April 2026
The April 2026 issue of Showsight Magazine, 240 pages, free to read in full below.
Page 20
A mantra for all-breed dog shows this year might be: “If you build it (for the exhibitor) they will come.” With so many choices of where to enter, and so many outside factors affecting expenditures, events that offer…
Page 32
We are proud to continuously support and celebrate the development of AKC programs and the people who support them. In this edition, we will highlight these developments, from the winner of the 2025 Junior Versatility…
Pages 42-44
I grow tired of hearing about the changes in our sport. We all know it is happening, and we see the difference between today and where we were when we got involved in the sport those many years ago. In many ways, it is…
Pages 50-51
When I was young and my family had a pet dog, car travel arrangements mostly focused on us and not the dog. I think my mother used to bring water in a thermos for the dog (bottled water was not ubiquitous at the time)…
Pages 56-58
I grew up in southern New Jersey, just outside Philadelphia.
Pages 62-66
As we all know, sports are a worldwide pastime, and every two years the Olympics alternate between the Summer and Winter Games. I watched the Winter Games that ended recently and could not help but see many parallels…
Pages 72-74
Close your eyes and imagine this…. Wait! Read the next paragraph, THEN imagine…
Page 78
We are not losing in the ring because we lack good dogs. We are losing because we no longer know how to describe them.
Pages 86-87
1. How did your journey as a professional handler begin, and what keeps you passionate about this career today? (We’d love to hear about your background, your mentors, and your first time in the ring.)
Pages 90-91
1. How did your journey as a professional handler begin, and what keeps you passionate about this career today? (We’d love to hear about your background, your mentors, and your first time in the ring.)
Pages 96-97
1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? My mom was a show groomer when I was little, that is how I knew I wanted an Afghan Hound. I truly fell in love with Cane Corsos while pet…
Pages 104-105
1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed? I was originally introduced to the sport of purebred dogs and the American Kennel Club when I was taking Obedience classes and participating…
Pages 106-108
1. Where do you live? Where do you go to school? My name is MacKenzie Moore, and I am based in Ennis, Montana. In order to fully dedicate myself to competing in dog shows and continuing to grow within the sport, I…
Pages 110-111
1. What is the name of your show/cluster? I am Show Chair for the Silver Falls Kennel Club.
Pages 112-114
I was in Orlando, heading to the AKC Delegate’s General Caucus to hear the candidates for the AKC Board, when my phone rang. It was a puppy owner and, of course, I answered it!
Page 116
Breeding Standard Smooth Dachshunds under the Hialeah prefix since 2002, Lexa Richmond has produced more than 50 AKC Champions through a small, carefully managed program. While maintaining a primary career as a school…
Pages 122-124
Before leaving home to judge a Terrier specialty in February, I received one of those frustrating phone calls. I am sure many colleagues are nodding with resignation right now, a breeder calling to say that they entered…
Pages 126-128
Was Crufts 2026 different compared to previous years? Yes! Was it better than previous years? Yes and no. Let me explain.
Pages 130-133
FINISHING THE ALPHABET WITH THE S LOCUS, WHITE SPOTTING, AND A LITTLE HELP FROM CHARLIE AND MARY
Pages 136-145
I often consider myself fortunate to have begun my judging career with the Non-Sporting Group. The Group is certainly diverse, and it is difficult to identify a common thread when considering the Group as a whole. The…
Page 146
“BRONX” GCHG Stardust’s Bronx Of Castle Wyvern BCAT CGCA CGCU TKN
Page 148
“Donald” MBIS MRBIS MOHBIS MOHRBIS MBISS GCHG High Ridge He’s So Full Of Himself ROMX
Page 150
Often referred to as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a compact, muscular dog with a tuxedo-like coat and friendly nature. This breed is intelligent, lively, and adaptable, thriving in both apartments and…
Page 154
The Bulldog is known for its loose, wrinkled skin, distinctively short muzzle, and unmistakable swagger. Beneath the tough exterior lies a gentle, affectionate dog that forms deep bonds with its people. Originally bred…
Page 155
The French Bulldog is a small but sturdy dog with bat-like ears, a short nose, and a charmingly goofy personality. Bred to be a companion dog, the “Frenchie” is affectionate, playful, and known for its adaptability to…
Page 156
With its deeply wrinkled skin and hippopotamus-shaped head, the Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most unique-looking breeds. Originally bred in China for hunting, herding, and guarding, the Shar-Pei is dignified, loyal…
Page 158
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed, recognizable by its lion-like mane, scowling expression, and unique blue-black tongue. Originally developed in China for hunting, guarding, and pulling carts, the Chow is clean, quiet…
Page 170
From the island of Madagascar, the Coton de Tulear is a small, affectionate companion dog known for its cotton-like coat and joyful personality. Historically favored by Malagasy royalty, Cotons are charming and social…
Page 171
The Dalmatian is famed for its strikingly spotted coat and rich history as a carriage dog, firehouse mascot, and performer. This athletic and intelligent breed thrives on activity and needs daily exercise to stay happy…
Page 172
Finland’s national dog, the Finnish Spitz has a foxy face, golden-red coat, and a unique vocalization used historically to alert hunters. Bred to hunt gamebirds, this breed is alert, lively, and intelligent, with a…
Page 174
With its plush silver-and-black coat and distinctive spectacles, the Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz breed originally bred to guard canal barges in Holland. Cheerful, affectionate, and eager to please, the Keeshond…
Page 184
The Lhasa Apso is a small yet hardy breed from Tibet, originally bred as an indoor sentinel in Buddhist monasteries. With its long, flowing coat, dark eyes, and independent spirit, the Lhasa is both elegant and tough.
Page 185
Elegant, athletic, and extremely intelligent, the Poodle comes in three sizes: the Miniature Poodle is 15 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height in excess of 10 inches. Originally…
Page 186
Elegant, athletic, and extremely intelligent, the Poodle comes in three sizes: the Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Originally bred as water retrievers, Poodles are natural…
Page 188
The Löwchen, or “Little Lion Dog,” is a rare and ancient companion breed known for its playful nature and striking appearance. Traditionally clipped in a lion trim, the Löwchen is affectionate, smart, and highly…
Page 192
DESIGNED TO CLIMB STEEP CLIFFS AND WORK INTO NARROW CREVICES
Page 196
Originally bred to guard Belgian barges, the Schipperke is a small, sturdy dog with a thick black coat and a fox-like face. Often seen with a tailless silhouette, either natural or docked, the Schipperke is a bold…
Page 198
“Kibou” GCHG Coquina We’re All A Little Mad Here CA FCAT3 TKN
Page 200
Bred in Tibetan monasteries as a companion and indoor sentinel, the Tibetan Spaniel is a small, graceful breed with a distinctive mane and expressive face. Unlike true spaniels, this breed was never used for hunting but…
Page 202
Despite its name, the Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier but a companion and watchdog from the Tibetan Himalayas. Referred to as the “TT,” this medium-sized breed features a profuse double coat and large, round feet…
Page 204
Often called the “Xolo” (pronounced SHOW-low), the Xoloitzcuintli is one of the world’s oldest breeds, with a history reaching back more than 5,000 years. Revered by the Aztecs and Maya as sacred, the Xolo was believed…
Pages 212-216
The U.S. House is set to vote on a marked-up version of the Federal “Farm Bill” (HR 7567 – the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026) later this month or in early May. As introduced, the bill contained some…