
Developing Mentorship in the Dog Show World: Why Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
Lee Whittier examines how mentorship preserves breeds, develops leaders, and passes essential knowledge to the next generation.
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Lee Whittier examines how mentorship preserves breeds, develops leaders, and passes essential knowledge to the next generation.

Ringside photos from the Nango Circuit Dog Shows, which were held on June 25-28, 2026, at the General Clinton Park in Bainbridge, New York.

Ringside photos from the Ladies’ Dog Club dog show, which was held on May 30-31, 2026, at the Crackerbarrel Fairgrounds in Wrentham, MA.

Tune in to the Lone Star State Classic as top dogs compete at the Greater Collin KC and Texas KC shows, streaming live on AKC.tv.

The AKC and Federación Canófila Mexicana invite exhibitors worldwide to enter the inaugural FCM Universal Dog Show, November 12-15, 2026.

Are judges evaluating dogs or following the crowd? Doug Johnson examines independent thinking and breed-specific evaluation in the show ring.

Allan Reznik speaks with Tim Terella about Snoebear Siberian Huskies, responsible breeding, breed preservation, and success in the show ring.

Third-generation dog fancier Kaitlyn Hand discusses breeding, owner-handling, mentorship, and success with German Shorthaired Pointers.

Audrey Lee of Aujudon Tibetan Mastiffs shares her journey in dogs, her breeding philosophy, and decades of dedication to the breed.

Melissa Robison shares her journey with Maltese, the importance of Bred-By competition, and why Breeder/Owner Handlers are vital to the sport.

Krissy Stanford shares her path as a Breeder/Owner Handler, discussing Shiba Inu, mentorship, and her focus on preservation breeding.

Allan Reznik sits down with Sarah Murphy to discuss Abbaio Ibizan Hounds, her breeding philosophy, and dedication to the breed.

Michael Faulkner shares his experience judging the Junior Showmanship Finals at the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Sharon Ann Redmer reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting breed function, type, and standout winners.

Tyron Atkinson reflects on judging at the Westminster Kennel Club 2026 Dog Show, highlighting breed type, winners, and overall entry quality.

Adrian Woodfork shares his Westminster 2026 experience, highlighting his breed assignments and the Doberman that went on to win Best in Show.

Patricia Trotter shares her experience judging Dachshunds at Westminster 2026, focusing on quality dogs and thoughtful breeding choices.

Faye Strauss reflects on judging at Westminster 2026, highlighting standout winners, entry quality, and the overall experience.

Professional handler Chuy Moreno shares his journey in dogs, his approach to care and presentation, and his thoughts on the sport today.

Sammie Lewis shares her journey as a professional handler, her approach to preparation, and thoughts on the evolving dog show world.

Katherine Wurz shares her journey as a professional handler, offering insight into preparation, mentorship, and the evolving dog show world.

Cheyenne Calvert shares her journey from 4-H to Pro Handler, reflecting on mentorship, integrity, resilience, and the future of the sport.

Professional handler Claudio Da Cruz Conceição shares his passion, process, and vision for the future of the dog show community.

Pro Handler Aaron Rosas shares his journey, views on the sport, judging, social media, and why passion still drives his success.

In Part 2 of her Juniors series, Jody Davidson examines the partnerships, training, and trust that help Junior handlers succeed in the ring.

Junior Handler Bromley Dils shares her experiences showing Beagles and Dobermans, competing at the highest levels, and learning to breed.

Jody Davidson shares how the right Junior Handler and the right dog can create a winning team, with tips on choosing the ideal partner.

Meet Junior Handler MacKenzie Moore of Montana, sharing her journey in Juniors, key wins, mentorship, and goals in handling and breeding.

Jody’s Thoughts on Juniors: Who Represents the Ideal Junior Handler? Close your eyes and imagine this…. Wait! Read the next paragraph, THEN imagine… Visualize a

Michayla Hopkins shares her journey in Junior Showmanship, highlighting her experiences, goals, and passion for working with dogs.

Lee Whittier examines how mentorship preserves breeds, develops leaders, and passes essential knowledge to the next generation.

Third-generation dog fancier Kaitlyn Hand discusses breeding, owner-handling, mentorship, and success with German Shorthaired Pointers.

Lee Whittier explores the value of building a strong team, showing how trusted support and honest feedback contribute to success in the ring.

Melissa Robison shares her journey with Maltese, the importance of Bred-By competition, and why Breeder/Owner Handlers are vital to the sport.

Owner-Handler Alexis Kurowski shares her journey with Australian Cattle Dogs, NOHS goals, and memorable moments in the ring.

Lee Whittier explains why knowing your Breed Standard matters, and how clear language helps exhibitors present dogs with confidence.

Watch the AKC Diving Dogs Team Challenge on ESPN2 as top canine athletes compete in exciting dock diving action this July 4.

Watch the AKC Agility Premier Cup on ESPN as the nation’s top agility teams compete for championship titles. Tune in Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

From the Breed ring to Nose Work, Rally, and Fast CAT, one Miniature Bull Terrier opened the door to a whole new world of Performance.

American Kennel Club names winter season champions of the AKC Agility League, recognizing top teams across divisions in its 12th season.

Amber McCune shares her Westminster 2026 Agility win with Border Collie “Prove-It,” highlighting teamwork, training, and their unique bond.

Maple the English Springer Spaniel earns the AKC Humane Fund ACE Award for Search & Rescue Human Detection with handler Sue Stejskal.