Remembering Kim Griffith

June 29, 1948 – June 4, 2026
The dog show community is saddened by the passing of Kim Griffith, a longtime fancier whose love of purebred dogs touched many lives.

He was admired not only for his knowledge of dogs, but also for his friendship, kindness, and willingness to help others along the way.

Throughout the years, Kim made lasting contributions to the breeds he loved and formed countless friendships within the dog show community. His passion for dogs and the sport will be remembered by all who knew him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Gigi, his family, and his many friends during this difficult time.

The dog show community is heartbroken by the sudden passing of longtime AKC Executive Field Representative, respected breeder, and former professional handler Lynn Meyer.

Lynn dedicated her life to the sport of purebred dogs and was widely admired for her knowledge, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to exhibitors, breeders, handlers, and judges across the country. Throughout her career, she touched countless lives, both inside and outside the show ring, earning the respect and friendship of generations of dog fanciers.

Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the sport she loved so much.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Michael Allway, her mother, Cindy Meyer, and all of Lynn’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Lynn will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ladies Dog Club has cancelled the remainder of Saturday, May 30, 2026 Due To Unsafe Conditions.

As the international dog community prepares for the highly anticipated World Dog Show 2026, controversy surrounding leadership within Italy’s canine establishment has cast an unexpected shadow over the event.

Italian authorities have confirmed an investigation involving animal rights advocate and Italian lawmaker Michela Vittoria Brambilla and Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana President Dino Muto in connection with allegations of false invoicing and suspected tax-related offenses totaling approximately €1.5 million. Italian media outlets report that the investigation centers around sponsorship arrangements connected to Brambilla’s television program, Dalla Parte degli Animali (“On the Side of Animals”).

According to reports from Italian prosecutors in Milan, investigators are examining financial transactions dating from 2020 through 2026 involving sponsorship funds allegedly provided by ENCI to support the television production. Authorities allege that invoices tied to the sponsorship arrangement may have been inflated or improperly structured, with investigators claiming that a significant portion of the funds ultimately benefited Brambilla personally as compensation related to her role as the program’s host.

Italian financial police reportedly conducted searches at ENCI headquarters as well as several television production companies connected to the program. Multiple Italian news organizations stated that the investigation followed earlier reporting by the investigative television program Report, which had previously questioned the relationship between the television production and ENCI sponsorship funds.

Representatives for Brambilla have strongly denied wrongdoing. In statements published by Italian media, her legal team stated that her compensation as host of the program was governed by regular contractual agreements and that sponsorship and product placement arrangements are common practices within Italian television production. ENCI sponsorship, according to the response, provided extensive promotional visibility for purebred dogs and canine culture through the broadcast.

At the time of publication, no formal convictions or findings of guilt have been issued against any parties involved. The investigation remains ongoing.

For the international dog fancy, the timing is especially significant. ENCI serves as Italy’s national kennel organization and is the host organization for the upcoming World Dog Show in Bologna. The World Dog Show is one of the largest and most prestigious canine events in the world, drawing exhibitors, breeders, judges, handlers, and spectators from dozens of countries each year.

While there has been no indication that the event itself is in jeopardy, the news has generated considerable discussion throughout the global dog community. Questions regarding governance, transparency, sponsorship oversight, and public perception inevitably arise whenever high-profile investigations involve leadership figures tied to major international canine organizations.

The situation also places additional attention on the relationship between animal advocacy, media influence, and organized canine institutions in Italy. Brambilla has long been a visible public figure in Italian animal welfare initiatives and media programming, while ENCI remains one of Europe’s most influential kennel organizations.

As preparations continue for the World Dog Show, many within the sport will undoubtedly be watching developments closely. For now, the focus remains on the legal process unfolding in Italy and whether the controversy will have any broader impact on the international canine community or the presentation of one of the sport’s marquee global events.

