Insights from Kathryn Madden – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge 1. What does it mean to be invited to judge at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina? It was my first time judging at this show and I loved every second of it. What an exciting dog event––the energy, the crowds watching […]
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It was my first time judging at this show and I loved every second of it. What an exciting dog event––the energy, the crowds watching with so much enthusiasm! I feel strongly that The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, with its public face and opportunities for people to learn about all the different breeds through the benching, TV airtime, and spectating, is extremely important for the promotion of AKC purebred dogs. It was such an honor to be part of this effort! Judging the Herding Group on Sunday, I felt like a queen being escorted onto the blue carpet, with its displays of roses and banners, spectators all around, the Herding breeds streaming in to the music of Rawhide, still playing in my head. As I examined each dog, Wayne Ferguson, President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, talked about the breed over the loudspeaker, and when I sent the dogs around, the crowd cheered not just for favorites but for everyone, which I loved.
I judged 21 of Saturday’s Herding breeds and eight on Sunday, five Sporting breeds, and Sunday’s Herding Group. I loved that every single Herding and Sporting breed was entered, including many top dogs from all over the country. It was also exciting to have my hands on some rare breeds that I do not normally see in my ring, including some very charming Lancashire Heelers, a new breed for AKC, and five wonderfully rustic Lagotti Romagnoli. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of judging seven Canaan Dogs; I believe there are only about 450 of them in America and not many left in the world. My BOB could have come straight from the desert with his clean, square outline and wedge head, short harsh coat with colored patches, and brush tail curled over his back. The Briard entry with a major in the classes was also notable, and my BOB, a well-proportioned bitch with a perfect head and crochet tail, went to the Group both days. My Miniature American Shepherd BOB on Saturday was back in my ring Sunday to take G1, a lovely, moderate bitch who floated effortlessly around the stadium. As a herding breeder-judge of Belgian Tervuren, and former owner of 30 sheep, I am always mindful of whether the dog is correctly designed, whatever the breed, to carry out its original purpose. But I also want them to look beautiful while doing it.
There is no question that dog shows, especially the smaller clubs, struggled after 2020. However, I believe things definitely improved in 2024. I think that AKC and the breed clubs have been very proactive. I feel there is every reason to be excited and hopeful about the future of our beloved breeds and sport, and that 2025 may even be a banner year.
Herding Group
Sheree Moses Combs reflects on judging the Herding Group at Westminster 2026, covering top entries, placements, and her Group winner.
