THIS SHOW IS DEFINITELY FOR EVERYONE, BUT THE BREEDERS ARE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT—THEY ARE THE BACKBONE OF THIS GREAT SPORT. THE AKC DOES EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO RECOGNIZE THE BREEDERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION OF HARD WORK AND FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THEIR SPECIFIC BREEDS AS WELL AS TO THIS SPORT, THE WORLD OF PUREBRED DOGS, AND DOGS IN GENERAL, AND TO THE PRESERVATION OF DOGS AS PART OF OUR LIVES.
9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs? This show is definitely for everyone, but the breeders are espe- cially important—they are the backbone of this great sport. The AKC does everything in its power to recognize the breeders for their contribution of hard work and for their dedication to their specific breeds as well as to this sport, the world of purebred dogs, and dogs in general, and to the preservation of dogs as part of our lives. 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead? The AKC/Royal Canin show was fabulous, as always. With the world we live in today, there are many obstacles to overcome to put on any show. This one “takes the cake,” a herculean effort and a phenomenal job by all concerned. I believe that next year will again present a lot of roadblocks to maneuver. (I think the COVID situation may be with us for some time.) The clubs and the AKCmust continue to work together to get around some of these difficulties before us—for our great sport that promotes purebred dogs throughout our country and around the world. It is not an easy task, but with all the great dog people in this sport we will survive current crises as we have many times before. We are all working toward the same goal; to keep our sport existing for years and years to come. The world of purebred dogs is great for families, a sport for all to participate and enjoy. Thank you all for your hard work!
1st Place – The Australian Shepherd, my Group winner, gives every impression of a true working dog fit to do his job all day. A clean-cut, strong head with parallel topskull and pleasing ex- pression is one thing about this dog that immediately caught my eye. He has an exceptionally wonderful front assembly with forechest, giving him legs set well under, which contributes to his freedom of movement—balanced and easy on the go while holding a strong topline. He was presented with a glorious, clear, and rich-colored coat in excellent condition; a beautiful animal worthy of this placement in a superb lineup of Herding dogs. I must add that the Herding Group was extremely strong overall and one of the very best I’ve had the privilege to judge over the years. All of the breeders, exhibitors, and handlers of these out- standing dogs should be very proud of a job well done with the quality of the exhibits. It was truly an honor to judge this great group of dogs. 8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental under- taking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors? What a great undertaking by all involved, especially the Ameri- can Kennel Club, Royal Canin, the superintendents, stewards, breeders, exhibitors, handlers, cleanup crew, parking and inside attendants, and the Men in Orange of Harry Miller’s crew— and the camera and TV crews. I apologize if I’ve failed to men- tion anyone else; I’m sure that I left someone out, but everyone involved did a fabulous job.
180 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2022
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