Interview With 2022 AKC National Championship Breed Judge Charlie Olvis

Interview With 2022 AKC National Championship Breed Judge Charlie Olvis

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?

Charlie Olvis: For me, being invited to be among the judges for the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin and organized and directed by the American Kennel Club is like waking up on Christmas morning and finding that present you really wanted. It is such a privilege and honor to be part of this show, the largest show in North America. Judges can expect to have the best dogs and be assisted by great stewards. It is an exciting event for both professional and owner exhibitors and, importantly, the dedicated breeders, as well as a wonderful experience for the public to see so many breeds in Conformation, Agility, and Obedience competitions.

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

Charlie Olvis: It was a treat for me to see the breeds I judged shown as they should be… for example: Border Collies shown on loose leads allowing their heads to move forward and held low, which is correct for that breed; and Italian Greyhounds of great quality with correct size and shape. There was deep quality and correct presentation in all the breeds that I judged.

Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2022 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Charlie Olvis: From the moment I walked into the venue until my final departure from the 2022 AKC/Royal Canin National Championship, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of the phenomenal planning and coordination that went into executing an event of this magnitude.

The venue itself is phenomenal, the layout unbelievable with plenty of grooming space, an amazing assortment of vendors, aisles large enough to maneuver easily, and visible signage to help the public (and the exhibitors) easily navigate the show’s areas for Conformation and Performance events.

Every aspect of this event was so well-thought-out and planned. If you have ever helped to plan any dog show, you know how much work goes into every show, every weekend. But the AKC/Royal Canin event is in a class by itself. It’s impossible to imagine the work and hours put into this event… it’s much more than a full-time job.

This show leaves no stone unturned. The staff of the AKC and the staff of Royal Canin seem a match made in heaven… every detail has been so well-thought-out to make this event run smoothly. I only hope that all involved got a good night’s sleep Sunday night, as I’m sure they are already busy working on the details of the 2023 show!