Working Group Judge Norman B. Kenney Interview

Working Group Judge Norman B. Kenney

Working Group

Placements:

Group One: GCHG Lagniappe’s From The Mountains To

The Bayou  (Giant Schnauzer)

Group Two: GCHP Vanderbilt ‘N Printemp’s Lucky Strike

(Samoyed)

Group Three: GCHP Castleguard Spiritridge Magical Sebec FDC TT RATS CGCA CGCU (Cane Corso)

Group Four: GCHS Ederra’s Glacier The Power Of Mo’Ne

(Kuvasz)

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Working Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
   Norman B. Kenney: It’s always an honor to be asked to judge at the AKC National Championship. I’ve judged breeds there many times. I think this was the second or third time that I’ve judged a Group.Very exciting!
2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?
   Norman B. Kenney: It’s a tremendous honor knowing that AKC chose you to represent the Working Group, to be seen by the entire fancy.
3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?
   Norman B. Kenney: This is really the only conformation show the AKC puts on. It promotes purebred dogs to all.
4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Working Group ring?
   Norman B. Kenney: The excitement is palpable, with the music and lights for your entry into the arena.
5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators?
   Norman B. Kenney: You can sense the excitement from the exhibitors. Many are very nervous, and I try to make small talk to ease some of their apprehension and nervousness.
6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?
   Norman B. Kenney: Although this was an extremely great lineup of dogs, I have been judging for 40-plus years. Once the sorting process begins, it’s business as usual.
7. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner? About the dogs that placed?
   Norman B. Kenney: The Group winner was the Giant Schnauzer; an extremely good dog that possesses excellent breed type. He was “spot on” during the show; groomed and presented to perfection. My other placements, the Samoyed, the Cane Corso, and the Kuvasz were high quality and were also presented well.
8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say on behalf of the AKC and the show’s sponsors?
   Norman B. Kenney: Although I do not speak for the AKC or the sponsors, everything—from the beginning to the end—was first class.
9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?
   Norman B. Kenney: I think that allowing the audience to experience the excitement and competitiveness furthers the sport of dogs.
10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2021 show year? What about the year ahead?
    Norman B. Kenney: The 2021 National Championship was a wonderful event. Everything was first class. I’m sure that future events will continue to entertain and educate the fancy.