Grace Fritz shares her perspective on judging the Working Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship and the quality in the ring.
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Grace Fritz: I was thrilled and honored to receive the invitation to judge the Working Group. Unfortunately, the assignment came due to the previously assigned judge being unable to complete the assignment. I received the invitation in mid-October and immediately accepted. I did not have much time to get nervous!
Grace Fritz: It is such an honor and a vote of confidence by your peers to receive this assignment. There are many talented and hard-working judges that I admire and respect.
Grace Fritz: I was fortunate to judge Non-Sporting and Terrier breeds at this show. The quality was deep; you may have judged several of the dogs prior to the show, but on this occasion they were all in the ring together and it was a new day. The production value of the Breed judging and Groups is excellent. Judges are supported and prepared every step of the way.
Grace Fritz: This was my first experience in a widely televised event and I was nervous before starting. Once I got started, I appreciated the wonderful opportunity I had been afforded and honestly enjoyed the experience.
Grace Fritz: There was definitely energy coming from the crowd and the dog-and-handler teams. Some dogs were well-seasoned, some dogs were unsure and needed support, and others were quite curious about the cameras and crowd. The crowd made the show exciting and I appreciated their interest and excitement. You could feel the energy in the ring.
Grace Fritz: I had judged many of the dogs earlier in the year. I already had a few that I admired and were on my radar. As a judge you are hoping to find great examples that look as if they were suited to the purpose historically held by the breed. Of course, being televised, you are hoping the dogs turn in a solid performance.
Grace Fritz: The Doberman Pinscher bitch has a self-assured and intelligent presence. She stands her ground and always looks at you as if she is totally confident and aware of her surroundings. She is well in tune with her handler and was effortlessly gaited with beautiful carriage, maintaining a square. She is almost mesmerizing as she repeatedly comes into a perfect stack. And she responded well to the adoring crowd.
The Portuguese Water Dog is presented in impeccable condition. He is ready to go, robust, spirited, and has the breed-specific strengths of a substantial muzzle, width of backskull, and strong tail. He is a compact, well-knit package and never lets down.
The amazing Newfoundland is a large, powerful dog with excellent breed type. He has depth of body, lovely bone, a correct coat, and a crowning headpiece that is outstanding in profile or straight-on. His movement is impressive for a dog of his size.
The Standard Schnauzer bitch is a typey standout. She is square, with a strong head with proper expression and dark eye. Her coat is wiry and harsh. She displays good reach and drive demonstrating quickness, agility, and strength.
Grace Fritz: I believe so. I always hear from “non-dog show people” that they enjoy watching the shows and seeing the dogs. It can never hurt to have beautiful, well-trained dogs in front of the public. The show is so well produced that the entertainment value is excellent.
Grace Fritz: I would like to say a sincere thank you for this opportunity. When I presented my placements, I said that this experience had been a joy, and that is my honest reaction. I appreciate the AKC and the show’s sponsors for working with the judges to make sure we were successful in our assignment.
Grace Fritz: This was a great way to end the year. It was a real high note for me personally and felt like a reward for many years of hard work. I happen to have several weeks off before starting back judging in 2026 and am looking forward to time off to recharge. I was fortunate to have several special assignments in 2025 that meant so much. I look forward to what 2026 has in store.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
