show results–and complete information about the winners–by simply accessing a website, Facebook page, the superintendent’s website, etc.
As Wayne states, this can be done in the ring while judging. All the judge has to do is pick up their phone. Additionally, some exhibitors are confident that the dog that wins on the first day of a cluster can influence what happens during the rest of the cluster. They think the judges play ‘follow the leader’ and put up the dogs that won the first day. There is also the perspective that those who do well at Westminster, for example, will have the way paved for them for the show year. I think there is some truth to this, but it is my experience that the judges who jump on the bandwagon are those that lack depth of knowledge, confidence, and experience.
The huge number of dog shows is, in my opinion, hurting our sport. The quality at many of the shows is severely diluted. Some shows have entries of 200 or 300 dogs. Because of the number of shows, those judges who may not demonstrate sound decision-making are hired because they judge multiple groups and ‘fill the gaps’. One can only hope those less-experienced judges will take their task seriously and continue to learn about the breeds they judge. Instead of “scrolling” at a show where they are judging, we hope they will consult the breed standard and spend time attending judges’ education. The future of our sport is in your hands!
I would like to give a shout-out to the American Boxer Club for your kindness and hospitality during your National. Your assistance allowed us to showcase the winners of the 2026 ABC National Specialty. If you haven’t had the opportunity, please go to the Canine Chronicle Facebook page or website and check out the ABC National Specialty winners!
As mentioned in our Table Talk Live coverage at the Kentuckiana Cluster in March, the 2027 Kentuckiana cluster will be held a week earlier than normal. The 2027 dates are March 11-March 14th, and we will be in a beautiful, brand-new building! Mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!!
It is with great sadness that I pass along the news that Karin Ashe has passed away. Karin was surrounded by family. She will be missed by the fancy. Condolences to Karin’s family and friends at this very sad time.
I heard that Peggy Haas passed away last week at the age of 89. Peggy and her husband Ed bred and showed Westies and Lhasa Apsos. She was a past member of the International Kennel Club of Chicago and an AKC judge. Peggy was show chair for the Elgin Kennel Club, where she was well-known for providing amazing judge’s hospitality. Our thoughts are with Peggy’s family and friends at this most difficult time.
Sadly, Karen Rockwell passed away suddenly last week. Karen was an active show secretary, steward, Whippet fancier, and coursing judge. She will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Congratulations to Peter Kubacz and Ania Romano Kubacz on their marriage this past week. I heard the wedding that Ania and Peter planned, was simply divine! I hope you two enjoy many years of love, happiness, and prosperity.
Congratulations to Elliott Wentzel on his graduation summa cum laude with a degree in Biology! Not only is Elliott the best steward ever, but he has academic talent as well!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Monica Booth, Cari Jensen, Jackie Fisher, Alessandra Foley, Julie Romeo, Kari Janiszak, Liz Tobin, Cody Koch, Jay Richardson, and Tony Vacha. May your dreams for the year ahead become reality, my friends.
This is for every dog person who has cancelled plans for their dog, spent more on a vet bill than on themselves, and said “one more minute” twelve times in a row: You are doing it right. Completely right!!
Be safe out there, my friends! I cannot wait to see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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