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Katherine Halton reflects on judging Cane Corso Sweepstakes at the National Dog Show, sharing her journey as a new AKC judge.
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Katherine (Kitty) Halton Berns: As a new judge, I was thrilled to be asked to judge Cane Corso Sweepstakes this year. I have been to very large shows, both benched and unbenched, in the past, but this was my first time going to The National Dog Show in any capacity. The venue is well placed, with plenty of parking, and very clean. I enjoyed interacting with the hosting club members, the exhibitors, the vendors, the public, and, of course, the many beautiful dogs!
While in Philadelphia, I attended judges’ education for Coton de Tulear, and interacted with many of the well-respected judges who filled the panels for the shows. I was allowed to assist the host clubs by ring stewarding, which I love to do! Being able to be even a pretty small cog in the well-oiled machine of such a renowned and well-organized event was a great honor for me.
Katherine (Kitty) Halton Berns: I was assigned to judge Sweepstakes for one breed, the Cane Corso. The Cane Corso is an ancient Working breed, dating back to ancient Rome, but was only recognized by AKC in 2010. They are courageous, intelligent, extremely loyal to their owners, and possess great strength and elegance.
The total entry in Sweepstakes was four and we had one absent. The puppies were lovely, self-assured, confident, and exemplified the Standard for their breed. My Veteran entry was a grand female, beautiful and in remarkable physical shape for a Veteran. The Cane Corso club members and exhibitors were kind, polite, and friendly; and obviously loved their giants.
Katherine (Kitty) Halton Berns: I was approved to judge All-Breed Juniors in June of 2024, and waiting for my final review for my first four initial breeds. I attended 19 Regional and National Breed Club shows, and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about different breeds and connecting with people from many different breeds within the Herding, Working, Terrier, and Non-Sporting Groups.
I am very much looking forward to continuing learning about more breeds, and doing judging in Juniors and (hopefully, pending final review) my beloved initial breeds, and I hope very much to be invited again to The National Dog Show in 2025.
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