Pluis Davern shares insights from judging National Owner-Handled Series Group Finals Best in Show at the 2025 AKC National Championship.
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.
Pluis Davern: When I received the phone call from Michael Canalizo regarding my availability to judge the National Owner-Handled Series Finals at the AKC National Championship Show in Orlando, I was over the moon.
I had accepted an invitation to judge the regular Sporting Group there two years previously, but had to cancel at the very last minute when I came down for the second time with COVID.
Pluis Davern: To be given another opportunity to judge at this level was the best Christmas present I could imagine. To adjudicate at this prestigious event is every judge’s dream.
Pluis Davern: This show differs from other AKC events not only because of the number of entries, an amazing 5,557 dogs this year, but the overall quality is astounding, with top dogs coming from all over the US as well as representatives from 22 other countries.
Pluis Davern: Having had a rehearsal earlier in the day, I felt pretty confident about the choreography I needed to follow. But then, when my name was announced, I must say I had to take a deep breath, cautioning myself not to trip before emerging from that tunnel into the hall.
Pluis Davern: There was a palpable energy surge as the dogs and their owner handlers entered and circled the ring one at time. The Owner-Handled competition has grown over the years and is as hotly contested as any of the regular Groups and BIS. There is tremendous support from the spectators, and at this level the handling is of a high caliber.
Pluis Davern: The challenge in this lineup for BIS was what every Judge hopes for… I wish I could give out more than two awards! Beautifully presented, and beautiful representatives of their breeds.
Pluis Davern: Both my BIS and RBIS had amazing breed type, which showed not only in their outline, coat, and movement but also in their demeanor. All the Group winners deserved to be there as did their handlers, and I give them all my accolades for conditioning, showing, and presenting their respective breeds to this level.
Pluis Davern: My accolades also to the AKC for putting on this show of shows and drawing magnificent dogs and renowned breeders and experts from around the globe to participate in this remarkable event. And making it all look effortless!!! Royal Canin has been such a staunch sponsor of this extravaganza for many years and deserves our overwhelming gratitude in what they do here and for their support of canine nutrition and health around the world.
Pluis Davern: The NOHS encourages owners and breeders to bring their own dogs and compete on a more level playing field not necessarily fraught with heavy campaigning, advertising, or traveling all around the country. It invites exhibitors to compete with their dogs as a hobby while maintaining a regular work schedule.
Pluis Davern: The 2025 show year has had its ups and downs, with declining numbers of participants yet increasing numbers of shows so that majors are difficult to find and clubs are financially compromised. I’m hoping that we can attract younger people to join us in this fulfilling pastime, and the NOHS may well be the intro that will encourage them to participate.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
