2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR GROUP JUDGES
KATHLEEN J. FERRIS BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR TERRIER GROUP JUDGE
5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? Yes, I believe there was. Who wouldn’t want to take top honors with the dog they have bred and move on to represent their Group in Best in Show? I felt all the exhibits presented them- selves at their best that night. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? How does one fail when presented with many excellent exhibits? In my mind, I was look- ing for the animal that best exemplified its breed. That needed to be followed up with body condition and muscle tone. The more coated breeds needed to be presented in proper grooming, from flatwork to jackets to furnish- ings. Finally, how they performed and present- ed themselves in the ring. My choices would go to those that best met these criteria. It was one of the most competitive Groups I have judged. 7. Do you have a word or two about your BBE Group winner? About the dogs that placed? My winner, the Wire Fox Terrier, catches the eye the moment you see him. From his ex- pression to his structure, he presented the im- age of his breed type. He was in impeccable condition. His coat work and muscle tone were exactly what a top winner should have. His performance asked for the win. My other placements were excellent, representative of their breeds as well. The Scottie, the Sealy, and the Border met breed-specific body type as well as proper expression and attitudes. They pushed hard for the win, but I could not deny the Wire. 8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders do - ing well by the sport and for their breeds? I do not think I can answer this question based only on this assignment or single show. These are the best of the best of that day. We can hope that they are not the exception and that these breeders are working to keep this level of quality. I think this question is best answered by those who did the Breed assign- ments, where they can see if there is depth of quality among the breeders’ dogs.
1. Can you describe your reac- tion to receiving an invitation to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Terrier Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
I was honored and excited to be asked to participate as a judge at this presti- gious event, but even more so as it was the Bred-By-Exhibitor Group. What is more important to our industry than its breeders, the base on which the sport rests? 2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? This event is unique in this aspect, and I believe many in our sport see it as a large accomplishment to participate and garner a win there. In addition, it draws great entries from many countries, which add additional excitement. To be a part of this is very special and something that is looked forward to with great anticipation. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? I think the scope and scale of the event differentiates it from other traditional all-breed shows. The fact that it also incorporates many of the other perfor- mance events showcases all that the sport offers. The international participa- tion adds another level to the competition. I believe most exhibitors see it as a point of huge pride to accomplish a win here. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the BBE Group ring? I think we all get a little bit of goose bumps just before we start a prestigious assignment. You want to do your best and you are looking forward to finding wonderful quality. You want to have a hard decision to make as that makes it even more fun. You prepare mentally as well so that you will give the exhibi- tors your best, as they deserve no less.
“I believe most exhibitors see it as a point of huge pride to accomplish a win here.”
178 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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