Interview With Mrs. Robert (Polly) D. Smith – 2025 National Dog Show Herding Group Judge

Interview With Mrs. Robert (Polly) D. Smith – 2025 National Dog Show Herding Group Judge

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: I was very pleased to receive the call from the Show Chairman asking if I was available to judge Philadelphia. I did not know what I was judging until I received my assignment of Breeds and Groups.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: It is always an honor to judge, but especially a show as old and distinguished as Philadelphia.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: The show seems to hold a special place in the hearts of many children and families as a show to gather around on Thanksgiving Day, showing families what joy there is in owning an AKC purebred dog.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: I was looking forward to seeing which dogs had made it into the Group.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: Yes, there was great energy coming from both the handlers and the dogs. Dogs can feel the excitement in the room.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: VERY challenging, as I feel this was an extremely strong Group. My selection was the same as I always use: type, correct movement for the breed, and showmanship.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: My Group winner epitomized breed type in the Belgian Sheepdog. My other Group placements were excellent in both type and movement.

8. This show has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition in America. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: The show is an excellent showcase to the world as to why you want to own a purebred dog that is registered with AKC.

9. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the show’s sponsors?

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: I would like to thank the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for inviting me to be a part of this Thanksgiving tradition. This makes it the second time I have judged Philadelphia. I also want to thank the members for all of their hard work and wonderful hospitality. The show’s sponsors were great to work with and very thoughtful to both judges and exhibitors.

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

Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith: It is a wonderful memory of Great Dogs and Top Breeders.