Insights From Andrew (Andy) Ritter: 2025 AKC National Championship Breed Judge

Insights From Andrew Ritter: 2025 AKC National Championship Breed Judge – Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boerboels, Bullmastiffs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Komondorok, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Tibetan Mastiffs

1. What does it mean to be invited to judge at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Andrew Ritter: To be selected for that panel is an amazing sense of pride. As a judge, it is one of the shows you always hope to be invited to.

2. Can you share your thoughts on your various Breed assignments? Please be specific.

Andrew Ritter: The depth and quality of the dogs that where presented to me was fantastic. For the breeds that I judged, I had some of the top dogs in the country in my ring; some I have judged before and some I was seeing for the first time. Faced with such nice quality in my ring, the AKC did give me a tool that allowed me to recognize these dogs: the Award of Excellence and Best Bred-by-Exhibitor.

I also appreciated how well organized the ring was, and the stewards who were assigned to my ring were polite and helped to keep my ring running smoothly so that I could enjoy judging all of the wonderful dogs.

3. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2025 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Andrew Ritter: It was one of my more exciting years as a judge. I did have several very thrilling assignments throughout the year, and being able to end it with judging at the AKC National Championship was just the icing on the cake.

I can only hope 2026 will be equally as exciting.