Charles Olvis HERDING GROUP Placements: Group One: GCHP Lk Michigan I’m Yours (Australian Shepherd) Group Two: GCHG Gem-N-I River Of Urloved CGC (German Shepherd Dog) Group Three: GCHP2 Syringa – Akadia The Corsair (Shetland Sheepdog) Group Four: GCHG Trifecta Fantasia CGC TKA (Pembroke Welsh Corgi) 1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Herding Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin? First, it is an honor to receive an invitation to judge any show. Judging the Herding Group at the AKC/Royal Canin show, however, was a dream come true for me—to be selected to judge the Group at one of the most prestigious shows anywhere. 2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club? Of course, judging the Herding Group at the AKC/Royal Canin show was exciting, especially considering the quality of the exhibits in every breed that was sent to the Group for me to consider. It was an honor, as stated before, and a privilege to judge such a prestigious show. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? To say this event differs from other AKC shows is an understatement, due not only to the sheer magnitude of the event but also to the over- whelming preparation that goes into presenting the best dogs in con- formation as well as acknowledging many other competitions offered by the AKC—in one place at one time. Any show chairman respon- sible for an AKC event knows the difficulties that must be overcome in preparation for their show, but increase the entry to 8,000-plus and try to imagine how exhausting a task it is to organize the AKC/Royal Canin event. The hours and hours and months of preparation are evi- dent everywhere at this fabulous venue and incomparable show. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Herding Group ring? Prior to stepping into the ring, I was both excited and nervous. Know- ing the event was being aired live, of course, I wanted to remember the camera crew’s instructions and not make any mistakes in the procedure for filming. However, once in the ring, I was able to just enjoy the mo- ment and the fabulous entry before me to judge. 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and han- dler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? The excitement at the AKC/Royal Canin show is evident all weekend, with the best of the best battling it out in every ring… to proceed from the Breed to the Group level. You can feel the energy everywhere; at ev- ery ring, from the dogs to the handlers of the dogs, and especially from the fans who lined the rings. It’s magical. The fans were unbelievable in their enthusiasm for their favorites.
6.
How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
It’s always challenging to judge a Group at any show, but at this dog show the quality of the competition is unbe- lievable. You have the “best of the best” in front of you, all wanting an informed opinion and hoping for a place- ment at this prestigious entry; they all want to win the Group at the last AKC show of the year. Many are trying to maintain or gain that #1 spot in their Breed or Group, and there’s a lot on the line. A win here means a great deal to everyone. So, your great choices are there “for the pick- in’.”There’s surely more than enough deserving quality to choose from. The majority of dogs before you at this show could easily win the Group at many other shows. Unfor- tunately, there are only four ribbons to award. 7. Do you have a word or two about your Group win- ner? About the dogs that placed? Here are my placements from this wonderful Group: 4th Place –This particular award went to a very balanced Pembroke Welsh Corgi bitch. In addition to her length and low set—correct for the breed—she has a very foxy expression with proper ear placement; and her movement completed the picture… a beautiful Pembroke bitch. 3rd Place – This lovely Shetland Sheepdog is the correct size, was shown in wonderful condition, and carried a properly textured coat; beautiful headpiece with correct ear set and carriage; with beautiful underjaw, skull and muzzle of equal length, and parallel as called for in the standard; and moves with ease correctly for the breed. 2nd Place –This German Shepherd Dog is strong and ag- ile, well-balanced with a beautiful, masculine head, well- suited to his body, decidedly masculine but not overdone, and a lovely eye and expression. He was shown in excel- lent condition, appeared as if he could easily work all day, and exhibited good foot timing and placement; a very sound and balanced working dog.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2022 | 179
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