Members
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson reflects on judging at the 2024 AKC National Championship, sharing insights on breed quality and the show’s future.
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Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: I was very pleased to be included on the panel. The last time I was invited to judge there, I did the Bred-By Terrier Group. Before that, I judged breeds at the first of these annual events; I remember the one and only Dorothy Nichols was the Best in Show judge and the winner was the wonderful Bichon handled by Scott Sommer.
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: It was exciting to learn the total number of dogs that were entered. Most of the breeds I judged had very large numbers of Champions competing for BOB, and the overall quality was superb. I especially remember the Miniature Schnauzers and the Pugs, which were especially challenging to judge because so many really good dogs were there.
Lydia Coleman Hutchinson: The sport is still in recovery mode after the pandemic, but I do hope and believe 2025 will see positive movement continue.
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.
