Editorial: March 15, 2024

The reaction to the recent release of the judging panel for the American Kennel Club’s National Championship dog show was met with some strong opinions from those pro and con. We all read the premium lists, whether mailed or online, to see the judging panel and to decide whether we enter that particular dog show. If we don’t like the judging panel, we look elsewhere for that weekend of shows. When a better alternative is available, we enter and show. It’s a pretty simple concept of should we or shouldn’t we. But there are exceptions to that basic decision-making. There are those standout shows that when the judging panel is published there is national interest, and all eyes are on that event. The first one that easily comes to mind is the second-oldest continuous sporting event in the United States and the hallmark of tradition, the Westminster Kennel Club. Then there is the newest and fastest growing in popularity and entries, the aforementioned AKC National Championship dog show, and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia by virtue of its heaven-sent network-televised airing on Thanksgiving Day. Its unique time slot allows us to have untold exposure to the public and has made it a fan favorite. So when these shows publish their judging panels, we peruse them with an eagle eye. We dissect each and every breed, group and Best in Show judge’s qualifications. Then we add our own experience based how our dogs do under these judges. Why do we care so much? Because we all want to be part of that particular show. We want to enter, and of course we want to win. Some years, that’s just not the case. No one ever agrees on the perfect panel. Because no matter how much winning you’ve done in the past, you still have to read the premium list from the bottom up. Especially on the breed level, you want someone knowledgeable to judge your breed. When a judging panel is selected, it is subjective, like judging; it’s someone’s opinion. A club’s show committee tries to select a judge whom they think is qualified and will draw an entry for their show. There are thousands of judges, and as the saying goes, the cream rises to the top. So big major shows have to rely on tried and true. Yes, you see their names on panels on a regular basis, but they have earned that status. Younger and newer judges have to earn their stripes, just like any other profession. It’s why we have permit judges and the number of times a new judge should judge a breed before they are granted regular status. Their turn will come. There are enough shows and judges to go around, and everyone gets their fair share. Some move along faster than others either by talent or design. But remember: The new names will be become the old names in time. So, relax, read the panel and have patience — there is always next year.