2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR GROUP JUDGES
RITA J. BIDDLE, ESQ. BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR WORKING GROUP JUDGE
6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? Everyone who is a dedicated breeder and exhibits their owner- bred dog believes their dog is one of the best. Now, a judge comes along who must determine an order of superlatives, giv- ing an opinion as to where they stand in the pecking order of top-quality bred-by-exhibitor dogs. This is a serious task, as on any given day they all deserve to win. This show raises the stakes to the max and the challenge is obvious. My selection process is to align all the dogs to their Breed Standard, determine how well each dog appears able to do its designated purpose, then add the obvious plus perfections and apparent sustainability of endur- ance while doing its designated task. 7 Do you have a word or two about your BBE Group winner? About the dogs that placed? Each dog had a challenge to meet its Standard and to what de- gree they were able to do their designated tasks. In my opinion, the BBE Hound Group winner had just that—met the Standard absolutely, fully able to meet its bred for tasks, had exceptional beauty and symmetry, and in all regards was sustainable as en- durance capabilities were obvious. My other placements were all beautiful and correct, and were the results of my personal opinion priorities as to placement of their outstanding qualities. I cannot overlook the dogs that made the cut; on any day, any of them could be in the ribbons. 8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders doing well by the sport and for their breeds? All dogs in my ring appeared healthy, vital, and well cared for by their owners. I observed only the best bred-by in each of the Hound breeds that deserved to be in that ring. My answer is yes. 9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertak - ing. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? I am not able to speak on behalf of the AKC nor the show’s sponsors. The opinions given herein are my personal opinions as a Judge and a Breeder of Merit. I will congratulate both the AKC and its generous sponsors on yet another successful champion- ship show and what I believe will be a continued advancement of the sport of dogs. Thank you, AKC, sponsors, and our breeders. 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? Let’s go! Keep up the good work! I am looking forward to anoth- er year of judging quality dogs. I believe show entries are coming back post-COVID. All dogs start with a breeder. If that’s you, register not only your litters but your individual dogs and make good placements of your puppies. Mentor your placements, as someday they may be in the show ring at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin.
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invita- tion to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Working Group at the AKC National Championship Pre- sented by Royal Canin? I was pleased and honored to be in- vited to judge the BBE Working Group at this year’s AKC
National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. I had judged the BBE Working Group a few years back and thor- oughly enjoyed the assignment, so I knew I would have an- other great experience. 2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? I know how much planning and work AKC put into bring- ing this huge, all-encompassing event to the dog fancy. The ANC is more than Conformation as it also includes all man- ner of Performance and Companion events. AKC firmly be- lieves that it is paramount to offer events and many different ways for folks to have fun with their dogs and demonstrate the strength of the human-canine bond. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? The ANC covers the gamut of ways fanciers can compete with their dogs and is the largest show in North America. There were 5,736 dogs entered in Conformation, and for all events over the two days, the entry was 9,801. Entries came from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 20 coun- tries. Competition was very keen. “AKC firmly believes that it is paramount to offer events and many different ways for folks to have fun with their dogs and demonstrate the strength of the human-canine bond.”
174 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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