WELCOME TO THE Purina® Pro Plan® Achievement awards
CONGRATS TO ALL THE 2025 NOMINEES
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US RECOGNIZE THE HARDEST WORKING, RESPECTED,
AND MOST DEVOTED MEMBERS OF THIS SPORT, AND TO THE DOGS WE LOVE.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 8
VOTING IS OPEN NOV 1st - DEC 20th
Only one vote per person will count
NOMINEES FOR BREEDER OF THE YEAR
About Andy McIlwaine
Andy McIlwaine has been involved in the world of purebred dogs since the age of 12, when she and her mother purchased their first show dog, a Samoyed. Andy participated in many venues with this dog, including Junior Showmanship, sled-dog racing and breeding under the Ijsbear prefix. They produced many champions including a Top Ten Samoyed.
Andy met her husband, Jack, while in college. Together, with their son, Jason, and daughter, Jamie, they have devoted their lives to Otterhounds. Andy’s mother, Nancy Dorian, gave them their first Otterhound, Ch. Chaucer’s Sunflower in 1982. In 1985, the McIlwaines imported a dog from England, Ch. Boravin Quarryman. These dogs were the foundation of Aberdeen Otterhounds.
They have since produced nearly 100 champions, including several top-winning Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show winners. A bitch from their first litter, Ch. Aberdeen’s Alien (“Ripley”), is still the top-producing bitch in history, having produced three Best in Show winners. Aberdeen has bred and/or owned the top-winning Otterhound in 10 of the last 12 years, all of which were National Specialty and multiple Best in Show winners and all of which were handled by Jason.
The McIlwaines have mentored and contributed to the breeding programs of several Otterhound owners and breeders. They have also hosted four Otterhound National Specialties. Andy is an approved breed mentor, who has presented to numerous judges’ education groups and published articles on judging the Otterhound. They have also worked with many all-breed clubs and have been co-chairs for the Ravenna Kennel Club shows along with Max and Lee Riddle. You can often find Jack and Andy stewarding at shows.
In their “other” lives, Andy is a clinical liaison for the Cleveland Clinic. Jack is the owner of the Beach City Market and BBQ in California and Caveman’s Kitchen, which specializes in gourmet catering at dog shows. Jason apprenticed for many top handlers and is now a professional handler in partnership with his girlfriend, Heather Buehner. He has campaigned five Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show Otterhounds bred and owned by him and his parents, including this year’s No. 1 Hound, GCh. Dobhran’s Alexa Play Some Music (“Melody”).
About Colton & Heather Johnson
Colton and Heather Johnson met at a puppy evaluation, and as they say, the rest is history. Their friendship was bonded by their shared passion for purebred dogs. Several years later, Heather moved from Long Island, New York, to Colorado, and together they became a successful handling couple, piloting many dogs to top levels in their breeds.
Bugaboo Old English Sheepdogs was established in the early ‘70s by Edie Shields and Douglas and Michaelanne Johnson along with their five children. Colton and Heather became involved in breeding Old English Sheepdogs in 2002, as well as in handling and conditioning them with a deep love for the breed.
Bugaboo is now continued by Colton and Heather, and through their dedication and breeding program, they have celebrated many top-winning sheepdogs over the years. Some proud accomplishments have been an accumulation of over 340 Bests in Show (internationally/nationally), seven National Specialty winners, seven Top Twenty winners, numerous recognitions at national/regional specialties and countless champions.
Over the past decade, they have achieved the Top Dog All Breed in 2018, BIS/BISS GCH Bugaboo’s Let It Go Blu Mtn, “Elsa,” the Top OES Female, and the Number One Owner-Handled Dog of all time, BIS/BISS GCH Bugaboo’s Picture Perfect, “Swagger,” the Top-Winning OES in breed history. In 2014, Colton and Swagger were awarded Best Bred-By in Show at the AKC National Championship.
Heather and Colton were awarded Herding Group recipients in 2014 at the Santa Barbara Kennel Club in 2014. They have shared their knowledge abroad at breeding, handling and grooming seminars as AKC Breeders of Merit and are proud members of the Old English Sheepdog Club of America.
Heather and Colton continue to strive to produce dogs emphasizing the importance of preserving Old English Sheepdog’s health, temperament and function.
Bugaboo Old English Sheepdogs legacy will continue with their children, Taylor, Cameron and Dawson, who share the passion that came before them over 50 years ago.
About Tim Terella
As a third-generation dog show exhibitor and fancier, my foundation in the sport began as an infant. My parents started breeding Siberian Huskies in the 1970s. The family dogs were bred for conformation, obedience and sled racing, with an emphasis on breed workability. My parents’ love for the breed has had a great influence on me, and since the early 2000s, I have been actively breeding Siberians under the Snoebear prefix.
Breeding, showing and running Siberian Huskies in harness are my absolute passion. My greatest joy is watching puppies as they are born, grow and develop into amazing companions that excel in the ring and in harness on the sled trail. Together, with my wife, Megan Terella, we have bred more than 75 American champions, as well as
champions in more than 10 countries. We are very blessed that Snoebear dogs have
been awarded Best in Show wins in four different countries and recognized at our parent club’s National Specialty, receiving nearly every award there.
It is important to us as breeders not only to breed dogs that are healthy in body and mind but also are beautiful and sound. Each winter, we spend our days balancing dog shows and training our dogs to work in harness for sled and dryland cart racing. Our breed has an important function that can still be proved today, and we are dedicated to meeting that benchmark. We have bred multiple dogs that have achieved the challenging requirements to obtain a Siberian Husky Club of America Sled Dog Degree, as well as the Best Sled Dog at the 2018 National Specialty. I personally have piloted Siberians to more that 47 Bests in Show in the U.S. and 135 Bests in Specialty Show. Representing the breed with dogs that correctly meet the standard and function is paramount to any preservationist.
