2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BIS & GROUP JUDGES
streamed daily. Events of the week such as the hours of Agility are streamed daily and then ESPN came in on the last day to cover the finals for future public viewing. I believe, around the world, the 3-hour ABC program that was broadcast on December 31 was viewed by dog fanciers and the general public alike. Every dog in every Group had a brief discus- sion about the breed. I can’t imagine a better opportunity to engage and delight our public. 5. Now that it’s over, what are our thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? My sincere thanks to the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin. It was an honor to judge the Sporting Group. CHARLE S L. OLVIS HOUND GROUP
I say this with a sincere thank you to the organizers for all your hard work… it is appreciated by me as well as everyone else in the sport of dogs. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the ring? Excitement, of course… and the fear of making a mistake in the procedure outlined for televising the event. But in the end, any jitters that I felt were dissolved in the excitement of seeing all the great dogs sent to me by the Breed Judges. They did not disappoint, that’s for sure. And a sincere thank you to all the judges for the wonderful job you did earlier in the day to send all those great dogs into my ring… the best of the best! 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? Definitely, the excitement and energy from the dogs and han- dlers was palpable, but also the crowd was very vocal for all the dogs in the Group. The spectators’ cheers and their sup- port were definitely heard. Good job by all for supporting your favorites in the ring! 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? It is definitely a challenge to have a ring full of dogs so deserv- ing of Group wins or placements, but UNFORTUNATELY there are only four ribbons to award, and the challenge is having to leave out of the ribbons some dogs that you have truly loved. 7. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed? The Group 4 placement was awarded to the American Fox- hound, with correct size, lovely head and breed type, with correct topline… a very nice overall dog, very worthy of a placement in this excellent Group. Placement No. 3 was a beautiful 13” Beagle, with lovely breed type, head and body correct according to the Breed Standard, who held the shape whether standing or mov- ing… very nice and easy on the go… again, deserving of the Group Placement. Placement No. 2 went to the Treeing Walker Coonhound with great breed type and outstanding athletic movement, with a physique complementing its ability to be a hunting hound… in beautiful overall condition… what a mover! And the Group winner, the Afghan Hound… I know no Breed Standard that has the word “beautiful” in it, but I must tell you, this animal IS beautiful. In all aspects, an aristo- crat! This dog’s whole appearance was one of dignity without any coarseness. When she moved, it took my breath away, going around the ring truly as an Afghan Hound is supposed to move. For me, the whole package… a great specimen of
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Hound Group at the AKC National Champion- ship presented by Royal Canin? With all the great judges in this country, as well as the foreign judges, what a great honor to be asked to judge
the Group at such a prestigious show… words cannot explain how much it means to be asked to judge the great AKC Na- tional Championship presented by Royal Canin. 2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all- breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? The American Kennel Club is the epitome of all the all-breed clubs in the world, and to be asked to judge the Group at the AKC/Royal Canin show is an honor that lasts with you for a lifetime, I believe. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? This is the show of shows… the tremendous amount of time put into planning this event by the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin is evident in every aspect of the show’s spectacular attention to detail for the exhibitors, breeders, vendors, and professional handlers of Conformation and Per- formance events… top-notch everywhere, no expense spared to make this show memorable for everyone. If you’ve never or- ganized a dog show, you have no idea of the time and energy it takes to organize a show, and then consider that this is the largest show in the United States. It’s difficult to imagine the work that goes into planning and executing this event.
160 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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