
How Do We Get Judges to Care (Again?) About Our Breeds?
Rhoda Springer examines how judging decisions influence breed quality, breeder participation, and the future of purebred dogs.
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Rhoda Springer examines how judging decisions influence breed quality, breeder participation, and the future of purebred dogs.

Ringside photos from the Hoosier Summer Classic dog show, which was held on July 16-19, 2026, in South Bend, Indiana.

The National Dog Show celebrates its 25th anniversary November 14-15 with thousands of dogs, agility, and therapy dogs. Read more.

AKC President & CEO Gina DiNardo highlights AKC Celebrates USA 250, the AKC Eddy Award, and the President’s Sportsman Award nominations.

William “Bill” Holbrook and Roz Durham are honored as 2026 Quarter Century Collie Group Hall of Fame inductees.

The AKC introduces the AKC National Champion (ANC), the highest conformation title awarded to Best in Show winners.

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.

Nancy Rathgeber reflects on her life in Samoyeds, sharing her journey as a Breeder/Owner Handler and the passion behind her Bruin dogs.

Allan Reznik interviews Nancy & Henri Tuthill of Cumbrian Pointers, sharing decades of breeding philosophy and legacy in the breed.

Allan Reznik sits down with Andy Vance of Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds to discuss mentorship, breed preservation, and more.

Tara Darling-Lyon of Tara Kennels reflects on nearly 50 years in dogs, mentorship, Bred-By pride, and chasing that elusive Best in Show.

Channing Sheets reflects on judging Herding breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting strong entries, key winners, and Group results.

Ekarat Sangkunakup reflects on judging Non-Sporting breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry quality, Breed winners, and Group results.

Joseph Reno reflects on judging Herding breeds at the 2026 Westminster KC Dog Show, highlighting Breed winners and overall entry quality.

Patricia Proctor reflects on judging at Westminster 2026, highlighting her Breed assignments and overall quality of entries.

Sandra Pretari Hickson reflects on judging at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry depth, breed quality, and key winners.

George Milutinovich reflects on judging multiple breeds at Westminster 2026, highlighting entry depth, Breed winners, and overall quality.

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.

RHP members stand out through passion, integrity, and giving back – like Mary Norton-Augustus of Medina KC.

Kellie Williams shares her journey from Junior Showmanship to professional handler, offering insights on the sport and mentorship.

Karen Mammano, 2024 AKC Handler of the Year, celebrates her journey from dreams to success in the dog show world.

Meet Candy Carswell, a third-generation professional handler, as she shares her experiences, insights, and thoughts on the dog show world.

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.

Hadrian Towell shares his Best Junior Handler win at Westminster 2026 with Manchester Terrier “Simon,” and their final show together.

Jody’s Thoughts on Juniors: Playing by the Rules? “Alice thought she had never seen such a curious croquet-ground in her life…the balls were live hedgehogs,

Stella Keimon shares her journey to Westminster 2026 as a Junior Handler, highlighting growth, achievements, and unforgettable experiences.

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.

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

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.

Meet Flint, a German Shepherd Dog honored with the AKC Humane Fund ACE Award for Search & Rescue disaster response with Jennifer Michelson.

Andrea Hering of Crisis Response Canines shares how trained canine teams provide trauma-informed support during community crises.

Dédé Wilson celebrates the joy of dogs in Conformation and Performance, exploring why so many thrive in the ring and beyond.