Meet Betsy Yates: 2025 AKC National Championship NOHS Sporting Group Judge

Meet Betsy Yates: 2025 AKC National Championship National Owner-Handled Series Sporting Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner-Handled Series Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Betsy Yates: Being an Owner Handler myself, I was honored and thrilled to be invited to judge the NOHS Sporting Group.

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

Betsy Yates: I felt excited to be part of the judging panel for the 25th AKC National Championship Show.

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

Betsy Yates: With nearly 10,000 entries, it is, by far, the biggest show in the country; not only Breed judging but the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes. Also, there’s the AKC Agility Invitational, AKC RACH Invitational, and AKC Obedience Classic along with the Junior Showmanship Competition. There is something for everyone, including wonderful educational opportunities and shopping galore!

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

Betsy Yates: I was looking forward to seeing these owner-handled teams do what they love with their dog. It was exciting.

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

Betsy Yates: Every owner-handled team was invited to the Finals. So, of course, there was excitement not only inside the ring but also with the spectators cheering on their favorites.

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

Betsy Yates: I have been judging Sporting dogs for 27 years. Every assignment has its challenges. The most challenging is having a ring of wonderful dogs and only four awards.

My selection process is not only finding the dogs that I feel best represent their Breed Standard but also be able to do the job they are bred to do.

7. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Betsy Yates: My four placements represented their Standard. They were all in good condition with proper coats. Their foot timing was wonderful and each was presented at the correct gait for their breed. My Group winner, the German Wirehaired Pointer, caught my eye as she entered the ring. I was hoping that when I examined her and watched her move she would live up to my expectation. She did! And she went on to take NOHS BIS!

8. A 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?

Betsy Yates: I feel all involved did a phenomenal job. It was a massive job handled very well. A special thank you to Guy Fisher for the job he did with the NOHS Finals. Kudos to all!

9. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Betsy Yates: I believe, in recognizing Owner Handlers, we keep their love for the sport alive.

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

Betsy Yates: The 2025 show year saw me sidelined due to ankle surgery. A fusion that will be a year healing. So, I was not as involved as I wanted to be. I love seeing the rise of NOHS. I hope those who accept assignments in NOHS take it seriously. I am looking forward to the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the first AKC Show to be held in Mexico. Hopefully, I will be more involved in 2026.