The dog show community mourns the passing of longtime respected German Shepherd breeder, Frank Fasano. Frank was a dedicated member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, an AKC Judge, and a passionate advocate for the German Shepherd Dog breed for many decades. Alongside his wife Kris, he was well known for his commitment to the sport and the breed he loved.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Kris, his family, and his many friends during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by the entire dog community.

Best in Stakes will be judged on Friday, December 11^th, by an elite panel of three judges: Dr. Thomas M. Davies, Mr. David J. Kirkland and Mr. Daniel J. Smyth, Esq.

Breed and Group judges at the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes are:

SPORTING – Eileen Hackett

HOUND – Patricia Anne Keenan

WORKING – Channing Sheets

TERRIER – Phillip Booth

TOY – Nancy Martin

NON-SPORTING – Tammie Sommerson-Wilcox

HERDING – Bryan Martin

*Panel subject to final approval.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) today announced the judging panel for the 26th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, to be held December 12–13, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Club also released the judging panel for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes will be announced at a later date.

The 2026 event will showcase top canine athletes from across the country and feature popular competitions, including Best Bred-by-Exhibitor. The championship will again be held alongside the AKC Agility Invitational, Obedience Classic, and AKC RACH Invitational. Junior competitions in Conformation, Agility, Obedience, and Rally will also be offered, along with the North America Diving Dogs (NADD) Santa Splash.

Dr. Thomas M. Davies of Brimfield, Massachusetts, will serve as Best in Show judge. Mr. David J. Kirkland of Sanford, North Carolina, will judge Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show.

“The AKC National Championship continues to bring together the best of the best—exceptional canine athletes, exhibitors, and judges,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and Show Chair. “We are honored to have AKC Chairman Dr. Thomas Davies and Mr. David Kirkland leading the 26th show. It promises to be an exciting and highly competitive event.”

Judges for the seven variety groups and the Miscellaneous Classes at the AKC National Championship are:

SPORTING – Frank Kane

HOUND – Dennis Sprung

WORKING – Robin Stansell

TERRIER – Kathleen Ferris

TOY – David Fitzpatrick

NON-SPORTING – Grace Fritz

HERDING – James Frederiksen

MISCELLANEOUS CLASS – Frank Kane

BEST JUNIOR HANDLER – Mary Dukes

JUNIOR PRELIMS – Adam Peterson and Caroline Clegg

Judges for the seven Bred-by-Exhibitor variety groups are:

SPORTING – Debbie Campbell-Freeman

HOUND – Jon Cole

WORKING – Dr. Steven Keating

TERRIER – Dr. Valeria Rickard

TOY – Angela Pickett

NON-SPORTING – Harold “Red” Tatro III

HERDING – Linda Clark

The AKC NOHS Finals will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida as a part of the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026.

Best in Show for the NOHS Finals will be judged by Mr. Daniel J. Smyth, Esq. of Bermuda Dunes, CA on Sunday evening.

Judges for the seven variety groups at the AKC NOHS Finals are:

SPORTING BREEDS AND GROUP: Sharon Ann Redmer

HOUND BREEDS AND GROUP: Bryan Martin

WORKING BREEDS AND GROUP: Chris Ann Moore

TERRIER BREEDS AND GROUP: Todd Clyde

TOY BREEDS AND GROUP: Debra Ferguson-Jones

NON-SPORTING BREEDS AND GROUP: Todd Clyde

HERDING BREEDS AND GROUP: Sharon Ann Redmer

BREED JUDGING FOR THE AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP:

SPORTING GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

David Kittredge – Barbet, Spaniel (Cocker – all varieties), Spaniel (English Cocker), Spaniel (Field).
Jamie Hubbard – Bracco Italiano, Lagotto Romagnolo, Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Spaniel (American Water), Spaniel (Clumber).
Corinne Miklos – Brittany, Pointer (German Wirehaired), Retriever (Curly-Coated), Weimaraner, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
Jon Cole – Pointer, Pointer (German Shorthaired), Retriever (Chesapeake Bay), Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling).
Rosalind Kramer – Retriever (Flat-Coated), Setter (English), Setter (Irish).
Paula Nykiel – Retriever (Golden), Spinone Italiano, Wirehaired Vizsla.
Carl Gene Liepmann – Retriever (Labrador).
Linda Clark – Setter (Gordon), Setter (Irish Red & White), Spaniel (Boykin), Spaniel (English Springer), Spaniel (Irish Water).
Ann Ingram – Spaniel (Sussex), Spaniel (Welsh Springer).
Phoebe Jordan Booth – Vizsla.

