What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?
This was a very special event. I enjoyed the quality dogs that were some of the top dogs in the country.
What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Sporting Group ring?
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.
Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handled teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?
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.
How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
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.
Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Sporting Group winner? About the dogs that placed?
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.
Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?
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.
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?
The show was a true testament to the professionalism of AKC.
Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead?
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.
Susan St. John-Brown
NOHS Hound Group Judge
What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?
I thoroughly enjoyed judging the National Owner-Handled Series Hound Breed and Group competitions. This competition is one of my favorite assignments ever. The quality in every breed was superior.
What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Hound Group ring?
The Group ring was completely covered with red carpet. As the Hounds began to enter, I was so pleased to once again see the exceptional quality before me. I had so many wonderful dogs to consider.
Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handled teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?
I could not have been more impressed with the talent and ability that these owner-handlers exhibited. The owner-handlers did an extraordinary job of presenting their exceptionally good quality dogs.
How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
The task at hand consisted of finding the best dog and bitch in each breed and then deciding between the two of them for BOB and Best Opposite. This job made for a lovely day of judging.
Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Hound Group winner? About the dogs that placed?
At the end of the day, my Group 1 went to the very dignified and graceful Saluki, GCH DC Bahrain Storm MC, owned by Dr. Caroline Coile. This lovely Hound had such ring presence and absolutely floated around the ring; beautiful in every way. Group 2 went to the lovely Afghan Hound, GRCH CH ZUHAYR EBN SIRAQ VON HAUSSMAN, owned by Wilmer Santiago and Armando Sobrado. This aristocratic dog had the look of kings. His smooth, springy gait gave the impression of floating with effortless reach and drive. Group 3 went to the very smooth-lined, beautifully balanced Whippet, GCHS Karasar’s Phenomenal, owned by Louis Krokover and Kerri Kuper. This lovely, smaller Sighthound covered the ground effortlessly and then free-stacked flawlessly. Group 4 went to the unmistakably elegant and graceful Borzoi, GCHG Soyara’s Devilish Delilah, owned by Prudence and Gregory Hale. She is such a lovely example of her breed, with smooth lines and a ground-covering stride.
Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?
It has become a true asset to our sport. I could not have been more honored to have been a part of this competition.
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?
The AKC absolutely outdid itself by putting on this very special show. This was a first-class competition. I applaud the AKC for a job well done. Congratulations to all who made this great event a success!
Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead?
Our sport appears to have a bright future due to the efforts of forward-thinking people who are ever trying to enhance dog shows and keep them current.
Mary Wuest
NOHS NON-SPORTING Judge
Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner-Handled Series Non-Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
I was excited and honored to receive an invitation to judge the National Owner-Handled Non-Sporting Breeds and Group, and I thank AKC for this opportunity.
What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?
I considered this assignment very important because I would be judging some of the Top 10 National Owner-Handled Series Non-Sporting dogs. The owners have worked hard throughout the year to accomplish their goals, and they and their dogs should be recognized.
In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?
This is the only AKC show where Owner-Handled Finals competition is held. This competition brought together many of the Top 10 owner-handled breeds in all seven Groups.
What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Non-Sporting Group ring?
I was excited and somewhat nervous. I wanted to honor the Breed winners and their owner-handlers who had worked so hard throughout the year to rank in the Top 10.
Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handled teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?
All exhibitors and their dogs were ready-to-go in Breed and Group competition.
How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
Some of the breeds had outstanding representations for their breed. It was nice to see quality in the breed ring. I enjoyed getting my hands on all the dogs.
Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Non-Sporting Group winner? About the dogs that placed?
I considered my four selections in Group to be outstanding representations of their respective breed. My Group winner was the American Eskimo Dog. I liked his expression, beautiful dark eyes, ears correctly placed, and his correct front and rear angles resulting in correct movement. My second place was the French Bulldog with a beautiful, correct head and correct topline, and very nice movement. Third place was the Chinese Shar-Pei; a square dog, correct topline with high tail set, and correct movement. My fourth place was the Chow Chow; heavy bone, substance, strong muscular development, head large in proportion to size of dog, and a beautiful, dark mouth pigment.
Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?
I strongly believe that giving the owner-handlers an opportunity to compete on a level playing field with the professional handlers is one of the best things AKC has ever done. The owner-handlers take this competition very seriously, as should we judges.
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?
From my viewpoint, everything ran smoothly throughout the entire weekend. A special thanks to our Group Ring Steward, Guy Fisher, who kept my ring running smoothly. I would like to say “thank you” to AKC and Royal Canin for offering the Owner-Handled Finals at this show.
Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead?
I look forward to 2022 and hope the new year continues forward with the momentum we picked up at the end of 2021.
“It was nice to see quality in the breed ring. I enjoyed getting my hands on all the dogs.”
NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES Results
NOHS BEST IN SHOW – Judge Dr. Thomas M. Davies
Best in Show Welsh Springer Spaniel GCHB Rolyart’s Navigator @ Painted Sky Farms
Reserve Best in Show Giant Schnauzer GCH Spicerack’s Shotgun Rider CGCA TKN
2nd Belgian Malinois GCHS Concho’s She’s My Little Whiskey Girl TT CGCX
3rd Old English Sheepdog GCH Wynward’s I’m So That
4th Australian Shepherd GCHB Copperidge’s Wortha Risk On Riverlook FDC BCAT
American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.
