Table Talk • August 5, 2026
Another Steel Valley Cluster aka “Canfield” is in the books. As always, the cluster did not disappoint! This is the third year the cluster has used the new, air-conditioned building for some breed judging (toy, terrier, and most of the Non-Sporting breeds) and group judging. It seems to me that since the building has been included in the show venue, the weather has been great. As a result of this fortunate weather pattern, there are many fanciers that have been attending the Canfield shows for many years that would prefer to see the group competition move outdoors (weather permitting, of course), as the old tradition of pulling golf carts up to the rings to watch the groups was a favorite tradition of many exhibitors.
The entry has been increasing since the Salem, VA and the Mashall, MI shows changed their show dates. Saturday’s entry was very respectable with 1800 dogs.
Thank you to all who participated in our Table Talk Live coverage at Canfield. If you have not had the chance to look at the Table Talk Live interviews, and in-ring coverage, you can find all our coverage on the Canine Chronicle Facebook page or Canine Chronicle TV.
The question of the week was how fanciers feel about the new proposed rule that disallows showing a dog to its breeder or co-breeder. While nearly everyone agrees that a dog should NOT be shown to the dog’s breeder or co-breeder, some question why the rule is necessary. My favorite quote of the week was: “Don’t worry, some judges will not let the quality of the dog get in the way of their decision….”
This past weekend was also the first weekend a new AKC rule went into effect. This rule states judges will no longer be required to re-examine exhibits they judged earlier at the same event–at the breed level–for disqualifications, and to check for two normally descended testicles in male dogs. Judges will be required to individually gait all exhibits in the group, including those that they examined earlier that day.
While most of the fancy welcomes this new rule–primarily because it has the potential to shorten our long days at the shows–there are some that find the new rule disrespectful to the exhibits that compete in group competition. The primary reason given is the proper length of time to showcase their dogs, or lack thereof. In my humble opinion, this rule is a welcome change! As our dog shows get longer, this is one way to make group judging more efficient and perhaps shorten the days a bit. Since judges are still required to move the dogs, it seems to me that is the opportunity for every dog to be showcased during group judging.
The AKC released statistics for the first quarter of the year, and I do not think that anyone will be surprised that entries are down 3%. Events, however, rose to 6,000! So, my friends, we have more shows and declining entries. To me, this is indicative of the “too many shows, too few entries” issue. What do you think?
Charlotte Patterson took a nasty fall at the Harrisburg Airport and fractured her shoulder. She is hoping to avoid surgery, but she will have to cancel assignments until October. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Charlotte. We look forward to having you back in the ring soon.
Arrangements have been made for the celebration of life honoring Jim Frederiksen:
Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 1-5 PM at Yunker Park, 10824 W La Porte Road, Mokena, IL 60448
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jim’s memory be made to Children’s Hospital of Memphis.
Congratulations to Dasha and Justin Moreno on their marriage this past weekend. I was so happy to see so many fanciers skipped the shows to celebrate this fabulous union! Congratulations to the lovebirds!
Happy Anniversary to Darcie and Anthony Cantor. Best wishes for many more amazing years together!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Devon Kipp Levy, Gustavo Molinari, Lisa Miller, Taffe McFadden, Brian Almojera, Cheryl Patterson, Rebecca Arch, Edu Artero, Chris Nethery, and Michelle Hanson. May the year ahead be everything you dreamed of!
I look forward to seeing those of you who are lucky enough to attend the beautiful Santa Barbara Shows later this month. Look for me. I’ll be there!
Be safe out there, my friends. I look forward to seeing you down the road. Don’t forget to check on your dogs! Until next time…
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