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Meghen Riese-Bassel reflects on judging the NOHS Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship, celebrating Owner Handlers.
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Meghen Riese-Bassel: It was a thrill to be asked to be part of the AKC National Championship. It was especially exciting to be part of the NOHS event. I feel there is a brotherhood among Owner Handlers. They are often weekend warriors who work all week, drive all Friday night, show during the weekend, and then are back at work at 8 AM on Monday. It can be a challenge to balance a career or family life outside of the dog world—but they do it! Being part of the Owner-Handled show was an honor!
Meghen Riese-Bassel: I love that AKC has its own events, and I feel it is fantastic that they happen in December. The week is the culmination of a year’s worth of work for many! It is often the beginning of a campaign for a new dog or the last show for a seasoned dog. So, the week is filled with excitement! It is also a time to visit people you rarely get to see. I love seeing the hugs and groups huddled together, catching up on lives.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: I feel this show is so special because it is all-encompassing. It celebrates Conformation, Performance, Education, Owner Handlers, Breeders, and Judges. Breed entries are deep and you can find yourself captivated by simply walking through the show and watching the judging. Cheers and whoops are heard around the building all day. It is like being at The Masters—you hear a crowd roar in back of you and wonder what great feat has been accomplished, yet you are not willing to risk leaving the ring you are at to see.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: Excitement! I knew from my earlier judging that I would have a quality group of dogs to work with. Now was the moment that I would get to send one of them to the NOHS BIS ring.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: There was indeed a heightened sense of excitement from both the NOHS exhibitors and the crowds watching. I appreciate that the Owner Handlers have their moment to shine during this week without having an all-breed show at the same time. It allows friends and breeders to offer support through cheers, last minute advice, and hugs. I had applause with all breed selections and big smiles from those leaving the ring with ribbons (and those without). Owner Handlers support each other in magnificent ways and are truly great sports.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: As with all judging, I focused on the things of importance within each breed. The Owner Handlers did a lovely job of presenting their dogs for my consideration. Condition on the entries was top-notch and most breeds had multiple quality examples to choose from.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: Group 1 – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
There are two words that came to mind the moment this dog came into the ring: type and balance. He exudes “Toller” type, with a compact outline that is slightly longer than tall. His level topline is finished with a lovely tail carriage that has the typical swaying action at the tip to lure a duck. This lovely boy gets even better when examining his head. He has a lovely shape to his eye and expression, with high-set ears that frame his head. On the move, he displayed the unique “springy” gait that is characteristic of the breed, and he didn’t put a foot down wrong. I was pleased to send such a lovely dog to the NOHS BIS ring!
Group 2 – Clumber Spaniel
What a lovely Clumber to have in the ring. He excelled in outline, with the long, low, and massive appearance called for in the Standard. I appreciated his depth of body and amount bone—which are key to type in this breed. The neck flows so well into the topline from his well-laid-back shoulders, and the picture is completed with low-set hocks. He has the characteristic heavy brow of a Clumber and moves with the roll that is part of the breed. This dog was brought in top condition, with a lovely, fleshy covering over his ribbing and a pearly white sheen.
Group 3 – German Wirehaired Pointer
This bitch is so stylish. Her coat is fantastic. It is harsh, straight, and in super condition. This is a credit to not only her breeding but also to the one who maintains the coat. Well done. This girl is just off-square and screams athleticism. I could imagine her working in the field all day. I appreciate just how well all her pieces fit together, with no one thing standing out. She flows from nose to tail. On the move, she has power and elegance combined. Her handler did a great job of taking her at just the right speed for her to shine.
Group 4 – English Springer Spaniel
When you first see this girl, there is no denying she is a spaniel. She is round, robust, and athletic—just what an English Springer should be. She has a lovely backskull and balance in her head, with no signs of coarseness. She stands well over herself due to nice front angulation and shoulder layback. What is truly impressive about this bitch is that she holds herself so well going around the ring on a loose lead—with reach and drive. It is a lovely thing to see.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: Owner Handlers are so important to our sport. I feel it is easy to forget the impact they have. I am reminded of multiple show-quality puppies that I have placed with pet families. A little encouragement took them from the couch to the show ring. Once in the show ring, these families became club members and show chairs. They bred litters and eventually won Nationals (owner-handled). The vast majority of us began as Owner Handlers. It is the common thread that binds us together, and it is something to be celebrated.
Meghen Riese-Bassel: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can only imagine the work that goes into creating such an event. From the planning, set up, and communication to the various unexpected hiccups that occur—it has to be a draining experience. Thank you to everyone for your time and effort to make such a beautiful event to celebrate dogs!
Meghen Riese-Bassel: With each new year comes the hope that THE dog will walk into your ring or whelping box. We all yearn to see a dog that gives us goosebumps and makes us excited about the future. I am eager to see the dogs of 2025.
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.