HOUND GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

Patricia Clark – Afghan Hound, Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound.
Pamela Lambie – American English Coonhound, American Foxhound, Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Black and Tan Coonhound, English Foxhound, Harrier, Otterhound, Pharaoh Hound, Plott Hound, Redbone Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Dr. Steven Keating – Azawakh, Bluetick Coonhound.
Rosalind Kramer – Basenji, Bloodhound, Cirneco dell’Etna, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.
Ryan Horvath – Basset Hound, Dachshund (all varieties), Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
Harold “Red” Tatro III – Beagle (both varieties), Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Mary Dukes – Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Borzoi, Saluki, Sloughi.

Phoebe Jordan Booth – Whippet.

WORKING GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

Dr. Joyce Dandridge – Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Great Dane, Kuvasz.
Paula Nykiel – Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Black Russian Terrier, Boerboel, Boxer, Chinook, Danish-Swedish Farmdog, German Pinscher.
Pamela Lambie – Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff.
Jon Cole – Cane Corso, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Komondor, Neapolitan Mastiff.
Carolyn Herbel – Doberman Pinscher, Portuguese Water Dog, Rottweiler, St. Bernard, Standard Schnauzer.
Ann Ingram – Giant Schnauzer, Great Pyrenees, Leonberger.
Debbie Campbell-Freeman – Newfoundland.
Clay Coady – Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Tibetan Mastiff.

TERRIER GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

April Clyde – Airedale Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Cesky Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Irish Terrier, Lakeland Terrier, Rat Terrier, Welsh Terrier.
Jamie Hubbard – American Staffordshire Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Russell Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Richard Powell – Australian Terrier, Fox Terrier (Smooth), Fox Terrier (Wire), Kerry Blue Terrier, Standard Manchester Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Kathi Brown – Bedlington Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, West Highland White Terrier.
Debbie Campbell-Freeman – Border Terrier, Bull Terrier (both varieties), Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer.
Ann Ingram – Norfolk Terrier.
Desmond Murphy – Norwich Terrier, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.

TOY GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

Patricia Proctor – Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Japanese Chin, Papillon.
Dr. Valeria Rickard – Biewer Terrier, English Toy Spaniel (all varieties), Russian Toy, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, Silky Terrier.
Richard Powell – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Toy Manchester Terrier.
Joe Walton – Chihuahua (both varieties), Shih Tzu.
Margaret Reed – Chinese Crested, Italian Greyhound, Toy Fox Terrier.
George Milutinovich – Havanese, Miniature Pinscher, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier.
Clay Coady – Pekingese, Poodle (Toy).
Fred Bassett – Pomeranian.

NON-SPORTING GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

Angela Pickett – American Eskimo Dog, Coton de Tulear, Finnish Spitz, Lhasa Apso, Löwchen, Norwegian Lundehund, Shiba Inu, Tibetan Spaniel.
Fred Bassett – Bichon Frise, Schipperke, Xoloitzcuintli.
Debbie Campbell-Freeman – Boston Terrier, Chinese Shar Pei, Chow Chow, Keeshond, Tibetan Terrier.
Phoebe Jordan Booth – Bulldog.
Frank Kane – Dalmatian, French Bulldog.
Clay Coady – Poodle (Miniature & Standard).

