Meet Fred C. Bassett: 2025 AKC National Championship Non-Sporting Group Judge

Meet Fred Bassett: 2025 AKC National Championship Non-Sporting Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Non-Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Fred Bassett: Judging the Non-Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin was a high honor for me, and I had looked forward to it with great anticipation since receiving the invitation about a year and a half ago.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Fred Bassett: The AKC requires complete confidentiality until they announce the judging panel, so I couldn’t talk about it… but I was super excited from the time I opened the envelope!

3. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Fred Bassett: My Group was on Saturday, and I didn’t have any Breed judging to do that day, so I decided not to go to the show until it was time for the Groups to start.

The Group and Best in Show judges had a walk-through on Friday afternoon with the TV Crew and the AKC Staff in the big arena where we would be judging, all handled SO professionally. So, I felt confident when it was my turn to step out to the center of that beautiful, big ring and see the Breed winners make their entrance around. What a wonderful Group of top-quality dogs!

4. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Fred Bassett: I made a larger cut than usual to recognize my favorites.

5. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Fred Bassett: I selected as my winners:

• 1st – Lhasa Apso, GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, “JJ,” bred-owned and handled by Susan S. Giles, co-owned by Cindy Sehnert and Muriel Wolverton. He is an outstanding example of his breed, and he was in the best condition I had ever seen him in that night. He put on a flawless performance, and made my heart beat a little faster as he took his final trip around that big ring…
• 2nd – Miniature Poodle, GCHB CH Lyric’s Diamond All Star, bred by B. Lynne Galloway, owned by Allison Chicorli and Pam Dickinson, and handled by Ethan Coye. This was the first time I had judged this outstanding bitch, and I must say going over her was so memorable. She has excellent conformation all around, and is truly outstanding in some finer points for her breed. She was beautiful on the move too, so she and the Lhasa were in a class of their own for me, even in this strong company.
• 3rd – Keeshond, GCHG CH Windrift’s Dirty Hairy, bred-owned and handled by Joanne Reed, co-owned by Ashley Reed. I’ve judged this beautiful dog many times, and he’s always been a favorite. He was a bit out of coat this night, but outstanding otherwise.
• 4th – French Bulldog, GCHP CH Elysium’s Adventurous Rapscallion D’Assisi, bred by Karen Sullivan, Lori Hunt DVM, and Bruce Sullivan DVM and owned by K. & B. Sullivan, E. & M. Grossman, and M. Mulchahey. Handled by Alberto Montila. I’ve judged this wonderful Frenchie many times as well, and was pleased with him on the table and moving. Great job by Alberto.

I also want to mention the wonderful Bichon Frise, GCH CH Hallmark Big Hero Six Baymax. He was new to me, and I was very impressed when I went over him on the table. Excellent quality dog that I felt was going to be one of my finalists, but unfortunately, something bothered him when he did his out-and-back. I’ll look forward to seeing him again.

6. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Fred Bassett: This show has become extremely important here in the United States over its 25-year history! It is unique in many ways, not the least of which is the large cash awards for Groups and Best in Show. WOW! $50,000 for Best!! Largest cash prize of any show in the US, and I believe, also in the World.

7. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the AKC staff and the show’s sponsors?

Fred Bassett: Kudos to the AKC Staff and the TV Crew on how perfectly beautiful everything was in preparation for the big event. Special thanks to my friend, Michael Canalizo, for his Outstanding Leadership of this show. He is tireless and devoted, and a blessing to us all. BIG thanks to Royal Canin for all that they do to make this show so special, and to the AKC Staff for all that they do to bring this show to all of us in the dog show Sport. And perhaps most importantly, bringing this outstanding show to the general public via TV coverage is of HUGE importance to keep purebred dogs in the public eye, and to highlight the benefits of choosing a well-bred dog for the family.