Interview with Carl Liepmann – 2022 AKC National Championship All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes Judge

Interview with Carl Liepmann – 2022 AKC National Championship All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes Judge

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes competition is unique to the sport in the US. In your opinion, what significance does it hold for the sport?

Carl Liepmann: While I feel that this non-regular event is perfect for the weekend, I believe that it would be difficult to reproduce at almost any local show. Having said that, I was very impressed by the size of the entry; 1,615 would be a number that most clubs would love for their all-breed shows. I hope the AKC continues this event as it is a great event to display their young dogs.

The Finals of the Puppy & Junior Stakes competition is judged by a panel of three AKC judges. How does this compare with the “typical” judging assignment?

Carl Liepmann: The three-person panel was interesting, and in our case, we all agreed rather quickly on the choice of the English Springer Spaniel. I can, however, foresee a day when the decision might be more difficult. Perhaps a decision by two, with the third acting as a tie-breaker, would work a little better. In any event, I enjoyed my part in this assignment.

Breeders are proud to present their Puppies and Junior dogs to judges in the show ring. Based on this recent assignment, would you say that today’s breeders are producing quality purebreds that are true to their Breed Standards?

Carl Liepmann: It would be impossible to answer this question based on one assignment. However, I would certainly hope that all breeders are striving for quality based on their Breed Standard. If the seven dogs we judged on that day are any indication, I would say we are in good hands for the future.

…I would certainly hope that all breeders are striving for quality based on their Breed Standard. If the seven dogs we judged on that day are any indication, I would say we are in good hands for the future.