Insights From Dennis Sprung – 2024 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group Judge

Insights From Dennis Sprung – 2024 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Dennis Sprung: When Gina and Michael asked me to judge, I was hesitant because of my responsibilities as the Show Chair. Nevertheless, after a brief discussion, I was honored to accept, knowing our quality staff would handle any matter that came up while I was in the ring.

2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Dennis Sprung: It is a privilege to judge any assignment at America’s National Championship due to the depth of quality brought forward by our responsible breeders.

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Dennis Sprung: Firstly, it culminates the year by crowning America’s Champion. Secondly, the large number of entries and the huge quantity of majors makes it a destination for exhibitors and a learning opportunity for any student of dogs.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the BBE Group ring?

Dennis Sprung: I was anticipating an enjoyable experience adjudicating the finest Bred-By-Exhibitors entered. BBE is, in my opinion, one of the highlights of Conformation.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?

Dennis Sprung: Certainly, heightened energy was present as each of these entries had previously won Best BBE in their respective breeds.

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Dennis Sprung: It was a process of elimination, comparing each winner to the written Breed Standard. Those that I thought were closest to the respective Standard I pulled out; there were seven. A final, careful look at each one’s unique breed characteristics and then a last once around led to my selections.

7. Do you have a word or two about your BBE Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Dennis Sprung: The winning Bloodhound was a powerful mover with a free and elastic gait. The head possessed the right narrowness with ample loose wrinkles. In total, a noble and dignified silhouette.

8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders doing well by the sport and for their breeds?

Dennis Sprung: I believe that today’s breeders are producing quality, based upon the Breed winners shown to me and watching judging both days. I congratulate each dedicated and knowledgeable breeder as well as the owner-handlers and professional handlers.

9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the AKC and the show’s sponsors?

Dennis Sprung: The staff of both the great American Kennel Club and that of our excellent presenters, Royal Canin, are to be thanked for the success of the show.

10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2024 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Dennis Sprung: Based upon feedback from many fanciers over the last few days, this appears to have been a most successful event, perhaps the best of the last 24 years. The Show Committee will soon meet to evaluate the outcome, consider suggestions received for enhancements, and begin planning the 2025 show. We welcome input and are appreciative of the many volunteers; the Delegates who stewarded and others who assisted in countless ways.