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Judge reflects on the honor of selecting Best in Show at the National Dog Show, a Thanksgiving tradition celebrating purebred dogs!
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George Milutinovich: To be selected to judge Best in Show at this year’s National Dog Show was certainly one of the highlights of my 25-year judging career! I guess the initial reaction to the invitation was “Oh my God! Are you kidding me?” quickly followed by exciting anticipation!
George Milutinovich: The Kennel Club of Philadelphia President Wayne Ferguson, Show Chairman Frank DePaulo, and the entire membership are among the most admired and respected people in the sport of purebred dogs. To have been selected by these individuals to judge Best in Show was an enormous honor!
George Milutinovich: Aside from the obvious, national television coverage by NBC, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia National Dog Show is BENCHED! Thousands of spectators flooded the showgrounds each day, anxious to watch, learn, and interact with breeders, owners, exhibitors, and handlers. What an amazing way to educate the public about the importance of protecting and preserving purebred dogs!
George Milutinovich: I had been sequestered for the day and arrived at the showgrounds shortly before Best in Show. I was taken to the NBC audio team to be hooked up to a mic. Shortly after, I was greeted by Frank DePaulo and escorted to the ring entrance. My heightened anticipation was palpable!
George Milutinovich: As the seven Group winners were introduced and circled the ring, I couldn’t help but feel the electric excitement of the standing room only crowd!
George Milutinovich: I would like to thank the seven Group Judges for sending outstanding examples to my BIS ring. Each and every winner was deserving! As you all know, the original purpose of dog shows was to evaluate breeding stock. I am certain these seven Group winners are, or will soon be, a welcome addition to any breeding program. The competition was keen! The quality, outstanding!
George Milutinovich: As mentioned above, the seven Group winners were outstanding examples of their breed. The Pug, my choice for Best in Show, exudes breed type. He exhibits a gorgeous head, short compact body, dead-level topline, and correct size; a lot of dog in a small package. Add to all of that his outstanding movement! The Breed Standard also calls for a playful, outgoing disposition with a self-assured, jaunty gait. He was in perfect condition and handled to perfection. He checked all the boxes and was so deserving of this top award!
George Milutinovich: My sincerest thanks to all of the amazing members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for all of their attention to detail in putting on such an iconic dog show. First Class from start to finish!
George Milutinovich: The positive impact of this show is enormous. Just ask the 25-plus million viewers who anxiously tune in to NBC every Thanksgiving to watch and cheer for their favorites!
George Milutinovich: Words truly can’t express the honor and emotion associated with being invited to judge this iconic show. My heartfelt thanks!
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