Editorial: March 27, 2026

Last week I had the unique experience for the first time in all my years involved in purebred dogs. As a member of an all breed club, I was on the committee of three club members to be in a bench show hearing.

We have always shared the same opinion as many as proceeding with a bench show might be an overreach when maybe just an apology and a handshake between two people would be enough to put the situation behind them. However, when it is concerning the health or well-being of a dog than there certainly is cause for an intervention. As one of the three committee members I was given a booklet dealing with misconduct, which certainly is an informative piece of literature that should be read by all. A quick review of the proceedings - There is a written complaint, and it is submitted to the club. If there is cause to move ahead with the proceedings, the names and contact information is obtained by all involved. The three members of the show-giving club, the defendant and also present is the AKC field representative. The field representative is strictly there to answer any procedural questions one might have so as to not jeopardized the result of the bench show. Those five people are present throughout the proceedings. Witnesses are called one by one to give their sworn testimony. The three committee members ask questions if any are needed for clarification. After all the witnesses have given their testimony, the defendant is allowed to make a statement if they choose. Sadly, there are times when it is necessary to punish those who have crossed the line of good behavior or responsible dog ownership. It is quite a serious undertaking and one that should never be taken lightly when dealing with the future of one’s livelihood or involvement in the support. It was a unique experience, and it gave me great respect for the process.