Janina Laurin reflects on judging the Bred-By-Exhibitor Herding Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship.
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Janina Laurin: This was the second time I’ve judged the Bred-by-Exhibitor Group at the AKC National Championship and it was no less exciting as the first time. As a fellow breeder and judge, it is a privilege to see how the future will be shaped by some of the younger dogs in the Group, and the state of the breeds by the mature competition in the ring. It was a very competitive Group.
Janina Laurin: It’s an honor and a tremendous responsibility. Just as all the exhibitors hope they and their dogs are on their best game, I always hope, as a judge, I’m equally prepared for the task on the day.
Janina Laurin: The sheer size of the venue, the diversity of vendors, and the depth of quality in most breeds is unparalleled. The great numbers in some breeds was impressive and so educational.
Janina Laurin: My thoughts were focused on sorting through what I hoped would be a challenging, beautiful representation of Herding dogs. I was not disappointed.
Janina Laurin: Oh, there was absolutely an intensity despite the long day and the large Group. What’s lovely in a Bred-by Group is generally the obvious bond between dog and handler, and you can just feel the pride of the exhibitor presenting their dog. The support of the ringside spectators for all the competitors, and extra, of course, for their favorites, adds to the excitement.
Janina Laurin: It was a challenging assignment. While it is cliché to say I wish I had more ribbons… I wish I had more ribbons. My selection process was simple; each breed needed to have all the finer points of what made them the specific breed they were according to their Standards as well as the required characteristics necessary in all herding breeds—the soundness required to do the tasks they were bred to do.
Janina Laurin: The winner is a fine example of an Old English Sheepdog in every aspect. He also won the regular Herding Group. The three other placements were excellent representatives. It was nice to hear how many were excellent producers, and Specialty or National Specialty winners.
Janina Laurin: Based on the entry I had, yes, the breeders are doing an admirable job. There were several dogs I pulled in the final cut which were noteworthy, and there were several which I did not that were equally as competitive. Truly, it was a great assignment to be able to judge quality throughout the Group. The only observation that was concerning was so few “younger” breeders. We need, as a community, to encourage younger breeders and partner up with them to continue to grow our sport. There isn’t too much more satisfying than breeding and showing your own dog to great success PLUS watching the generations continue that success. Breeders “feed” all the sports. If we don’t breed, we don’t have dog sports or shows.
Janina Laurin: THANK YOU to each and every person at AKC and the various sponsors for putting on such a premier event in a beautiful location! Clearly, everyone enjoys it. I’m not sure it would be as successful anywhere else. The pageantry is invigorating and sets it apart.
Janina Laurin: Wishing everyone success and good health in the coming year. Be a good sport!
American Kennel Club (AKC)
