2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: BRED-BY-EXHIBITOR GROUP JUDGES
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? There are many devoted breeders in the U.S. and around the world. As long as the fancy has these dedicated people, purebred dogs will continue to thrive. 9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumen - tal undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? It takes a vast army of people starting two years earlier to organize and bring the AKC event to its yearly conclusion. Royal Canin sponsor- ship is much appreciated in the dog world. The facility is great and people can wander around looking at Conformation or Performance events as well as the vendor booths. All in all, it is a memorable weekend. 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? The AKC crew will try to make it bigger and bet- ter for 2024. “There are many devoted breeders in the U.S. and around the world. As long as the fancy has these dedicated people, purebred dogs will continue to thrive.”
JON R. COLE HERDING GROUP JUDGE
1. Can you describe your reac- tion to receiving an invitation to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Herding Group at the AKC Na- tional Championship Presented by Royal Canin? It is always a pleasure to be asked to judge at the AKC National Cham- pionship. I have been fortunate to judge this event many times since it began. 2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? As I indicated in question 1, it is al- ways a pleasure.
3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? The show is bigger, well run, and draws many high-quality entries. While most all-breed shows throughout the year have good quality entries, they have smaller numbers. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the BBE Group ring? My thoughts just before the start of the Bred-by-Exhibitor Group were, “Let’s get them into the ring and see what the Breed Judges had sent.” 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? People who enter this event try to bring good examples of their breed. They know there is going to be a high level of competition present. A win here is a real feather in the hat. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? The assignment was no more challenging than any other. It is just a matter of focusing on the animals present and arriving at the four Group placements. 7. Do you have a word or two about your BBE Group winner? About the dogs that placed? The Bred-by-Exhibitor Group was very well represented by quality entries. The Breed Judges did a great job of sending fine examples to this Group. After examining and moving each animal, I was able to pick my top four winners. The Norwegian Buhund was Group 1, Australian Shepherd was Group 2, Finnish Lapphund was Group 3, and the Old English Sheepdog was Group 4. The Buhund was a lovely dog who represented that breed’s Standard well. In fact, later that night, this dog placed second in the regu- lar Herding Group.
180 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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