Interview with Judge Roger Hartinger BY JOE MCGINNIS
“IT WAS ENJOYABLE FOR ALL OF US TO SELECT FROM THIS GREAT LINEUP OF YOUNG DOGS THAT ARE THE
FUTURE OF OUR SPORT.”
1. Was this your first time judging at this show? T his is not the first time I have judged this show. I did the Working Group at the first one held in 2001, and both Paula and I have judged others since then. We have gone to most of the AKC Championships, whether judging or not. For us, it is a great educational and social experience in the sport we love. 2. How did this year rank up against others you have attended? Each of these shows has shown improvement, and it would be hard to rank anyone against the others. What start- ed as a smaller event, limited by the size of the venue, has now grown to an entry of over 8000 dogs, representing all aspects of the Dog Sport. Currently, the venue is large enough to easily accommodate this entry and to allow for a larger one in the future. 3. What impact does the National Championship have on our sport? On the general public? When you consider the number of people and dogs involved, it is obvious it has a continuing growing impact on our sport and its future. The impact it can have on the general public is, like the event itself, growing. Since I was judging BIS, I could not be much involved in the show itself, so I have no idea how well attended it was by the public. But the set up this year with the Meet the Breeds booths, just inside the main entrance, gave the public a wonderful opportunity to learn more about those breeds in which they are interested, prior to seeing them in the rings. With the fact that these shows will be televised on New Year’s Day, it should have more impact.
4. What was the quality of your entry? Of course, the quality of the entry shown to me in BIS, was great. As I mentioned in the ring, the entry reminded me of a movie title, the Magnificent Seven. Indeed they were. 5. What was your favorite part of the show? My favorite parts of the show this time, would, of course, be judging the BIS in both the final and the newest event, the Puppy and Junior Stakes. This was especially so, as I was somewhat limited to participating in only those two events. 6. Any other thoughts you have about the show? Regarding my thoughts on this show, it demonstrat- ed that the management for the AKC Championship is always working on improving and this year the inclu- sion of the Puppy and Junior Stakes competition was one of those additions. Dr. Keating, Paula and I were privileged to judge Best at this first of its kind. While three judges doing Best is unusual, in this case judging together, it went very well. It was enjoyable for all of us to select from this great lineup of young dogs that are the future of our sport. Another thought would be that we miss the World Chal- lenge, which brought in Top Dogs, and also Dog Show enthu- siasts, from around the world. Unfortunately, it was a busi- ness decision for which the AKC and Royal Canin had no control that resulted in its departure. In closing, I must say that I thank the AKC and Roy- al Canin for me being selected to judge BIS at this great event. It was my great honor, and pleasure, to have this opportunity.
S how S ight M agazine , J anuary 2018 • 189
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