Charles L. Olvis shares his experience judging the 2024 AKC National Championship Non-Sporting Group, highlighting challenges.
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Charles L. Olvis: It is always an honor to be asked to judge any AKC show, but the American Kennel Club National Championship Presented by Royal Canin assignment is a dream come true for me, and I’m sure for the other judges as well who were honored with Group assignments at this prestigious and amazing dog show event.
Charles L. Olvis: To judge any breed at this show is an extreme honor, and being selected to judge the outstanding Group competition is like the icing on the cake. Being chosen from among all the deserving judges in this country and beyond who would be most honored with this assignment is very special.
Charles L. Olvis: This show stands alone from all the other AKC shows simply by the numbers, being the largest by the number of entries of any show in America, with entries from all over the US as well as many foreign countries, representing the best exhibits in one place. You get to judge dogs you’ve never had before you—great depth of quality. The venue is spectacular, featuring so many different competitions. If you’ve never put on a show and realized how much goes into every show every week, you cannot comprehend the amount of preparedness and the level of professionalism required to orchestrate an event of this magnitude.
Charles L. Olvis: Getting ready to enter the big, bright ring, the level of excitement is sky high to see the great dogs sent to the Group ring by the individual Breed judges, compounded with the worry that you won’t remember everything instructed by the TV crew.
Charles L. Olvis: The energy that is felt immediately, with all the applause as the dogs enter the ring and go around to their places, is something you will never forget. It sends your adrenaline spiking so high as you’ve never felt before in a show ring. The dog and handler teams, the crowd cheering, the lights… amazing energy all around.
Charles L. Olvis: An assignment of this magnitude is extremely challenging, as every entry in my ring was an easy Group One winner on any given day. At any show in America. You put your thoughts together after examining each entry. You go over in your mind and have to decide which ones stood out over their competition tonight. Which deserve to be placed in the Group according to their Breed Standards, and which one rose above all for First Place tonight.
Charles L. Olvis: My Group One winner was an exceptional example of what a Bichon Frise should be. Outstanding movement, holding his shape whether standing or moving, wonderful head and pigment, and correct coat in beautiful condition. All contribute to his fabulous breed type. Having everything you’re looking for in a Bichon, this dog meets the AKC Breed Standard.
The other placements were also outstanding examples of their breeds, very deserving of their awards, and each was shown to perfection and in wonderful condition as well.
Charles L. Olvis: Absolutely… I would like to take the time to thank Mr. Dennis Sprung, the Show Chairman, Mr. Jason Taylor, Assistant Chairman, and Mr. Michael Canalizo, Event Coordinator, as well as all the AKC employees for their hard work and dedication in organizing and executing this great event, and especially all the AKC Field Reps who are so helpful throughout the show. I’d also like to thank the great employees of Royal Canin, the TV staff, the Men in Orange, the stewards, superintendents, photographers, and all of the great breeders, exhibitors, and handlers. I know I must have forgotten someone, but believe me, I truly admire all the effort each and every one of you put in toward the success of the AKC/Royal Canin show.
Charles L. Olvis: Absolutely! This show affords the opportunity for breeders and exhibitors to see dogs from other parts of the country as well as foreign entries that might further their breeding programs. It celebrates the success of Breeders, Owner Handlers, and Juniors to encourage participation. And, very importantly, the AKC/Royal Canin show affords the public the opportunity to see all these wonderful AKC purebred dogs and gives them the opportunity to talk to breeders and owners and handlers, to help them decide which breeds might be best for their family. The Royal Canin area is very popular with the public, giving instruction on nutrition and more. There are opportunities to chat with AKC staff who are always willing to help a newcomer. I feel we need to encourage newcomers and Breeders who are the backbone of this wonderful sport. The Breeders bear the responsibility to produce healthy dogs that represent their Breed Standard, to offer the public the best they can, and if selling a dog, to make sure it goes to a great home. We need our good Breeders in this sport. Each one is important to their breed and to the future of AKC dog shows.
Charles L. Olvis: I feel it was a great year for AKC events—all the events that are offered to the purebred dog community. The year is never over, and it’s just the beginning of another great year for AKC dog shows and the sport we all love. I wish everyone a great and healthy New Year!
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.
