Table Talk • May 20, 2026

The judging panels for the 151^st Westminster Kennel Club dog show and the AKC National Championship dog show were released one day apart.

Best In Show at the 151^st Westminster Kennel Club will be judged by Mr. Espen Engh from Norway. Best In Show at the 2026 AKC National Championship will be judged by Dr. Thomas Davies, and the Best Bred By In Show Competition will be judged by Mr. David Kirkland.

You can find the complete Westminster judging panel at: https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/the-151st-westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-judging-panel/

The complete AKC National Championship judging panel can be viewed at: https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/2026-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/.

More exciting news was released this past week with the announcement that Netflix will be the media partner for the 151^st Westminster Kennel Club dog show: https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/the-151st-westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-to-make-its-debut-on-netflix-live-from-nyc-in-february-2027/ Breed judging on Monday and Tuesday will be streamed simultaneously on tudum.com and on the westminsterkennelclub.org website. Evening Group and Best In Show judging will be streamed live on Netflix.

I don’t know about you, but I have noticed an absence of AKCTV at dog shows they broadcast in the past. I am told that budget cuts are the reason, but I have not confirmed that claim. Live-streaming dog shows has been a great outreach to the public. I hope we see more dog shows live streamed on AKCTV in the future.

Many fanciers enter dog shows using online entry systems. Some exhibitors claim that one superintendent’s system charges a high service fee. They also claim they were told their credit cards have been declined, but when they contact their credit card provider they are told that there is no evidence of declined charges. If you utilize online entry services, you should your check credit card statement to make sure you were charged the correct amount. If you find a problem, be sure to contact the superintendent. A software glitch has been blamed for the problem, but some users claim it is still occurring. If you are unable to get resolution, a call to AKC may be in order.

It is bittersweet that I pass on the news of the retirement of Kim and Angela Booth of Booth Photography. At the end of 2026, Kim and Angela will retire, and Booth Photography will close its doors. Photo galleries will stay active through mid-2027 allowing plenty of time to purchase photographs taken through the end of 2026.

Many of you are aware of the recent establishment of Booth Travel and Adventure which has already taken many people on fabulous African Safaris. This has become a passion project for Kim and Angela. I am so happy they can follow their dreams. Booth Photography has been a fixture at Midwest dog shows since I began in the sport, and I honestly cannot imagine not seeing them at shows. If you see Kim, Angela, or their daughter, Alyssia, at a show, please join me in wishing them well with their new endeavor.

Healing thoughts go out to Sue-Ellyn Rempel who had a bad fall and found herself hospitalized a few weeks back. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

If you have not gotten your Woofstock 2026 entries submitted, entries close today. The superintendent is MB-F. Do not miss this cluster filled with Peace, Love and Dogs!

Lovebirds celebrating wedding anniversaries this week include Bill and Taffe McFadden, Tuni and Ernie Conti, and Maddie and Adam Peterson. I would also like to wish my hubby a happy 40^th anniversary! Where does the time go??

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Lisa Blondina, Charlie Olvis, Bill McFadden, Kim Rudzik, Bert Rettick, Judy Descutner, Brenda Combs, Ania Romano Kubacz, Kim Haupt, Kevin Ellingson, Geno Sisneros, Kim Langlands, Nancy Smith, Kate DeSanto, Klayton Harris, Jack McIlwaine, and Burk Crancer-Hughes. Best wishes for a most fabulous year ahead!

A very important reminder to one and all: The biggest mistake we make in life is thinking we have time. Be present, be kind, love more, and love now.

I look forward to seeing you down the road! Until next time…

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Posted by Liz on May 20 2026. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.