Interview With 2022 AKC National Championship Breed Judge Linda Clark

Interview With 2022 AKC National Championship Breed Judge Linda Clark

What does it mean to be invited to judge at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Linda Clark: It was an honor to judge at this year’s AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin. This is one of the largest shows in North America. Thank you to everyone involved for orchestrating this successful event.

Can you share your thoughts on your various Breed assignments? Please be specific.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi: The Best of Breed dog was a handsome, well-balanced dog that was sturdily built. He presented a beautiful silhouette with correct proportions and displayed a gentle intelligent expression.

Swedish Vallhund: This Best of Breed was a well-built dog with proper 2:3 outline proportions. His characteristic “harness markings” and wedge-shaped head were outstanding. Along with his movement, he displayed agility and endurance with a wiliness of expression.

Pyrenean Shepherd: The Best of Breed was a beautifully presented rough face male. He had a vibrant and lively expression. His beautiful flowing gait, “Shaved the Earth” when he moved, which is characteristic of the breed.

Australian Shepherd: A beautiful Australian Shepherd bitch which was well balanced, she displayed an effortless, smooth, easy, ground-covering gait and sound movement; overall size and proportioned with an exquisite expression and silhouette stride. She exhibited great agility with a ground-covering stride and she displayed a willing and attentive alertness along with good working condition.

Rhodesian Ridgeback: His ground-covering gait and strong topline made an instant and powerful impression. A handsome, upstanding male with symmetrical and balance in outline. This dog was capable of great endurance, presented in good muscle tone. He displayed a dignified and even temper. He was well balanced.

Vizsla: A handsome dog that displayed agile and energetic power in superb condition. Balanced in gait and movement, in beautiful condition with moderately layed-back shoulders and angulation. Displayed a beautiful breed type.

Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2022 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Linda Clark: It was a phenomenal, well organized, and flawlessly executed event. Great appreciation to the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin for their dedication to this prestigious event.

I really look forward to 2023 for a fun year and more handsome or beautiful dogs to see and judge.

It was a phenomenal, well organized, and flawlessly executed event. Great appreciation to the American Kennel Club and Royal Canin for their dedication to this prestigious event.