2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP NOHS GROUP JUDGES
7. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Group winner? About the dogs that placed? The NOHS Non-Sporting Group was very competi- tive. I made a cut of about eight dogs and felt that any of them could have been NOHS Group One and NOHS BIS winners at most regular shows. They would also have been very competitive in the standard Non-Sporting Group. 8. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs? I believe the NOHS Group competition provides opportunities for owner-handlers to polish their skills in competition and in the presentation of their dogs. I also believe it provides opportunities for judges new to the Group to polish their skills in judging the Group. 9. A show of this magnitude is a monumental un - dertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? Since I am very active in all-breed and specialty Show Chair roles, I have a little knowledge of the efforts involved in show presentation! I can only imagine the work involved in presenting a show of this size. I extend sincere thanks to AKC and Royal Canine for presenting these events for the fancy. 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? I look forward to another year to compete as a breed- er-owner-handler and to also participate as a judge. “Yes, it was a high energy atmosphere. Many of the handlers had a cheering section and there was much applause when winners were chosen!”
APRIL CLYDE NOHS NON-SPORTING GROUP JUDGE
1. Can you describe your reac- tion to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner- Handled Series Non-Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin? It was an honor to be asked to judge this important compe- tition at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. I started in dogs as a breeder-owner-handler and competed as such for close to 20 years. I was reasonably success-
ful at that level, finishing several Airedale Terriers and winning mul- tiple Group One and National Specialty Awards of Merit. My husband and I continue to show some of our Airedales and French Bulldogs as breeder-owner-handlers, but because we are both AKC judges we do not compete in the NOHS. I have a special fondness for breeder-owner- handlers who show to me. 2. What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all- breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? Again, I was honored to be asked to judge and I felt that it might be a small measure of affirmation that I have some respect in the eyes of the AKC as a judge. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? I believe that owners and exhibitors recognize the number and quality of dogs entered in this event and especially value awards at the AKC National Championship. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Group ring? I was very excited to enter the ring and was looking forward to having the highest entry I had ever had in a few of the breeds that I was judging (Keeshond, Lowchen, Bichon Frise, and Shiba Inu). I knew the quality would be high and was thrilled for the opportunity. 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner- handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? Yes, it was a high energy atmosphere. Many of the handlers had a cheer- ing section and there was much applause when winners were chosen! 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? As expected, I found the handlers to be quite competent. My judging procedure was pretty standard and it was great to be able to showcase highly competitive dogs as I made my final selections.
190 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2024
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