Lee Grogan shares the honor of judging at Westminster, highlighting breed quality, memorable moments, and a strong start to 2024.
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Lee Grogan: It meant… everything. Since I was 12 years old, I have attended shows around the world. These have included National Specialty, Crufts, World, and European Winners shows, and of course, The Westminster Kennel Club. Although each show is unique and wonderful in its own way, and to compare one against the other would be like comparing apples to oranges, there has always been an unparalleled electricity in the air when attending The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. To be part of this prestigious show and exist in that electricity over several days was just a dream come true. Twelve-year-old me would be so proud of the me who stood in that ring and judged without fear or favor, enjoying every single second of the experience.
Lee Grogan: The quality within the breeds I judged was immense. There was a plethora of dogs throughout my breeds that were a wonderful combination of breed type, beautiful conditioning, soundness, and showmanship. In particular, two breeds close to my heart really stood out on the day. My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel entry will live in my mind forever, and will always give me goosebumps whenever I think of the powerhouse of quality dogs that filled the ring. I also greatly enjoyed my English Toy Spaniels judging. BOB and BOS in both varieties were all related in some way—type reigns supreme!
Lee Grogan: Normally I religiously read the weekly/monthly canine publications in North America. I have done so for two decades. Once published online, I would put on the kettle and make a bucket of tea (which evolved to coffee as I got older, and on occasion is now a glass of fermented grapes…) and dissect each page. Once I accepted The Westminster Kennel Club invitation, I made a conscious decision that I would put this reading obsession on hold. The results and pictures contained within publications never have and never will have any influence on my judging. What another judge does with a particular dog on the day is their opinion, we all have one, but I wanted the dogs to be as fresh to my eyes as possible. Since Westminster, I have gone on a reading frenzy of this year’s publications! I believe the 2024 show year has started off strong.
Judging by the quality of dogs I examined, or observed in other rings with my own eyes, I feel the future of pedigree dogs is bright in the US. I do, however, worry about the future of pedigree dogs and the fancy in some European countries with changing rules and regulations for breeding pedigree dogs. I hope other countries can learn from the American Kennel Club. I believe AKC does a tremendous job, alongside the breed clubs, to promote, protect, and preserve pedigree dogs.
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