Insights From Peggy Browne – 2025 National Dog Show Terrier Group Judge

Insights From Peggy Browne – 2025 National Dog Show Terrier Group Judge

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

Peggy Browne: Of course, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia is an iconic show. It is an honor I will always cherish.

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

Peggy Browne: Being a Terrier person, and just beginning my judging career, it was a great responsibility.

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

Peggy Browne: First of all, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia is the only other benched show in the US besides The Westminster Kennel Club. Secondly, being televised on Thanksgiving Day on a major network. “Philadelphia” is a show that gets a big public gate, so it is a great opportunity to educate the public on the sport of purebred dogs.

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

Peggy Browne: Excitement and nervousness. Mine was the first Group and so I was hoping that I followed correctly the directions for the cameras.

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

Peggy Browne: Of course! Everyone wants to do their best with their charges, especially at a prestigious show. The spectators definitely had an impact on the atmosphere. They were more than happy to participate.

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

Peggy Browne: Every assignment is challenging to do your best as a judge. I selected the dogs that I felt excelled to their Breed Standard.

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

Peggy Browne: I feel that all of my placements were excellent examples of their breed. They were all showing well, sound, in excellent condition, and of most importance, correct type.

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?

Peggy Browne: The show being televised has grown into a huge tradition for families to watch on Thanksgiving Day. It is also an opportunity for the AKC to educate the public about Performance events and Junior Handling. Hopefully, this starts people to get more educated before purchasing a dog; seeing the value of a purebred dog.

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

Peggy Browne: Gratitude. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, from beginning to end, is a well-oiled machine.

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

Peggy Browne: Being that I grew up in the Philadelphia area and that I went Best in Show here in 1991, winning the Group under Annie Clark and Best in Show under Lou Auslander, with Billy Kendrick watching, meant the world to me. Being invited to judge the Kennel Club of Philadelphia was truly an honor. Having my husband attend, watching me judge for the first time, was very special.