Vicki Seiler-Cushman: When I received the invitation to judge the Working Group at the AKC National Championship, I read it twice to be sure, then such a feeling of excitement and gratitude. It was so exciting, but, of course, I could not share it with anyone—except I did tell my husband and swore him to complete secrecy, and his response was: “Who would I tell?”
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: I have thought about this and the importance of the American Kennel Club hosting a dog show of such caliber and significance. The number of attendees, the specialties, and the exhibitors who work all year to attend this final event of the year, it is extremely important to them. So, judging is an enormous responsibility.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: It is the largest event and exhibitors love it. You can do it all there: determine future breeding stock, connect with breeders from all over the world, attend seminars, watch the best of the best in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, and Dock Diving. There is something for everyone.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: How in the world am I going to narrow it down to just four dogs!
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: I really was concentrating so much, I did not tune in to anything except the exquisite dogs in front of me.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: As I examined each dog, their Breed Standard was running through my mind, from the first glance to the last go-around. The quality was so deep that the selection process was difficult. I had to make a final decision to the ones that filled my eye with pleasure—exquisite examples of their breeds.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: My First Place winner, the Doberman Pinscher bitch, was dazzling. Beautiful example of the proper Doberman in character and breed type; square, heavy bone, moved with purpose, and owned her ground.
Second Place, the Portuguese Water Dog, held his beautiful outline standing and moving. He was built properly, with an outstanding head, tail, length of rib cage, and a short loin. He was exquisite to touch, everything was well-knit and solid. Wonderful temperament, intelligent expression, and built to do the job he was bred for.
Third Place, the Giant Schnauzer, was an outstanding representative of his breed; robust, beautifully fronted, flow from neck to solid topline, and proper tail placement. His movement was sound and with purpose. He had a lovely harsh coat and exquisite muscle over a well-balanced body.
Fourth Place, the Kuvasz, was an impressive dog that was sturdily built without being bulky. He was well balanced and of high quality. He was outstandingly sound and walked naturally into a perfect stack with zero effort. He was perfectly presented and handled.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: The AKC staff, led by Michael Canalizo, Dennis Sprung, and Gina Dinardo, work tremendously hard on the event with so many other contributors from the AKC, like Mari-Beth O’Neill on the Puppy Stakes, Tim Thomas on Judges Education Seminars, and Paula Spector on all of the hospitality arrangements. The organizational piece behind the scenes is mind blowing—the planning for the next year begins on Monday after the event. We enjoy the finished product of their year-long efforts. We should all be extremely grateful. Royal Canin, led by Jason Taylor and Amanda Hilton, also work diligently throughout the year to develop fresh ideas that continue to make the event world-class.
Vicki Seiler-Cushman: I am excited for our sport and the future of purebred dogs. The breeders clearly have a plan and are working diligently for healthy, beautiful breeding stock and family pets. Let’s continue to mentor and encourage our youth to breed responsibly and with passion.
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