The AKC was established in 1884 with the stated purpose of protecting and advancing purebred dogs. Part of its charter states that its objectives are “generally to do everything to advance the study, breeding, exhibiting, running, and maintenance of the purity of thorough-bred dogs.”
Fifty years ago I made a promise to myself, one I considered so important I actually wrote it down and saved it. It read: “If I stay in dogs, I will never treat people like I have been treated.”
Time flies. I vividly recall my first AKC judging assignment 34 years ago. I awarded my first Best of Breed to the English Springer Spaniel, Ch. Salilyn’s Condor, a young dog at one of his first shows as a special. And I can easily remember the first dogs I showed in the classes when I was eight: an orange roan English setter and a black-blanketed beagle. But when I tried to recall the last time I showed my own dog, I drew a blank. After a quick check through the file cabinet, I realized that, while a few handlers showed some of my dogs in the years between, it had been 21 years since it was just me, my dog, and a Resco.
In the world of purebred dogs, we pride ourselves on precision, planning, and passion. Yet lately, the dog show calendar reads more like a cautionary tale from a business textbook than a roadmap to breed excellence. The hard truth? We are facing a classic economic imbalance: too much inventory, and not enough buyers.
Click here to read the complete article 10 – June, 2025 Click here to read the complete article 10 – June, 2025
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! Will Alexander has an in-depth conversation with Gina Wieser. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
What’s the Point? 20 Questions about Classes and Points
Click here to read the complete article 262 – May, 2025 By Nikki Riggsbee The Harriers are scent hounds that were bred to hunt hare (hence its name) in packs primarily, but can also hunt alone and on other small game. At 19–21”, the Harrier is taller than the Beagle which has a maximum height [...]
As regular readers may have noticed, when writing these historical pieces on our pedigree breeds, I like to intersperse them with some small anecdotes–various stories of my ‘up close and personal’ interactions with the beautiful dogs described.
Click here to read the complete article 242 – May, 2025 Click here to read the complete article 242 – May, 2025
