Meet Claire Wisch Abraham – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

Meet Claire Wisch Abraham – 2024 National Dog Show Breed Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Sporting Group at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina?

Claire Wisch Abraham: I was thrilled to get the invitation to judge the Sporting Group. As a breeder of several Sporting breeds, it was an honor!

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic show?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is historic here on the East Coast, not only where I grew up but across the United States. When I first started in dogs, it was one of the local shows we attended. I did not realize until my involvement grew in the sport how historic the show is. The KC of Philadelphia trophies are spectacular and tell the story of the club!

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The main difference between the KC of Philadelphia and most other shows is, of course, the benching set up. The club welcomes thousands of spectators to walk among the rings and the benches to be up close and personal with the dogs and the handlers. The large number of spectators also allows for many opportunities for dog-related products to be sold, and learning opportunities such as the Canine Health Foundation and many rescue groups attend. It is a great opportunity for the AKC to promote the purebred dog in a great light. Purina has events throughout the day promoting their domestic violence cause, allowing victims to bring their pets to shelters. Purina also had other events and demos going on for the public. There was something for everyone!

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Claire Wisch Abraham: I was very excited to get into the ring and get started on Saturday afternoon. I had judged about one-third of the breeds that came to me in the Group, earlier in the day. A few of the dogs I had hoped to see were judged by others and did not make it through to the Group ring. I was thrilled with the quality of the dogs that I had before me. Just before I was introduced, I was informed that every single Sporting breed was represented! Having all the breeds present rarely happens today at an all-breed show.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The ring is very bright and noisy. In between the Groups, happy music is played to engage the spectators. The crowd is so loud and pleased to have gotten a seat in the ring. It’s not a large venue like some of the other televised shows. When the cut was made, the crowd went crazy. I was a little surprised.

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The Sporting Group was beautiful. My cut was made of lovely dogs all worthy of a placement. Several I have rewarded before.

7. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The ultimate winner, the Clumber Spaniel, was a stunning young dog. He is a beautiful example of his breed. When he went by on the first go around I was captivated by his balance. The American Water Spaniel in 2nd is a dog I have had before. He is so sound and his temperament makes him a star! The German Shorthaired Pointer was 3rd. He is balanced, sound, and masculine yet not overdone. I see that dog standing in the field on point. The Irish Water Spaniel was 4th. She has lovely type. I had not seen her before and loved her depth of body, and coat.

8. This show has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition in America. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the show’s sponsors?

Claire Wisch Abraham: I thank the Show Chair and President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for inviting me to judge.

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Claire Wisch Abraham: The KC of Philadelphia does an amazing job handling the huge number of spectators. As the public enters the building, they are greeted by an information table with pamphlets about purebred dogs and activities. There are local rescue groups and service groups available to meet and greet as well. Once the public enters the show, they can walk around the rings, meet and greet the dogs and handlers, and shop and learn about new products and health items for their own dogs. They can learn about the Canine Health Foundation, and talk with people from Purina, the American Kennel Club, or the KC of Philadelphia.

10. Now that your assignment is complete, what does this show mean to you personally?

Claire Wisch Abraham: Looking back on the assignment, this was a full circle moment for me. Starting in the 1990s, I came to these shows with my Chesapeake Bay Retriever and showed at the supported entry. The shows were downtown at the convention center and my children were small. Most years since then, we have shown at these shows. I have won and placed in many Groups with my German Wirehaired Pointers and Spinoni Italiani. On Saturday, I judged the supported Chesapeake Bay Retriever entry and then walked into the big ring and judged the Sporting Group. It was truly a night to remember.