AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2023 NOHS GROUP JUDGES
ALESSANDRA R. FOLZ NOHS SPORTING GROUP JUDGE
enough ribbons to fairly honor the quality of dogs that would be in the ring, but that is when it’s es- pecially fun to sort out! 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handled teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? Absolutely! I think that, sometimes, in the day- to-day of judging and exhibiting, we forget how exciting it can be just to participate in a dog show. These handlers showed their dogs all year for the privilege of showing their dog at the AKC NOHS Finals. It was overwhelming to spend the day judg- ing dogs whose handlers where genuinely thrilled just to be there. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? Goodness, I don’t think I’ve had a more difficult assignment. I have had the opportunity over the years to see or learn about many of the great- est Sporting dogs. So, after working through the Breed Standards and pulling out the very best of the representatives, I was left with a cut of dogs that were basically all equally excellent. And then, for me, is the best part—which one of these dogs stacks up against the history of its breed? 7. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Group winner? About the dogs that placed? It was a thrilling group of dogs. My winner was a fabulous Irish Setter dog. He had all of the hall- marks I look for in an Irish Setter: excellent pro- portions, lovely brick-on-brick head, and a topline you could eat dinner off of. He moved with beauti- ful balance and lovely reach of neck. And he was in amazing condition.
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner-Han- dled Series Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
Well, in fairness, when the email came into my inbox, I was sure I was in some kind of trouble. But to find an invitation to judge at the American Kennel Club’s show was absolutely thrilling! I was completely floored and incredibly humbled by the faith they put in me. 2. What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? Frankly, it is an insane feeling! There is no bigger show. There is no big- ger stage for people to bring their absolute best dogs in the absolute best condition at the peak of their performance. It was such an adventure and a profound honor. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? This show definitely brings together incredible dogs, breeders, and owners, but it also brings together the fanciers from around the world who aren’t necessarily showing a dog. There is time to visit with people who work at the AKC offices, people who create our periodicals, members of the Board of Directors, and our AKC Delegates. It truly is a meeting of the greatest minds in our sport. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Group ring? I was so excited and a little dejected. I knew that there weren’t going to be
184 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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