As we know, AKC’s 192nd breed, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen makes its Westminster debut in this year’s Hound Group. All things considered, it’s fair to wonder why it took so long. Its purebred heritage is respectably ancient. Moreover, the compact model, the PBGV–recog- nized way back in 1990–justifiably ranks among AKC’s greatest modern success stories, a fact that has also heightened anticipation for the arrival of the super- sized version.
After the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida on December 15 and 16, the Canine Chronicle asked the Group and Best in Show Judges for their comments. This show is well-known for its recognition of owner-handlers and breeders with its Bred by Exhibitor Best in Show and National Owner-Handled Series finals, as well as its Junior Handler completion. The judges of those events were also asked for their comments.
This month, in honor of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, three icons of the judging community share their unique perspectives and experiences from the first time they judged breeds, to the times they judged groups, and even Best In Show. How did they feel? What were they thinking? What makes it all so memorable? Here are their thoughts and recollections.
Maybe you’ve had an experience like this: I recently walked into a brokerage firm, asking for help with a transaction. I didn’t have an account and wanted to open one in order to sell some stock I hold in certificate form. The receptionist went to talk with a man in a glass-walled office and came back, telling me that they couldn’t help me and to have a nice day. When I asked questions about how best to sell the stock, she suggested calling the transfer agent. I had already done that – they sent me to the brokerage firm. She said sorry – they couldn’t help me. Goodbye.
He knew his craft, which meant recognizing his subject’s faults and knowing how to minimize them on film. He often quoted advice to novices trying to break into the biz; he said a secret was to know every standard by heart and be prepared for endless hours of walking around shows and driving to the next one.
As most of you are aware, “Colton” the Schipperke, who won the Non-Sporting group at Westminster, was removed from competition for the Best In Show judging as a result of a relationship between the co-owners and the judge.
The dreadful pier to pier transit situation was the same as ever, actually worse for a couple hours when one of the elevators conked out.
By Amy Fernandez At the risk of being redundant, I want to reiterate the fact that we are inclined to take the smooth stuff in this sport for granted. For instance, from the get-go, the Pekingese has been a linchpin of purebred competition, dominating the show ring long before it led any BIS onslaught from […]
The Metro Specialties are a wonderful prelude to the crescendo of Westminster.
Anyway, the party kicks off bright and early tomorrow at Piers 92 & 94. Apparently there’s still no onsite parking this year since repairs remain ongoing after Carnival Cruise Lines opted to park one of their ships on Pier 92 last August. We never did get much explanation about how the ship managed to smash into the pier in broad daylight on a perfectly clear, calm day. But the NYC Department of Buildings has reassured us that the pier is no danger of collapse. So, thankfully, Westminster is in no danger of sinking into the Hudson.
