Editorial: December 6, 2024

It’s a safe bet that the vast majority of exhibitors are heading to the warmer climes of Orlando, Florida, to take part in the weeklong AKC National Championship Dog Show and the all-breeds, specialties and other events being held. Setting another record entry as it celebrates its 24th event, the AKC show has grown in size and respectability over the years. There have been a few venue and location changes since its inception by Ron Menaker, former chairman of the board of directors of the American Kennel Club. This year, 40 judges will be on hand to evaluate the 5,476 dogs with 5,632 entries. The two-day event will have Charlie Olvis judge the Non-Sporting Group, Pam Lambie the Hound Group, Robin Stansell the Toy Group and Clay Coady the Sporting Group on the first evening. Judging groups the second night will be Roberta Davies judging the Working Group, Pam Bruce the Terrier Group and Thomas Coen the Herding Group, rounding out the seven group winners for judge Carl Liepmann, who has the honor of selecting Best in Show Sunday evening in the Ronald H. Menaker Best in Show arena. The original Best in Show judge, Terry Stacy, had to decline the assignment owing to ill health. It would have been a fitting thank-you from the purebred dog community for a lifetime of service and dedication to the sport in the many roles he has played over the years. All of us at Dog News wish only the best for him and his wife Jackie Stacy. 
While we celebrate this collaborative event that brings to an end the show season of the calendar year in the grandest style, our thoughts are also concerned about the news that the Long Island Kennel Club and the Ladies Kennel Association have decided not to hold an event this coming May. Reserving the date, these two storied show-giving clubs were once considered the among the best in the country, with a roster of members who were the Who’s Who and bold-face names of the sport. The members consisted of American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club bigwigs and their wives. These two companion shows are another example of shows trying to compete with a show calendar that is never ending as one weekend spills into another. Dwindling entries and competition from competing shows held just far enough as an imaginary crow flies to conform to kennel-club rules but just too close for comfort. But first things first: Let’s enjoy the week ahead, but let’s not forget the issues we face. Good luck and safe travels.