Deirdre Petrie: Thrilled, honored, and genuinely excited—those were my first emotions. I wanted to tell all my friends immediately, so keeping it a secret for two years was truly agonizing!
Deirdre Petrie: Judging a Group at the American Kennel Club’s sole all-breed show is both a distinguished honor and a profound responsibility. It is a privilege I hold in the highest regard.
Deirdre Petrie: The scale and caliber of this event truly set it apart. The venue itself is impressive, and the entries are among the most competitive you’ll find anywhere in the United States. With more than 5,500 Conformation entries alone, the show draws top dogs from across the country and around the world, creating an unmatched level of depth and quality.
Deirdre Petrie: I was exhilarated! I’d been judging Toy breeds all day, so I had no idea which dogs were coming into my Hound Group. When I walked backstage to get prepared and saw them all lined up, it stopped me in my tracks—it was a genuine WOW moment.
Deirdre Petrie: There was certainly a heightened level of energy. The dog-and-handler teams exhibited an intensity that reflected the importance of the event, and the spectators’ enthusiasm contributed to an unmistakably charged atmosphere.
Deirdre Petrie: Without question, this was the most difficult Hound Group I have ever judged—and it happened to be my 41st Hound Group assignment. Every breed was represented, which made the ring both exciting and incredibly competitive. I ultimately made a cut of nine, but I could easily have shortlisted twenty or more. Many of the dogs who did not make the final cut are ones I could easily envision awarding Group wins to at any other show.
Deirdre Petrie: My Group winner, the Afghan Hound, is everything an Afghan should be—elegant, exotic, a bit arrogant, and wonderfully houndy. She simply floats around the ring with effortless reach and drive, and her connection with her handler is so perfectly in sync that it’s mesmerizing to watch.
My second-place dog, the 15-inch Beagle, came in absolutely on fire! I’ve judged her before and have loved watching her continue to grow and mature. She has a beautiful headpiece, a well-made body, and an elegance about her. She looks like she could hunt all day and never tire.
Third was the Treeing Walker Coonhound, a dog who radiates the athletic outline and working power of his breed.
Fourth went to the Ibizan Hound, stylish, elegant, and beautifully correct in movement. She is truly one of the finest Ibizans I’ve ever seen.
Deirdre Petrie: Yes. By presenting outstanding examples of breed type and function, this show serves as a powerful educational platform for both the public and the fancy. It underscores the value of responsible breeding practices, preserves the historical purpose of each breed, and elevates the visibility of purebred dogs and the individuals committed to their continued excellence.
Deirdre Petrie: I’m grateful for the confidence the AKC has placed in me—it is truly an honor to be entrusted with this assignment. I would also like to acknowledge Royal Canin for their ongoing commitment to purebred dogs. Their dedication to advancing canine health through nutrition, research, and education plays an essential role in supporting the sport and the dogs we cherish.
Deirdre Petrie: The 2025 show year has been a standout year in my 20 years of judging. Judging the Toy Group at the National Dog Show, presented by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, and the Hound Group at the AKC National Championship, has been an incredible honor. I’m so grateful to all the exhibitors, dedicated club members, ring stewards, superintendents, AKC Reps, and, of course, the dogs themselves. Our dog show family is truly the best, and I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings. There are many promising young dogs on the rise, and it will be exciting to watch them grow and shine. Wishing everyone a fantastic 2026!
