Members
Danik Dancause reflects on judging at the National Dog Show, standout breed assignments, and the journey ahead in 2025.
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Danik Dancause: The National Dog Show is one of those events that offers a big stage to exhibitors and judges. While I was not in front of the camera, the decisions I made all day impacted the televised portion of the show. To be a part of that was very special. I believe it will be a pivotal moment in these early stages of my judging journey. I don’t judge because I need to; I do it because I believe in purebred dogs and the commitment made by everyone involved in showing them. If I may, I must thank the club and its members for this wonderful invitation.
Danik Dancause: Answering a question like this is always difficult, since you do not want to overlook anyone or suggest that other dogs weren’t important. As a former handler, I appreciate condition and showmanship and love seeing exhibitors work with their dogs. However, I have a job to do: identify the dogs with the most correct breed typology, based on their specific Breed Standards.
Since the question refers specifically to Saturday’s show, I must mention that my day started with a bang with the Cane Corso Regional Specialty. The dogs did not disappoint. Some competitors captured my attention more than others because of their breed type, movement, and condition, but overall, this was a strong lineup of dogs. I was very happy with the male I awarded the Breed to, who was exactly what I was looking for in a Cane Corso.
Bullmastiffs came in next, and again there was a large lineup of specials. I remember going back and forth between two dogs, a male and a female. Both were in good condition, but she covered the ground with more ease and that was the deciding factor.
Being a former Portuguese Water Dog breeder, owner, and handler, I was honored to judge their supported entries. The lineup was mostly male specials, but, of course, in the end, I could only pick one. The male that I awarded BOB to stood out by his presence. He did his job with obvious pleasure, which is part of the breed’s essence. It was clear that this dog and his handler had a solid bond, and he later placed in a competitive Working Group. It is rewarding to see a fellow judge award a dog that you sent to the Group.
The Doberman group was the largest entry I had that day, and every dog gave it all. Even in this competitive lineup, though, the Breed dog caught my attention from the moment he stepped into the ring. There was no mistaking it. He is a fine male who fits the breed description nicely.
The Alaskan Malamute bitch that took the Breed embodied the very nature of a sled dog with her dynamic movement around the ring. She also placed in the competitive Working Group.
The last breed I judged that day was Bernese Mountain Dogs. With the large pool of entries, I had plenty to choose from. The Breed dog was sound, in good condition, and again, well-presented.
Danik Dancause: The National Dog show was my last assignment for this year. In 2024, I had the chance to venture into different parts of Canada where I had not been before, and discover new people and dogs. Every show brings its own unique energy and experience. I feel that this year I have grown and matured in my judging.
I am really looking forward to 2025, as I am starting a new chapter to complete the Herding Group. The first assignment of the year is at Olde York Kennel Club in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, where I am part of a great panel of judges, including my mentor, Madame Thora Brown. My journey as a judge will continue with multiple assignments that will give me the chance to encounter new dogs, new friends, and new challenges.
Herding Group
Sheree Moses Combs reflects on judging the Herding Group at Westminster 2026, covering top entries, placements, and her Group winner.
