Interview with Susan St. John Brown – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

Interview with Susan St. John Brown – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Hound Group at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina?

Susan St. John Brown: I was thrilled to find out that I had been asked to judge the Hound Group at the very prestigious National Dog Show.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic show?

Susan St. John Brown: The National Dog Show is a throwback to the great shows of yesteryear. Large, quality entries make you have to dig down and know your stuff as a judge. I love that.

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

Susan St. John Brown: The event is a so well done. Each detail is first class for the exhibitors and the judges. There are topnotch vendors with wonderful wares everywhere. It is fun to just wander the aisles and see the immense amount of beautiful must-haves, as well as the want-to-haves.

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

Susan St. John Brown: I was full of anticipation as the dogs came out onto the well-lit blue carpet. I could see so many quality dogs from across the ring at that point. As my stewards and I came into the ring, and as we crossed over to the center, I could hear the announcer introducing me. It was surreal.

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

Susan St. John Brown: The hall was filled with excitement. The crowd was enthusiastic and the air felt electric.

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

Susan St. John Brown: There are a thousand thoughts that go through your mind as you begin the judging process. I was aware of the cameras, the crowd, the pressure, at first. Then the judge in me just took over and all of the distraction just faded away. As I came to one great dog after another, I began to revel in the small nuances that would be helping me to make my final choices.

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

Susan St. John Brown: (1) My winner was the Ibizan Hound. She was beautiful. She was elegant and so correct for her breed. She had good reach and drive, appearing to skim over the ground like the Standard of her breed asks for. She never stopped showing. I was very proud of her in Best in Show too. She represented her breed well. (2) The American Foxhound was stunning. His side movement takes your breath away. (3) The Wirehaired Dachshund was a super-correct little show dog that made you look at him. (4) The 15” Beagle had beautiful type and bone. He had such a great profile while standing and moving.

8. This show has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition in America. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the show’s sponsors?

Susan St. John Brown: The Kennel Club of Philadelphia put on the show of shows. They have worked so hard to create an extravaganza. Every detail is first class. The spectators get the chance to see the sport at its greatest at The National Dog Show.

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Susan St. John Brown: The spectators had the opportunity to see the breeds because the benching areas were so accessible. It was fun to hear them commenting from outside the ring as I judged during the day.

10. Now that your assignment is complete, what does this show mean to you personally?

Susan St. John Brown: This show was an absolute highlight of my career in dogs. I described it to my friend as having felt like going to the Academy Awards. Every part of the week was designed to make everyone feel special. Well done. BRAVO and thank you for the memories, Philadelphia!