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Interview with Danelle Brown, the 2022 AKC National Championship NOHS Herding Group Judge. She discusses topics on judging the AKC show.
Danelle Brown
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Danelle Brown: I was excited and honored when I received the phone call. It was really special since a dear friend won the NOHS Herding Group last year with a dog I bred. I knew how much it meant to her, and I looked forward to bestowing the honor to another deserving team.
Danelle Brown: I consider it a great honor that the AKC recognizes my love and dedication to the sport. I am a huge supporter of NOHS program.
Danelle Brown: The best of the best come to Orlando. The NOHS Groups are usually strong at local shows, but in Orlando the depth is incredible.
Danelle Brown: Actually, I was just thinking about how I was going to run the ring, etc. I didn’t want to overthink anything, and went in with an open mind and the plan to just judge the dogs and have a good time.
Danelle Brown: There was definitely more energy in the air. Some of it was great, but I noticed a couple of teams that I think the nerves got the better of them. It cost one a probable Group placement. The one thing that made me sad was that there were a few exhibitors, generally in low entry breeds, who didn’t receive any applause when they did their individuals. I really wish the spectators would clap for everyone. They all deserved it.
Danelle Brown: It was challenging in that I had to nit-pick when it came to my top awards. So many were deserving of the win. I had some that I know I’ve given NOHS Group Ones to in the past, but on the day, I wasn’t able to even award them BOB. In my own breed, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, the competition was incredible. They were all exceptional dogs.
Danelle Brown: My winner on the day was a beautiful Miniature American Shepherd. She was in great condition and exuded breed type. She was moved well and showed like the champion she is. I later heard that she was the BOB winner at their National Specialty and had won NOHS BIS earlier in the week in Orlando. Every dog in my ring was deserving of a Group placement. I just had to make some tough choices and the old saying, “On another day…” holds true. My gratitude and admiration go out to all who competed.
Every dog in my ring was deserving of a Group placement. I just had to make some tough choices and the old saying, “On another day…” holds true.
Danelle Brown: I think it encourages some exhibitors to continue showing. Many people only keep a couple of dogs, so instead of bringing out a new one in the classes they can continue to compete in NOHS ranks. The majority of the dogs are as good as (and in some cases are better than) those being campaigned by Professionals. Many Owner Handlers just can’t afford to put ads in the magazines or go out every weekend and drive 500 miles to enter under the judge who is best for their dog.
Danelle Brown: I’m Show Chair for two local clubs and know the amount of effort that goes into those. I can only imagine the amount of work that is required to successfully put on an event of this magnitude. Much respect to Michael Canalizo, Guy Fisher, and all of their teams for their efforts.”
Danelle Brown: Personally, I was busier than I normally would be since some of my COVID assignments rolled over to ‘22. I had fun, but wasn’t able to show my own dogs as much as I’d like.
Looks like ‘23 will be much more “normal” and I’m looking forward to it.
The Herding Group from the National Owner-Handled Series. Filmed live from Orlando, FL on Friday, December 16th, 2022.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC has released the judging panel for the 2026 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando this December.
