Insights from Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

Insights from Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Herding Group at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina?

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: When I was asked, I was delighted. I was at the show last year and the Groups were exceptional. I really looked forward to judging such a Group this year.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic show?

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: I feel it is an honor to judge such a prestigious show. My take on it is that one has earned a spot as a trusted and respected judge for that Group. You have a chance to give your opinion (based on your knowledge of each breed’s Standard and overall knowledge of structure) in a diverse Group of quality dogs. I hoped to live up to that trust with the knowledge I have of the Herding breeds.

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

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: More breeds compete at The National Dog Show, giving the audience a greater chance to see excellent individuals of those less common breeds. And, as one of very few benched shows, there is the opportunity to meet those dogs and talk to knowledgeable breeders and exhibitors.

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

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: Well, there was the initial: “Don’t let me trip or do something stupid!” But really, it was just the excitement of seeing and looking forward to going over every breed of the Herding Group and knowing there were some outstanding individuals in there.

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

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: There was a bit more energy, somewhat from the handlers but possibly more from the dogs. Herding dogs are very observant. There were several that were on their toes—likely a combination of feeding off the handlers, feeling the crowd, and the busy arena with all the lights.

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

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: I would have said it was more of a joy than an actual challenge. It is wonderful to go through a set of exceptional individuals. The best just rise to the top. My cut on the day was comprised of dogs who conformed beautifully to their individual Standards and had the correct, balanced structure. No exaggerations here—just correct in type and movement for each breed. The greatest challenge was limiting my cut! There were some left out that just were not at their best on this day and were outshined by others.

As the often-quoted Anne Rodgers Clark said, “Find the type first then place those based on structure and movement.” To me, finding type is finding the correct silhouette, (including proportions and leg length), typical headpiece, correct coat, and a confident behavior typical for that breed. In such a Group as I had that night, I could be very picky! Then, of those, find the correct shoulders with the correctly balanced rear. Straight shoulders with well-angulated rears need not apply! They might look flashy with a few loops around the ring, but they are not correct. Balance, visually and structurally, are essential to make a correct Herding dog that can go out to work all day in the field. Then there is watching them in motion—maintaining that silhouette in motion with ease, efficiency, and a quiet back.

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

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: My winner was everything you could want in a Berger Picard. Observant, confident expression, moderately long in head, neck, and back. And a classic side gait for a Picard—easy, light, stretchy, with good reach and drive, maintaining that silhouette in motion, and a wonderful shoulder and front piece—which can be a challenge to find in a Picard. And just nicely groomed… but still rustic in appearance. I found him exceptional in a wonderful group of dogs. My Cardigan, Pembroke, and Beardie were also outstanding examples of their breeds, correct to their Standards without exaggeration. Just slight differences in front and rear motion separated these three from the Picard and from themselves.

8. This show has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition in America. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the show’s sponsors?

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: Thank you to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and their sponsors for making this a great event. One to highlight our sport on a special day of the year.

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: Bringing our sport and our purebred dogs to the attention of the public, I think, is of utmost importance. In this age of doodles and animal rights, demonstrating the diversity of purebred dogs is important. Showing the public that purebreds can be predicable for both appearance and behavior, and that there are responsible people out there breeding for healthy and good-tempered dogs in many different breeds. Make them aware, so they can make good decisions when deciding on a companion or working partner.

10. Now that your assignment is complete, what does this show mean to you personally?

Dr. Vicki Sandage, DVM: To me, it was an experience I will treasure for a long time. To see so many good dogs is heartwarming and it is something I will not forget.