Cindy Lane: I was deeply honored when the American Kennel Club selected me to judge at the AKC National Championship, especially for my own breed, Cocker Spaniels, and several other breeds, including Sporting dogs, Toy breeds, and Terriers. My first reaction was a profound sense of respect for the AKC, an organization I’ve admired since I started showing and breeding in the 1970s. Opening the sealed envelope containing the invitation felt both exhilarating and humbling, as I recognized the responsibility of judging such a prestigious event, sponsored by Royal Canin.
This was my first time judging at the National Championship and it truly exceeded my expectations. With over 5,600 dogs entered from various countries, the competition was intense and remarkable. The quality of the dogs made my role both challenging and rewarding. I focused on the details and nuances of each breed, striving to appreciate breed type and selecting the most deserving dogs from such a high-caliber field.
The AKC and Royal Canin spared no effort in organizing this event. With a total entry of 9,441 dogs, it became the largest dog show in North America. The Orange County Convention Center, with its spacious layout, provided the perfect setting for this extraordinary event. Everywhere you looked there were eye-catching banners welcoming all who share a love for this sport. The rings, beautifully adorned with red and blue carpets, provided a stunning backdrop, while colorful rosettes and fresh flowers on the tables added a touch of elegance.
I am incredibly grateful to both the AKC and Royal Canin for the immense amount of work and attention to detail that went into creating such a first-class event. The commitment to excellence was evident, and the teams of volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. Judges’ hospitality was exceptional, and I truly appreciated it.
Cindy Lane: I was fortunate to be assigned a diverse group of breeds: Bracchi Italiani, Spinoni Italiani, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, Cocker Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels, Silky Terriers, Russian Toys, and Norfolk Terriers. I was particularly pleased to judge some of the low entry breeds, where the level of competition was even higher than usual in number and quality. The entry was of Champions or Grand Champions, alongside rising stars from the classes. Exhibitors traveled from all over the US, Central America, and Canada, further highlighting the prestige of the show.
My judging day began with 23 Bracchi Italiani, including 10 exciting Specials and 13 Class dogs, offering 5-point majors. The Winners Dog was also Best Bred-by Exhibitor, and my Best of Breed (BOB) winner, a bitch, went on to impress in the Sporting Group later that evening.
Next, I had 15 Spinoni Italiani, which included a Veteran Dog and eight Specials. The Winners Bitch took Best of Opposite Sex (BOS) and a 5-point major. Four Champions earned Award of Excellence rosettes, and the Veteran Dog, also Best Bred-by Exhibitor, was particularly memorable. My BOB winner, a dog nicely owner-handled, was a joy to judge.
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were another highlight, with 12 specials and a fine Veteran Dog. A bitch claimed BOB, making the cut in the Sporting Group under judge Clay Coady, and five received Award of Excellence rosettes, including the Best Bred-by Exhibitor.
When judging Cocker Spaniels, I was reminded of the deep respect I have for this breed. Although I no longer breed them, I was struck by the quality of the dogs entered. The competition was fierce, although not a large number—there were 11 Black Cockers, 10 ASCOB (Any Solid Color Other than Black) Cockers, and 15 Parti-Color Cockers. Selecting just one dog for Best of Variety was difficult, as each was a fantastic example of the breed.
I also judged Field Spaniels and Welsh Springer Spaniels where the quality was outstanding, with both breeds presenting a mix of Specials and Class animals. The Best of Breed winners in these categories performed well in the Sporting Group.
My day continued with the Toy breeds where I had the pleasure of judging 17 Silky Terriers, with a Bitch winning BOB, and later, 28 Russian Toys. The BOS Silky also was Best Bred-by Exhibitor. The Russian Toy BOB dog made the cut in the Toy Group under Robin Stansell. In both breeds, many dogs earned Award of Excellence rosettes, and I was impressed by their presentation and overall quality.
Finally, I judged Norfolk Terriers with nine dogs entered, including five Specials. The Best of Breed dog, who was also Best Bred-by Exhibitor, went on to make the cut in the Terrier Group under Judge Pamela Bruce.
Throughout my assignments, I was grateful for the opportunity to recognize more than just the top four dogs, thanks to the AKC’s Award of Excellence program. It was fulfilling to honor so many deserving dogs, especially in the Best Bred-by Exhibitor category, which included a total of 1,194 entries. The excitement around the Best in Show BBE, with a $15,000 prize, was truly inspiring.
Cindy Lane: In 2024, I had the privilege of judging at many All-Breed and Specialty shows across the US and it has been a rewarding experience. Judging different breeds across four Groups allows me to stay well-versed in AKC Breed Standards, constantly comparing and evaluating the strengths and areas for improvement within each breed. It’s an ongoing learning process, and I take pride in maintaining my focus to select the most deserving dog each day.
A particular highlight was judging the Toy Group at the NOHS Regional at Tri-State Kennel Club in Springfield, Missouri, where I awarded First Place to a Shih Tzu. This dog went on to earn Best NOHS in Show and Best in Show on the following day, marking another memorable moment in my judging year.
I’m always grateful for the trust exhibitors place in me when they enter their dogs for evaluation. Understanding the effort and dedication that goes into breeding and producing exceptional dogs is a responsibility I take seriously. I am deeply thankful for my mentors who have guided me along this journey, and I strive to uphold the highest standards in the ring.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the continued growth of the sport. New breeds are joining the AKC, and the number of exhibitors across all areas of competition is steadily increasing. I look forward to seeing these trends continue as more people discover the joys of Conformation shows, and I am optimistic about the future of the sport.
