2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BIS & GROUP JUDGES
2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? It is always very challenging to judge the Miscellaneous Breeds. There are many breeds that we have not seen before. Luckily, if a judge has judged in a lot of FCI shows, we have seen them. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? The show is drastically different from any other show in the country. This is because we have a huge number of dogs com- peting from foreign countries. Two of my Breed winners were class dogs from foreign countries. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring? Always challenging to pick the best from this Group. 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? As most of the exhibitors were very new, a lot of the dogs were shown poorly. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? In this Group, we only pick the winner and no other place- ments. My winner was a Japanese Akitainu bitch. I have seen and judged the breed for years in FCI shows and un- derstand breed type. She was beautifully presented by a top professional handler. 7. 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? I feel it is the best show in the world, because of a huge num- ber of foreign dogs competing. Because of the ban on crop- ping and docking, many great dogs cannot compete at the World Show or Crufts. 8. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? Because of so many shows every weekend, some shows are not going to be able to survive. Many clubs are living on their treasuries. During the week of Orlando, there is only one other set of shows. “The show is drastically different from any other show in the country. This is because we have a huge number of dogs competing from foreign countries.”
4. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? There is certainly an exciting energy as you stand on that red carpet. I had judged 175 Toy Dogs earlier in the day, rushed back to the hotel to change, and then returned in time for my Group. I had no idea which dogs won their Breed until they entered and took their first lap around the ring. This made it a particular pleasure. 5. How challenging was this assignment? The Breed Judges did an excellent job. It was a lovely group of dogs. There were dogs that did not even make my cut I would be thrilled to have at other shows. I was particularly pleased with the eight dogs that made the short list. Other than those that placed, I pulled an American Eskimo Dog, a Chow Chow, a Lhasa Apso, and a Boston Terrier. 6. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? I have been a big fan of the Miniature Poodle. I have given her a few NS Groups and at least one BIS. All of that was nearly a year ago, so it was exciting to judge her again and be just as pleased. She ticks all the right boxes for me in breed type. Her carriage in movement is breathtaking, head up, tail up, with balanced movement and a solid topline. She is great to go over, with a beautiful face. Capably handled and in a spec- tacular trim, she could not be denied. A Schipperke, Bulldog, and Bichon Frise completed my four placements. 7. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental under - taking. Is there anything you’d like to say? Monumental is an understatement. Every year I have judged or attended as a spectator I am amazed at how the Show Com- mittee, AKC employees, and Royal Canin staff make it hap- pen. We certainly get our miles in each day with such a huge venue. I believe I landed horizontal on the couch the day af- ter I returned; worn out, but it certainly was all worthwhile. Looking forward to attending next year!
DESMOND J. MURPHY MISCELLANEOUS CLASS
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Miscellaneous Class at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin? It is always a great honor to judge the AKC National Championship Show.
166 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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