HERDING GROUP – BREED ASSIGNMENTS

Amy Gau – Australian Cattle Dog, Bergamasco, Border Collie, Lancashire Heeler, Norwegian Buhund.
Susan Landry-Whiticar – Australian Shepherd.
Frank Kane – Bearded Collie, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Spanish Water Dog.
Debbie Melgreen – Beauceron, Berger Picard, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Finnish Lapphund, Icelandic Sheepdog, Miniature American Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Swedish Vallhund.
Fred Bassett – Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren.
Clay Coady – Bouvier des Flandres, German Shepherd Dog.
Thomas Coen – Briard, Canaan Dog, Collie (both varieties), Mudi, Puli, Pumi.
Ann Ingram – Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Jon Cole – Old English Sheepdog, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Pyrenean Shepherd.

*Panel subject to final approval.

About Best in Show judge Dr. Thomas Davies: Dr. Thomas M. Davies, of Brimfield, Massachusetts, became heavily involved in the world of purebred dogs after his college graduation. He is currently serving as Chairman of the AKC’s Board of Directors since 2020 and has served on AKC’s Board of Directors for many years, having held the position of Vice Chairman from 2009 -2012 and again from 2017- March 2019. He has served on numerous AKC related boards and committees, including the Chairman’s Committee on the Judging Approval Process, Public Relations Committee, the Events and Clubs Committee and the Breeders Committee.

Dr. Davies became president of the Bearded Collie Club of America and oversaw its acceptance into the AKC Stud Book. He is an honorary lifetime member of that club and is the author of the Bearded Collie standard. Dr. Davies has been extensively involved with Old English Sheepdogs, Bearded Collies, Siberian Huskies, Belgian Sheepdogs and Tervuren, Beagles and Xoloitzcuintli.

He and his wife, Roberta, have bred and finished numerous champions in many of their breeds. Dr. Davies judges Best in Show, Junior Showmanship, the Herding Group and 11 Working breeds. He has served as president and show chairman of the Springfield Kennel Club and has been the club’s AKC Delegate for more than 50 years. He is the longtime show chair for the Springfield Kennel Club and previously for the country’s first working group club, the Connecticut River Working Group Association, for which he is vice-president. Dr. Davies is retired after more than 30 years in various areas of scientific research, and product and market development.

About Best Bred-By-Exhibitor judge Mr. David Kirkland: David J. Kirkland of Sanford, NC attended his first dog show in 1973. Starting in Obedience, Mr. Kirkland thereafter acquired his first show dog, a Miniature Schnauzer. He has bred, owned and handled many to championship titles including Group and National Specialty winners. In 1994, Mr. Kirkland acquired his first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. His love affair with the breed continues to the present. Mr. Kirkland has also owned and bred multiple champions in Japanese Chin and Tibetan Spaniels.

From The York County Kennel Club of Maine Board of Directors

Due to extenuating circumstances, the York County Kennel Club has made the difficult decision to cancel our May 16-17, 2026 shows.

This was not a decision we entered into lightly and we know how much you were looking forward to the show.

We appreciate the continued support the dog show community has shown us.

Exhibitors, vendors, and suppliers will be contacted to arrange refunds where necessary.

At this time, we are looking ahead to 2027 and hope to see you at our future events.

The Norwegian Lundehund, the only dog bred to hunt puffins, is truly one-of-a-kind. With six fully functional toes, a neck that can bend back to touch its spine, ears that fold shut to keep water out, and ultra-flexible shoulders that allow the forelegs to extend perpendicular to the body, this medium- to high-energy breed is as extraordinary as it is rare. Though scarce in the United States, breeds like the Norwegian Lundehund have centuries of history, serving a variety of purposes such as herding, hunting, and carting.

“Rare breeds are living treasures,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “By shining a spotlight on these extraordinary breeds, we hope to educate the public and inspire responsible ownership. Choosing a rare breed is more than gaining a unique companion, it’s helping preserve a living piece of history. Every dog deserves a great home, and knowledge empowers owners to make the right choice for their lifestyle. Choosing to work with a responsible breeder to bring home one of these rare breeds is not just a personal joy, it helps ensure these remarkable dogs continue to thrive for generations to come.”

The 2025 rarest breeds in the United States are:

For more information, visit www.akc.org.