Interview with Helen Winski Stein – Akc National Championship Nohs Hound Group Judge

Interview with Helen Winski Stein – Akc National Championship Nohs Hound Group Judge

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

Helen Winski Stein: It is always an honor to judge at the AKC National Championship, so I was very pleased to receive an invitation to judge this year.

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

Helen Winski Stein: One can always expect to see good dogs at the AKC-sponsored events in Orlando on this show week, in all areas of competition.

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

Helen Winski Stein: Since few dog events in the country include invitations to top-ranked dogs (in various competitions) a show of this type is very likely to have several competitive dogs in most breeds. Also, it’s usually an opportunity to see a good representation of many of the rare breeds, since the top dogs have received invitations to compete.

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

Helen Winski Stein: Having judged all of those breeds in NOHS on the day, I knew that I had a number of good dogs to choose from. That is very gratifying and I was looking forward to seeing the Breed winners in the ring together.

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

Helen Winski Stein: Definitely, the competitors in both Breed and Group were serious competitors, and the owners were clearly engaging with their dogs. It’s always gratifying to see the dog/handler relationships – especially when there is a breed where several teams are competing.

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

Helen Winski Stein: All judging assignments are important and challenging! In any Breed or Group, I am looking for breed type above all else, and it’s very important that a dog move appropriately for his breed (not just fast, showy movement that always seems to be a crowd favorite, regardless of breed).

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

Helen Winski Stein: 1st – Saluki – Elegant and light on his feet, this dog has lovely breed type and a beautiful head and eye. He moves with grace and is very surefooted. I would like to note that the Breed entries in Salukis were all really nice dogs and I spent some time considering all of them. 2nd – Smooth Dachshund – Correctly built and moving with purpose, this dog was very competitive. 3rd – Azawakh – Lovely, elegant dog, agile and light when moving. 4th – Basenji – A bitch of correct shape, with nice topline and tail, and beautiful ears. Very easy-moving.

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

Helen Winski Stein: I feel that ALL AKC dog events further the cause of purebred dogs. Where else can spectators learn about different breeds, talk to owner handlers or professional handlers, and discover breeds that are never discussed on social media or seen on a TV commercial? The AKC events are a great venue for new people to learn about purebred dogs and what they can do.

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?

Helen Winski Stein: My husband, Bob, and I have attended almost every AKC National Championship show beginning with the first one, which was held in Orlando in 2001. We’ve watched the audience grow and have watched the support of the dog community grow as well. These shows have always been very well run and I think there are improvements made every year. It is a tremendous amount of work and I appreciate that AKC and Royal Canin make an effort to hold a first-class dog show that exhibitors and spectators spend a great amount of time, travel, and money to support. For this particular show, I was very impressed with how smoothly things seemed to be running. I had an excellent, very experienced ring steward; Guy Fisher of AKC was really efficient with communicating and keeping everyone on schedule, and the Onofrio team is always great to work with. Well done!

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

Helen Winski Stein: Best of luck to everyone – have a great 2025!