Insights From Cindy Stansell – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class Judge

Insights From Cindy Stansell – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Group at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show?

Cindy Stansell: I was thrilled to be entrusted to judge breeds which are new to the AKC system. It was an honor I took seriously.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show to take place once every five years?

Cindy Stansell: I know that this entry meant a lot to many of the exhibitors. It may be the only time that these breeds may exhibit here in Miscellaneous. They may be fully recognized by the next M&E.

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

Cindy Stansell: Besides the celebration of past decades and its emphasis on hospitality, this show emphasizes breed experts, Specialties, and Supported Entries. Four (Alaskan Klee Kai, Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Peruvian Inca Orchid, and Yakutian Laika) of the ten Miscellaneous breeds were Supported Entries with large entries.

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

Cindy Stansell: I was thinking that the quality was high. There were several excellent choices. For that reason, I pulled out three breeds for further scrutiny. This also gave the spectators the opportunity to see quality dogs in breeds that are fairly unknown in the US.

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

Cindy Stansell: There was. Some were exhibiting for the first time at an AKC event. You could feel the uncertainty but also the pride in their dog. Others came to a Miscellaneous breed via a fully-recognized breed and were more polished.

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

Cindy Stansell: In preparation, I not only reviewed the Breed Standards but also scoured the parent clubs’ websites for historical, functional, and standard information. I encourage all Miscellaneous breeds to develop and post more educational materials on their websites. I also reviewed materials from other countries.

7. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner?

Cindy Stansell: Each Breed winner was a good representative of the breed. The winners exemplified type, structure, and good movement. My winner was a Czechoslovakian Vlciak. She stood out immediately.

8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the M&E Show Chair, and the club’s Officers and Committee Members?

Cindy Stansell: Thank you to all who make this such a memorable show, filled with excitement and exemplary hospitality.

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

Cindy Stansell: It is important to understand how our sport developed and operated. This understanding helps us chart the future—to keep our core values and traditions while modeling a future for changing societal demands.

10. Do you have any thoughts on the next iteration of Morris & Essex?

Cindy Stansell: I look forward to the next one!