2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NOHS GROUP JUDGES
DR. ADAM STAFFORD KING NOHS TERRIER GROUP JUDGE
ment. Her depth of body was lovely and her condition was spectacular. Group Three was a Sealyham Terrier bitch that was also in phenomenal condition. She was feminine and powerful, carried a strong back, and was beautifully proportioned in both head and body. Group Four was a Glen of Imaal Terrier dog of great strength and substance, displaying the antique features desired in the breed. His proportions were perfect, his topline straight and slightly rising, and his gait free and effortless. 8. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs? It has given owner-handlers another venue in which to exhibit their dogs, inspiring more entries at more dog shows. This in- creases the number of dogs the general pub- lic is hopefully exposed to, possibly igniting a passion for a breed they may have other- wise not been introduced to. 9. A show of this magnitude is a monu - mental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? There’s nothing I can say on behalf of the AKC or Royal Canin, I can only thank them for their support of purebred dogs and for putting on a truly tremendous show year after year! 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? Hopefully, good dogs will be rewarded and people will treat each other with kindness. “There isn’t a show that celebrates the purebred dog in its entirety like the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin does!”
1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner-Handled Series Terrier Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
I was thrilled to be invited to judge the NOHS Terrier Group at the AKC Na- tional Championship Presented by Roy- al Canin. As someone who has always been an owner-handler myself, I can appreciate all of the work involved in a campaign. The Terrier Group is lucky to have some of the most dedicated owner- handlers. 2. What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? It was an honor to be asked to judge at this event. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? There isn’t a show that celebrates the purebred dog in its entirety like the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin does! 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Group ring? I was thinking how excited I was to judge that beautiful group of dogs! 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? There was certainly an air of excitement both in the ring and around the ring that day. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? The depth of quality was astounding in many breeds, which made judging that day truly a joy. My goal was to select the dog that most closely matched my idea of the Breed Standard. 7. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Group winner? About the dogs that placed? Group One was a stunning Colored Bull Terrier bitch. She has a beautiful length, turn, and fill of her head (and a good bite!) with tiny triangular eyes and small, well-placed ears. Her arched neck blended into beautiful shoulders. This, combined with her length of upper arm, allowed for her unrestrained, jaunty gait. Her topline showed a gentle muscular curve over the loin into a beautifully set and carried tail. Her bone was strong, but took nothing away from her femi- ninity and she was perfectly sized. For me, she checked all of the boxes. Group Two was a beautiful Scottish Terrier bitch that was so feminine without losing any strength. She had a long, clean head, beautiful outline, and powerful move-
188 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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