2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BIS & GROUP JUDGES
“You can do it all there: determine future breeding stock, connect with breeders from all over the world, attend seminars, watch the best of the best in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, and Dock Diving. There is something for everyone.”
VICKI SEILER-CUSHMAN WORKING GROUP
the breed, very worthy of this great Group win… definitely a head turner! 8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental under - taking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? Once again, the American Kennel Club, Royal Canin, and anyone else involved were superior in the planning, prepara- tion, and execution of this event, from Harry & John Miller’s Men in Orange Crew, who are so helpful, to all the exhibi- tors, to the Vendors with anything and everything you could want for your dog, to the Superintendents for the scheduling and running of the rings, to the Stewards who keep the rings running on time and assisting the Judges, the AKC Field Staff and employees overseeing, as well as anyone I’m sure to have forgotten… it takes more than a village for this event and I appreciate all your hard work, believe me! 9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs? This show is televised live by AKCtv live streaming and was also shown on ABC on New Year’s Eve. This gives the general public a look at the many AKC breeds and at the same time providing education about the dedicated breeders who are striving to produce healthy dogs that will be part of a family for a long time, and the importance of the reliability of what your puppy will grow up to be when acquired from a dedicat- ed breeder. Also, the event can introduce the public to some of the many Performance events in which dogs can participate. As a result of seeing the many breeds of dogs on the televised show, they may see a dog they like, learn to do research and speak to breeders, and they may add a dog to their family or they could decide they want to show their dog or get involved in Performance with their family pet. 10. Now that it’s over, what are our thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? Just hope that everyone keeps up the tremendous job to bring this fabulous event to our great sport with these shows that are fun for all involved with purebred dogs. In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank the Royal Canin family (unfortunately, I can’t list all your names but you know who you are!), and Mr. Dennis Sprung and Mr. Michael Canalizo of the American Kennel Club and Mr. Ja- son Taylor of Royal Canin for striving to make each year of the AKC/Royal Canin event even better. Huge thanks and appreciation to everyone for this spectacular event!
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Working Group at the AKC National Cham- pionship Presented by Royal Canin? When I received the invita- tion to judge the Working Group at the AKC Nation- al Championship, I read it twice to be sure, then such
a feeling of excitement and gratitude. It was so exciting, but, of course, I could not share it with anyone—except I did tell my husband and swore him to complete secrecy, and his re- sponse was: “Who would I tell?” 2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? I have thought about this and the importance of the Ameri- can Kennel Club hosting a dog show of such caliber and sig- nificance. The number of attendees, the specialties, and the exhibitors who work all year to attend this final event of the year, it is extremely important to them. So, judging is an enor- mous responsibility. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? It is the largest event and exhibitors love it. You can do it all there: determine future breeding stock, connect with breeders from all over the world, attend seminars, watch the best of the best in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, and Dock Diving. There is something for everyone. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring? How in the world am I going to narrow it down to just four dogs! 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? I really was concentrating so much, I did not tune in to any- thing except the exquisite dogs in front of me.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024 | 161
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