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Judge Carl Gene Liepmann reflects on his Best in Show role at the 2024 AKC National Championship and the event’s impact on purebred dogs.
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Carl Gene Liepmann: I was busy working at my desk when I received a call from AKC President Dennis Sprung. My first reaction was that it probably concerned a meeting that was scheduled to take place in Orlando. When he asked if I would judge Best in Show I replied, “What year?” He said, “In three weeks,” and I was floored. Of course, I answered in the affirmative. I was honored but also sad that my good friend and former mentor Terry Stacy was unable to fulfill his assignment. Terry was an important part of my early judging career.
Carl Gene Liepmann: In some ways it means that perhaps you have arrived, but in other ways it is an affirmation that your years of study and application have been rewarded.
Carl Gene Liepmann: The size of the entry, the magnificent venue, and the pomp and circumstance are certainly at the top. However, when you sort it all out, the AKC runs a dog show in the same manner that all of the clubs under their umbrella are required to do and they do it very well.
Carl Gene Liepmann: I was running the breeds that I would see through my head and thinking about my ring procedure. I was not nervous because I told myself it was no different than the other hundreds of times that I had accomplished the same type of assignment. Mainly, I wanted to look under control and in charge.
Carl Gene Liepmann: The room was alive with energy and the spectators were enthusiastic, cheering loudly for their favorites. It seemed that each handler and dog upped their normal efforts and accepted the challenge. Each performed in a flawless manner and with grace.
Carl Gene Liepmann: As I have often said,”Judging Best in Show or any National Specialty is both easy and difficult. Easy because the exhibits before you are of the highest quality, difficult because the exhibits before you are of the highest quality.”
Carl Gene Liepmann: My Best in Show winner, the Giant Schnauzer, was in very hard condition and I could just envision him pulling any cart that was required, driving livestock, or guarding. He carried a strong, level topline with good reach and drive. Handled expertly both in the stance and underway, he had a “look at me” show attitude – and I did. The silhouette of that dog was, in my opinion, a perfect example of the Breed Standard.
Carl Gene Liepmann: It is difficult to improve on perfection but, having judged the AKC National many times, I can testify that every year the people in charge have made improvements and they will continue those efforts. Royal Canin and AKC have joined together to present a fantastic show to the dog world.
Carl Gene Liepmann: Thousands of people had the opportunity to view the show on AKC.TV and thousands more will see it on ABC TV, and that will introduce many to our dog show world and maybe to their next best friend.
Carl Gene Liepmann: This past year seemed to be an upbeat year in that entries at many shows were up. Let’s hope that trend continues and our sport that we love will see better times and increased involvement.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC has released the judging panel for the 2026 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin in Orlando this December.
