Interview with Andrew Ritter – Akc National Championship Nohs Herding Group Judge

Interview with Andrew Ritter – Akc National Championship Nohs Herding Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner-Handled Series Herding Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Andrew Ritter: When I was asked to judge the National Owner-Handled Serries Herding Group it took me a minute to let it sink in that I was just offered such a wonderful assignment.

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

Andrew Ritter: It is an honor to be selected to judge at this event.

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

Andrew Ritter: This show does differ in several ways. Just the energy at this event is much higher than at a regular show. The one big difference I found, at least for my Group, was that I had every breed in the Group represented in my ring, which at other shows you don’t always get some of the lower entry breeds represented.

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

Andrew Ritter: What was I feeling before I stepped into this ring? That is a good question. I was just going over the layout of the ring and looking at the group of dogs that was just waiting outside my ring to go in, and making sure in my head that I give each exhibitor the full attention they deserve.

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

Andrew Ritter: As I stated previously, there is definitely a heightened energy at this show, and you can feel it at the entire event. The one thing I did see in my ring, which warmed my heart, was the great sportsmanship I saw between the exhibitors. Whether they won or lost, they hugged and shook hands with each other.

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

Andrew Ritter: I did find this assignment to be a little more challenging than some other assignments. The challenge is not in selecting the dogs; that is not an easy process, but I am comfortable in doing it. The challenge is that you are aware of all the people inside the ring and outside trying to follow your thought process in making your selections. I generally try to look at each breed and remember what their job is as a breed and try to find the dog that I believe can perform that task.

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

Andrew Ritter: I was pleased with my Group winner and the placements in the Group. I do know that some of the dogs that were in my Group were also dogs that were in the regular Group as well. In the end, a good dog is a good dog, no matter who is showing it.

8. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Andrew Ritter: I think it has been a good addition to the shows and promoting the sport. I have watched this Group grow from just a few dogs in the Group to now being just as large as the regular Groups.

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

Andrew Ritter: My hat is off to the people who put this show together and the sponsors who support it. I have run smaller shows and understand the amount of time and energy that goes into putting this event on. The AKC and the sponsors did a fantastic job putting on this event.

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

Andrew Ritter: I had a great year showing and judging this year. On a sad note, I did see our community lose some great dog people. I think 2025 will be equally as exciting if not better. Will it match the honor of this assignment? I can only hope so.