Insights From Barbara Burns: 2025 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Working Group Judge

Insights From Barbara Burns: 2025 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Working Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Working Group at the AKC National Championship by Royal Canin?

Barbara Burns: As a breeder of 35 years, it was a great honor to be asked to officiate over the Bred-By-Exhibitor Working Group and to be able to examine many of the top Working dogs bred and shown by top Working dog breeders in the world.

2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Barbara Burns: Again, it was an honor to be asked to judge at this event. Being a show directly organized by the AKC, it was special in many ways.

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Barbara Burns: The depth of quality presented at this prestigious show is quite impressive. Most all of the Working breeds, including the low entry breeds, have large entries which affords the public to see many quality dogs in one place.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you steeped into the center of the BBE Group ring?

Barbara Burns: Excitement and anticipation to have the opportunity to examine the dogs presented.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel any excitement from the spectators?

Barbara Burns: Yes, I felt a positive energy from the dogs, handlers, and the spectators.

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Barbara Burns: It was very challenging because of the overall quality of the dogs presented. It was a difficult decision to make because of the depth of quality.

7. Do you have a word or two about the BBE Group Winner? About the dogs you placed?

Barbara Burns: In my opinion, the dogs I placed were very good representatives of the Breed Standard. There were many other dogs in the Group that would have easily placed as the quality was that deep. I was happy to see the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, and from Germany, I was pleased to see the German breeds looking so fit. The Kuvasz on that day was the dog that stood out as a great representative of the breed in comparison to the Standard.

8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders doing well by the sport and for their breeds?

Barbara Burns: The dogs presented were in good condition, sound, well-muscled, socialized, groomed, and appeared to be well taken care of.

9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the AKC staff and the show’s sponsors?

Barbara Burns: A show of this size would obviously require a tremendous amount of time and planning. The AKC staff and their sponsors are doing a great job presenting a quality event to the exhibitors and the spectators. In this time of anti-purebred dog sentiment, this is a positive event which presents a good reflection on the sport of purebred dogs.

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

Barbara Burns: I am looking forward to 2026 and seeing which dogs will rise to the top.