Interview With Patricia Proctor: 2025 AKC National Championship Toy Group Judge

Interview With Patricia Proctor: 2025 AKC National Championship Toy Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Hound Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Patricia Proctor: Surprised, humbled, and thankful.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Patricia Proctor: It is a huge privilege and honor, and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.

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

Patricia Proctor: This particular show should set an example to all AKC events, whether member clubs or not. Having worked for the AKC, I know the staff takes great pride in offering a high-level event. This show is respected, and a win at this show carries significant weight.

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

Patricia Proctor: I was thinking about the daunting but exciting task I was about to enter into.

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

Patricia Proctor: There was clearly a heightened sense of energy from the exhibitors and, in turn, their energy went right down the lead to their dogs.

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

Patricia Proctor: I knew this assignment would be a challenge as the entry numbers in the various breeds were so high, and this show usually draws the best of the best in each breed. The true challenge would be to recognize the positive, detailed features of each entrant per their Breed Standard and weigh those features adding type and soundness to the equation. There were several young exhibits in the ring that I feel were a tad overwhelmed by the experience. However, each of those youngsters I feel will have a bright future in the show ring.

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

Patricia Proctor: The quality of the four Group placers and many others in that ring was very steep. I had to make a slim cut in the Group leaving quality dogs out of the running. And then, in narrowing the prospective placers, I always consider quality, type, condition, soundness of mind and body, and performance.

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

Patricia Proctor: The American Kennel Club is a recognizable name. This show brings together, under one roof, most recognized breeds and a large number of Miscellaneous breeds and FSS breeds for the exhibitors and spectators to meet. And the various events offered: Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Agility, Junior Showmanship, allow, especially the spectators, the opportunity to enjoy dogs at many levels.

9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the AKC staff and the show’s sponsors?

Patricia Proctor: I cannot say enough about Michael Canalizo, Gina DiNardo, and Joe Carlini who take this monumental task on year after year. The time, talent, and effort that goes into this spectacular event cannot be overstated. They are a remarkable team. AKC employees are seen everywhere, whether it be Executive Field Staff, Inspectors/Security, staff from both Raleigh and New York, AKC officers—all there with various jobs. It is basically an assault on the site of an enormous amount of AKC employees—ALL there to assist with a result that has proven to make this show the huge success that it is. I say KUDOS to all of them, and they certainly are appreciated. The support from Royal Canin is tremendous. And those men in orange are amazing and the show simply cannot do without them.

10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2025 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Patricia Proctor: As with any sport, there were high highs and low lows. But, the exhibitors are diehards, and clearly the sport gives so much back that it seems to always be worth it. Spending time with your dog always wins.