Insights From Elizabeth Sweigart – 2024 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor BIS Judge

Insights From Elizabeth Sweigart – 2024 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor BIS Judge

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

Elizabeth Sweigart: Being invited to judge at the AKC National Championship dog show is a great honor, but being invited to judge Best Bred-by-Exhibitor is perhaps one of the most cherished assignments a judge can wish for. Myself being a breeder for many, many, many years realizes how important a part the conscientious breeder plays in the sport of purebred dogs. Judging Best Bred-by is an honor because it is from this group that comes the future of our sport.

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

Elizabeth Sweigart: To me, it means recognition for the many years I have dedicated to purebred dogs; Norfolks, Norwich, Affenpinschers and of course, my first breed, Labradors. It makes you think, yes, they are paying attention and they trust me to make the decision as to who is deserving of this great recognition for a job well done.

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

Elizabeth Sweigart: There are many differences between the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin and the other dog shows which the AKC approves for member clubs and other clubs to host. The size being the most obvious; it is a great feat to present this show because of its magnitude, both the entry numbers and the size of the venue. The AKC also offers this unique Best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition and honors the owner handler with the National Owner-Handled Series Finals. It is also a great educational experience for the non-doggy person to see all the things purebred dogs are capable of doing, by offering many Performance events at the same venue as Conformation over the same time frame. There is something for everyone here.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor ring?

Elizabeth Sweigart: It was thrilling to step into the ring and be presented with seven very, very exceptional animals.

5. Do you have a word or two about your Best BBE winner? About the BBE Group winners?

Elizabeth Sweigart: Each of the dogs was a great representative of both their breed and the Group from which they came. It was an embarrassment of riches. I was delighted to see that one of my own breeds, the Affenpinscher, had made it to the finals. In the end, I felt like the Great Dane was an outstanding example of his breed. He had a magnificent head, great substance, and great feet. A beautiful shoulder lay-back, lovely topline, and strong quarters. When he moved, it was effortless and true. The empathy between the handler and the dog was palpable; I felt it on this evening. He just could not be denied.

6. 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?

Elizabeth Sweigart: I would like to thank all the people who dedicate so much of their time and effort to producing dogs of the caliber that was evident at the 2024 AKC National Championship; not only the Group winners but also the Breed winners and the Class dogs, which were of extremely high quality. Congratulations to all of you on your success, and thank you for the opportunity of being able to assess such well-made, healthy dogs, strong in mind and body.

7. 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?

Elizabeth Sweigart: I would like to thank the American Kennel Club and the staff who worked so hard to make this event a huge success, and Royal Canin for their support over the years and for putting on such a tremendous show. Thanks also to the owners, handlers, and breeders who produce these fine animals which are such an intricate part of our lives.