2023 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ROBIN STANSELL NOHS TOY GROUP JUDGE
1. Can you describe your reac- tion to receiving an invitation to judge the National Owner- Handled Series Toy Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin? It is an honor to be invited to pass judgement on the dogs exhibited by these dedicated enthusiasts.
2. What does it mean to judge this singular event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the Ameri- can Kennel Club? I have been involved with the National Owner-Han- dled Series since its inception, so it is indeed a special event to me. I am totally impressed by the number of exhibitors who attend and the distances they trav- eled to participate in this competition. I believe this clearly demonstrates the popularity of this event. 3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events? There are no championship points given for this competition. The only way these exhibits earn cham- pionship points is by winning in the regular classes, competing against both professional and amateur handlers. This competition is for the pride of suc- cessfully competing against their peers. 4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the NOHS Group ring? There are certainly wonderful dogs exhibiting here! 5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and owner-handler teams? Did you feel the energy of the spectators? I could feel the excitement of the exhibitors and the pride of their being there. 6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process? It is far less challenging to judge when you have a ring filled with quality dogs than when you have to pass on less correct exhibits. Perhaps it would be good to
offer awards of excellence in addition to the current BOB and BOS placements, to give recognition to additional quality exhibits. 7. Do you have a word or two about your NOHS Group winner? About the dogs that placed? The NOHS winners class is a pleasure to judge. These dogs are competitive at any level of competition. 8. Are there specific ways in which the NOHS furthers the cause of purebred dogs? NOHS highlights the hobby exhibitors. It offers an ad- ditional opportunity for hobby owners to highlight their dogs. It gives AKC the opportunity to recognize the larg- est segment of enthusiasts competing in Conformation. 9. A 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? Thank you to the American Kennel Club and to Royal Canin for providing this tremendous event. Particular thanks to Michael Canalizo and the AKC staff for their organizing this event. 10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2023 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead? The 2024 show year will provide an opportunity for ex- hibitors and dogs to excel. I look forward with anticipa- tion to see the current dogs develop and the new dogs to be introduced.
28 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2024
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