Cell Phone Use Inside The Show Ring – The Debate And The Answer

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226 – July, 2026

By Lisa Dubé Forman

The cell phone dilemma. These gadgets have become so woven into our daily routines that some folks can barely function without them–even in the middle of a dog show ring.

Not long ago, an AKC Facebook group post sparked a disagreement about professional handlers and exhibitors using cell phones in the show ring during judging, either to text or answer a call. The topic was a hornet’s nest! Here’s what started it. A spectator observed a handler in the ring waiting to be examined when, reportedly, the handler’s phone rang loudly enough for everyone to hear–and the handler answered it. The original poster called it appalling. Maybe not the best adjective, given that it sounds like an overstatement of their reaction, but clearly they were upset.

Before the comments were shut down, 91 opinions poured in. Some argued that professional handlers need phones in the ring to coordinate assistants or juggle time conflicts, and seeing no harm in it. Others likened answering a call to chatting with someone outside the ring, so they shrugged it off. Some swore that possible kennel emergencies or having kids made phone availability essential. A handful stood their ground, declaring any cell phone use during a dog’s exhibition completely off-limits. I doubt the original poster expected such a whirlwind of differing opinions.

Let’s settle the controversy here and now about whether using a cell phone in the show ring is permissible. Here is an excerpt from Page 9 of the Red Book, aka Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges. This is an AKC policy denoted with the letter [P].

The judge, ring steward, and exhibitors may not initiate or receive any phone calls and/or text messages while in the ring and judging is in progress.

Click here to read the complete article
226 – July, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Jul 23 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.