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Interview with 2022 AKC National Championship Breed Judge Elizabeth Muthard. She discusses various topics related to judging at the AKC show.
Elizabeth (Liz) Muthard
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Elizabeth Muthard: The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin is an exceptional event, and it is an honor to be invited to judge there.
Elizabeth Muthard: The AKC/Royal Canin National Championship show drew outstanding entries as everyone knows. I was especially pleased by the large number of quality exhibits in breeds that normally draw only a few dogs at each show.
The Miniature American Shepherd entry was exceptional, in my opinion, with several animals worthy of the high awards. Having a large ring full of Mudik is not an everyday occurrence, and I enjoyed my time sorting through them to arrive at the final placements. This event is a wonderful opportunity for both “dog people” and the general public to see numbers of so many breeds and learn more about the ones they find appealing.
This event is a wonderful opportunity for both “dog people” and the general public to see numbers of so many breeds and learn more about the ones they find appealing.
Elizabeth Muthard: 2022 was a great year for us… we had the privilege of judging in many places, seeing old friends and making new ones, and having the opportunity to put hands on some wonderful dogs. Ending the year at the AKC/Royal Canin event is absolutely the best way to wrap up the show year, enjoying friends and festivities and the best dogs!
The AKC/Royal Canin event is something everyone in the sport should experience. There’s no other show like it… the venue, the enormity of it all!
As we look forward to 2023, my thoughts are the hope that we will see more good sportsmanship in our rings at every show, that there will be more of an effort to welcome and encourage newcomers (we were all there once) so they stay in the sport, that we all do our part to educate others on the advantages of purebred dogs and the benefit of knowing what to expect when you add a purebred dog to your family, and that everyone does something positive to help the sport and the activities we love.
If we want our purebred dog world and our sport to thrive, it’s up to us to make it happen. Stay happy, healthy, and hope to see you at a show in 2023!
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.
