Interview with Patricia Proctor – 2024 AKC National Championship Junior Finals Judge

Interview with Patricia Proctor – 2024 AKC National Championship Junior Finals Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Junior Showmanship Finals at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Patricia Proctor: I was extremely flattered but immediately felt the huge responsibility to the Juniors who were entered, recognizing what it took for them to be eligible.

2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any “day of” strategies?

Patricia Proctor: No day of show strategy, short of checking out the ring for size and placement of the table and ramp. Then some clarification on the prejudging part of the assignment and the actual awarding of the placements, and timing in the Group ring.

3. Can you talk a bit about your typical process for judging Junior Showmanship?

Patricia Proctor: The process begins with one’s knowledge of the breeds that the Juniors are presenting as to gait, set up, bite exam, and exam surface. Beyond that, it’s recognizing the Juniors’ actual handling abilities in relationship to the breeds at the ends of their leads.

4. Was there a heightened energy in your ring? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?

Patricia Proctor: Clearly the Juniors themselves set off energy. They worked hard to get there and exhibiting their handling skills means so much to them. The Juniors no doubt could feel the support from the ringside.

5. Did the Juniors in your ring seem especially focused? Any nerves on display?

Patricia Proctor: All the Juniors were focused. Some had some nerves to conquer, but it was understandable. They work hard all year to arrive at this point.

6. How evident was breed-specific presentation among the finalists?

Patricia Proctor: All of the finalists displayed knowledge of their individual breed’s Standard. Each presented their dog very specifically.

7. With so much talent in your ring, how challenging was this assignment?

Patricia Proctor: I knew this particular class was going to be a challenge. Huge talent and skill in front of me. But I look for the invisible handler, the smoothness of their presentation, and bottom line, which I always use – who would I hand my dog to?

8. Is there anything you’d like to say to the Juniors who made it to the Finals this year?

Patricia Proctor: I congratulated each of them while they were in the class. They all should be proud of their skills and their accomplishments.

9. Do you have any advice that you’d like to offer to your winning Junior?

Patricia Proctor: The only advice I’d always give is to remain yourself, stay true to the sport, maintain your sportsmanship, and continue to watch and ask questions – keep learning – always keep learning.

10. Based on this assignment, would you say that the future of the sport is in capable hands?

Patricia Proctor: If the future depends on the 12 finalists who were in my ring, the future is in excellent hands.