2021 National Owner Handled Series Judge James Brown

2021 National Owner Handled Series Judge James Brown

1. What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?
   James Brown: This was a very special event. I enjoyed the quality dogs that were some of the top dogs in the country.
2. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Sporting Group ring?
   James Brown: I felt the immense responsibility of my decisions. The owner-handlers had a lot riding on my ability to find and point to the best of the best.
3. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handled teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?
   James Brown: The owner-handlers are very serious about what they do. The spectators who support them are equally as serious. You could feel the high expectations in the air.
4. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
   James Brown: My job was to find the best dog and bitch in each breed. BOB and Best Opposite were then decided upon from those two. Every dog that I judged that day was quality and made judging a very good experience.
5. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Sporting Group winner? About the dogs that placed?
   James Brown: My Group winner was also the NOHS Best in Show winner. The lovely Welsh Springer Spaniel #19, GCHB Rolyart’s Navigator @ Painted Sky Farms. This was a true Spaniel dog who exemplified type and balance—moving and standing. Second was the beautiful, typey, English Springer Spaniel bitch #18, GCH Vistah’s Beyonce Heat Seduction NFDC CGC TKN. Third went to Irish Red and White Setter #12, GCH Laurel Oak Special Delivery O’Shadycat CGC TKN. She was so pretty and turned out to be the daughter of the dog that I had given the first Irish Red and White Best in Show to. I could not have been more pleased. Fourth was Golden Retriever bitch #72, GCH Loretta Live Like Line. She carried her topline beautifully while going around.
6. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?
   James Brown: I love to see the owner-handlers come out to show their talents. Having a special competition for amateurs is a good thing for our sport.
7. A show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors?
   James Brown: The show was a true testament to the professionalism of AKC.
8. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead?
   James Brown: Dog shows are the perfect vehicle to showcase purebred dogs. Though 2021 was a tough year for all of us, 2022 will, hopefully, turn the corner for better things to come.