Here’s my premise: Judges’ Ed has greater importance in rare breeds than it does in other breeds. I’m not saying it isn’t always important, or that more popular breeds matter less, or that the presentations shouldn’t always be high quality and presented in a useful and unbiased way.
Are you ready for this week’s #ThrowbackThursday? Who do you recognize in this week’s Throwback Thursday? Check back on Monday for the correct answer! Don’t forget! Do you have a fun photo that you would like to share for #ThrowbackThursday? Email Liz at showresults@caninechronicle.com with your photos!
Since its founding, AKC has enacted an impressive collection of rules and guidelines. They’re never in short supply. The problem is trying to read them and hopefully apply the appropriate reasoning to any given situation. And that is truly a nightmare, mainly because, like every legal code, many sections of the AKC rules are vague, others are contradictory, and more frequently than anyone cares to admit it becomes very hard to decide whether something is permitted or prohibited. Formal regulations are designed to inform, educate, and rein in chaos. So, yes, the current system needs a bit of sprucing up.
Whenever a major canine event is assigned to the ENCI (Italian Kennel Club), three things are guaranteed: amazing atmosphere, fabulous food, and organized chaos. However, the 2026 World Dog Show in Bologna was a well-run, professional affair with just a touch of Italian drama to add to the flavour. Parking, the layout of the rings, communication between exhibitors, and the Best In Show ring were indeed very much up to the standards. This world show, along with the 2024 edition in Zagreb, was by far the most atmospheric of the past 20 years.
If you haven’t read Wayne Cavanaugh’s proposal to revamp the statistics system that appeared in the last issue, and the promised follow-up in this issue, do so now. Wayne’s articles are always the first I read, and this Part 1 did not disappoint. It’s based on excellent research and innovative ideas–enough so that I called my friends and excitedly repeated his proposal. Sheer genius! Except…wait a minute. Would my club survive it? Now we’re getting personal…
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, issued the following statement in response to the Food and Drug Administration’s announcement authorizing four flavored on! nicotine pouches from Helix Innovations. The authorization applies to products in Rich Berry, Cappuccino and Autumn Spice flavors. “The American Heart Association is […]
Those words may sound simple, but within the dog fancy they carry a weight many of us understand all too well.
The show ring is a fashion runway today: women in their trusty two-piece skirt suits, men in suits or sharp blazers, and many women wearing flat (!) shoes. Yet beyond personal style, the fundamental challenge is assembling a wardrobe that meets both the functional demands and modern trends of the dog show environment–the operative word being “functional.” Tracking down that magical, pocket-equipped outfit that nails every dog show style requirement is a true quest. Flipping through magazines, scrolling endlessly online, or treasure-hunting in thrift shops, and on consignment apps are also favorite ways to score hidden gems– sites such as ThredUp, Poshmark, and eBay come to mind. After more than forty years, believe me, I’ve explored every avenue. For those just starting out or looking to expand their show wardrobe, I’ve included some of my favorite tried-and-true sources on these pages. With a little patience, you can build a wardrobe to suit any show ring.
What education does your parent club offer? Chances are, they have an active Judges’ Education Committee. That’s the committee everyone wants to be on, because it’s the one that wields power when it comes to influencing future judges. But judges aren’t the only ones seeking information. What does your club offer for prospective and new owners, or even breeders?
When I began to write “A New Ranking System” (Part One) for last month’s Canine Chronicle, I had no delusions of it being the answer to all the sport’s issues. Instead, I hoped the idea could start conversations about easing the pace of “the race” and more. I was pleasantly surprised.
