Meet Daniel J. Smyth, Esq: 2025 AKC National Championship Breed Judge

Meet Daniel Smyth, Esq: 2025 AKC National Championship Breed Judge – American English Coonhounds, American Foxhounds, Azawakhs, English Foxhounds, Redbone Coonhounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Treeing Walker Coonhounds

1. 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?

Daniel Smyth: It was a true honor to be asked to judge at the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida, in 2025. I received the invitation well in advance of the date, and made a decision to assure that my judging would be accomplished with as much knowledge of the breeds that was possible. The invitation resulted in at least a one-year review of the breeds involved, studying any Breed Standard changes, current trends in the breeds, and discussions with breeders and owners of what were important considerations in the breeds. I don’t think any judge accepts this awesome responsibility lightly. The recognition of being asked to judge is obvious and awesome.

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

Daniel Smyth: I was asked to judge eight Hound breeds, including outstanding Azawakhs and Redbone Coonhounds. I was assigned 27 Salukis in which I awarded BOB to a Veteran dog that holds his age well, and deserved the award. Then came 65 Rhodesian Ridgebacks of superior quality. My selected BOB dog was an outstanding example of my ideal in the breed, as was the BOS, and the Select Dog and Select Bitch. I was thrilled to experience the challenge of the best of the best in this breed, performing their utmost in this prestigious environment. The Winners Dog and Bitch hailed highly as the best of the class dogs, and the Awards of Merit recognition ribbons were a challenge as the quality presented was so good. I congratulate the Ridgeback breeders on their successes, which they proudly exhibited at this show.

I cannot fail to mention the Treeing Walker Coonhound BOB which took a Group placement and its well-deserved place in AKC history. All dogs were presented proudly and deserved the honor of being at the AKC National Championship show.

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

Daniel Smyth: I thought the show was fun, well organized, filled with excellent examples of the breeds, and a definitive statement on the status of the current AKC organization. Great job to all involved in this extensive endeavor. And to all exhibitors and observers, know that your AKC is functionally well and is in good hands. I look forward to seeing what comes next as things only get better as the years go on. Good luck next year, AKC, because this year (2025) is a hard act to follow!