Looking Back With Lee – Where Are The Crowds?

By Lee Canalizo

Having just come off a wonderful show weekend in Orlando, I have many questions swirling in my mind.

The AKC/Royal Canin event was stupendous! Fun, great dogs, so many friends, good and interesting judges, and many food vendors in convenient spots. There was dock diving for the dogs, agility, seminars, conformation judging and the ever so interesting and worthwhile… Meet the Breeds! This is a valuable endeavor, from my point of view. The ‘MTB’ area was always crowded each time I ventured in to check it out! It is so important for spectators to see and visit with so many varied examples of our wonderful AKC purebred dogs.

This show had vendors filling every need for everyone with items ranging from doggie bakery goods to equipment to various nutritional products to beautiful artwork. This doggy mall was also well-received. Most vendors seemed quite satisfied with their sales over the weekend.

The AKC National Championship really do have everything to see for dog show “Old-timers” and new spectators, alike.

The breed judging was interesting as there were top quality exhibits in just about every breed. I don’t think there is any other venue that provides rings as massive as the ones in Orlando. It’s important to those with a big moving breed to have the footprint to strut your stuff! So says I, having had Afghan Hounds, Salukis and German Shepherd Dogs! The groups were very exciting, filled with the cream of the crop from so many breeds; greatness was brimming over in every one. Best In Show was, naturally, wonderful, with everyone pulling for their favorite! Such excite- ment, so much cheering, and crowds everywhere!

Therein lies the conundrum! Where are these people and crowds – albeit, not as vast as those at the “Big Show”– at the many weekly shows all over the country?

What are we doing wrong? What do we need to do to fix this problem? Do we need more timely publicity, better show grounds, better judges, bigger prizes, and more friendly club members, judges and exhibitors?

I believe that one of the more serious problems is the lack of new blood to join the clubs. We need fresh ideas, more physical help, and younger people with much to offer!

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=158662

Posted by Alex on Mar 6 2019. 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.