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Robert Robinson shares insights on judging Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, and Weimaraners at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club show.
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Robert Robinson: Judging at the Morris and Essex 2025 show was one of the highlights of my 32 years as an AKC judge. When I received the invitation to judge Irish Setters, Gordon Setters, and Weimaraners, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to do my part in assessing the top dogs in the country, particularly Irish Setters, my primary breed.
Robert Robinson: At the end of the day, I couldn’t wait to dive into the M&E catalog to review the stiff competition I had the privilege to judge.
In Irish Setters, I was pleased to see that my Best of Breed bitch and Best Opposite Sex/Veteran dog were both previous Irish Setter Club of America National Specialty Best of Breed winners and, during their careers, had attained Number One status in the breed. Winners Bitch came from the 12-18 Month Puppy class and had the distinction of finishing her Championship owner-handled at this show. The 6-9 Month Puppy Dog began his show career as my Winners Dog and Best of Winners, revealing great promise and perhaps even future success in the next M&E as an adult.
Tough competition in the Gordon Setter Best of Breed class advanced the current Number One Gordon Setter in the United States to Best of Breed. His stunning profile, beautiful coat condition, balance, and true movement provided a winning formula. Best of Opposite Sex was awarded to a lovely Veteran bitch, shown in top condition and beautifully presented.
Best of Breed Weimaraner was a bitch that stood out both standing and on the move in a fiercely competitive class of Champions. Her condition was so good that she could have left the Conformation ring straight away and run all day hunting in the field. The Opposite Sex dog was an honest dog, with good bone-to-body symmetry, and excellent condition as well.
Robert Robinson: The numbers speak for themselves: Total entry of 4,964; judging panel of over 130 distinguished judges; and exhibition of 224 breeds. These numbers, coupled with M&E’s ongoing tradition, draw the top dogs from in and outside the country. Breeders bring their best. Exhibitors strive to show the best. The venue is first-class and hosted by the best team of M&E members. Relevant—YOU BET.
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