I am a lifetime member of the Erie Kennel Club, member of the Siberian Husky Club of
America, founding member of the Lake Erie Allegheny Siberian Husky Club, as well as a member of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America.
I greatly appreciate Dog News and Pro Plan for the honor of being a Breeder of the
Year nominee, as well as Pro Plan for fueling our dogs in the whelping box, the show
ring and on the sled trail.
NOMINEES FOR PROFESSIONAL HANDLER OF THE YEAR
About Diego Garcia
Diego Garcia has dedicated his life to showing dogs. His parents were respected Boxer breeders in his native country of Argentina. It was his father who encouraged him to come to the U.S. and follow the “American dream.” Diego will always be grateful to him for making a great sacrifice, so he could pursue happiness in this country.
From the beginning, Diego wanted to be a handler who showed dogs with passion, dignity and good sportsmanship. Over the years, he’s been privileged to handle many beautiful dogs across the Groups, including some of the top dogs. He has loved every step of the journey.
Diego has had the pleasure of winning the Working Group twice at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show. He is grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have shown several dogs that have won their National Specialties.
Throughout his career, Diego has had the great fortune of meeting many wonderful people, many of whom have become like family to him. The dog show world gives so many of us a unique lifestyle, he says. He has created many valuable relationships within the dog community in many different countries.
Diego’s life has been enriched by the owners and dogs he’s had the pleasure of working with along the way. He truly loves what he does and feels fortunate to be doing something that is the love of his life, with the love of his life. Not many people are lucky enough to be able to make a living following their passion.
Thank you for the greatest honor to be nominated for Handler of the Year, Diego says.
Dylan Kipp-Keith
Dylan Kipp-Keith of Spring, Texas, is a third-generation purebred dog fancier. Dylan has had a passion for animals for as long as she can remember. Her first love was a Norfolk Terrier named “Jill,” who was her constant companion.
Dylan was raised in a household in which both parents handled dogs professionally and both grandmothers were breeders of AKC-registered dogs. With that upbringing, Dylan not only witnessed firsthand the inner workings of what it takes to be an excellent handler, but also how to properly raise and socialize puppies. She also was taught how to be a successful breeder and that the sport begins in the whelping box.
If she maintained good grades while attending school, Dylan was allowed to travel to shows with her parents. Thus, she had a successful run in Junior Showmanship. Dylan is one of the winningest juniors in AKC history and the only junior handler to have won Best Junior at Westminster, the AKC National Championship and the World Dog Show (Mexico City).
When she was 20 years old, Dylan moved to Texas from Wisconsin. She continued assisting handlers before eventually deciding handling professionally was her chosen occupation. Texas is also where Dylan met her husband Chris. With Chris’ love and support, Dylan has, thus far, had an incredible career. She has achieved over 100 Bests in Show with dogs from all seven Groups. She has won National Specialties in Doberman Pinscher (twice), Xoloitzcuintli (twice), Smooth Fox Terrier and Papillon. She has also won Top 20 events at National Specialties for Doberman Pinscher (twice), Golden Retriever, Boxer and Xoloitzcuintli.
Dylan is respected for her knowledge and abilities in conditioning her dogs physically and mentally; you will often see her on her bike in the evenings conditioning her dogs or walking around a promising youngster teaching them the life of a show dog. She has the patience and ability to take nice dogs and mold them into successful show dogs. She recognizes the opportunity that was afforded her in her youth and enjoys paying it forward by sharing her knowledge with others.
Dylan periodically breeds Doberman Pinschers under the Kataire kennel name, in honor of her late grandmother Barbara DePew. Dylan is an active member of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America and assists with various seminars at the National Specialty.
The Keith family welcomed their newest addition, a baby girl named Charlotte, in March 2024. Dylan hopes to share her love of dogs and the sport with her daughters, Sloan and Charlotte, as well as with her stepdaughter, Jillian, who has already finished her own Brussels Griffon that she got from her grandma Suz.
Dylan is humbled by the recognition that she has received from her peers for this nomination and wishes to congratulate the other nominees.
About Adam Peterson
Adam Peterson grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. His passion for showing dogs began through participation in Junior Showmanship. He started competing with his parents’ Rottweilers, a Miniature Longhaired Dachshund and eventually his own Gordon Setter.
After deciding that he wanted to pursue becoming a professional handler, Adam went to apprentice for Scott and Susie Kipp, then for Carlos Puig for many years. He relocated to Houston, Texas, in 2005, where he worked for Scott Sommer for almost seven years, playing an integral part throughout many great dogs’ careers.
In 2012, Adam moved to the East Coast with his future wife, Madeline Peterson. They have since built their family business in Seagrove, North Carolina. Together, they breed Wirehaired and Longhaired Dachshunds, Smooth Fox Terriers and Golden Retrievers under the kennel prefix Harewood. Dogs from their kennel have won numerous accolades including National Specialty and Best in Show wins.
Adam has campaigned dogs from six different Groups to number one in their breeds. Two of his favorite highlights are GCH Grantilley Galaxy Moon, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who was awarded a Group Two at Westminster at 9 years old, and GCH Raydachs Ride My Ducati SW, a Wirehaired Dachshund who won nine Bests in Show and was a top-ranked hound, then retired as Adam and Maddie’s beloved pet.
Adam takes particular care in the conditioning and grooming of his charges. He builds a bond with each dog he shows, as evidenced by their performance in the ring. On top of Adam’s excellent care and handling of this dogs, he always goes above and beyond to help anyone in need. He is always encouraging, supportive and continuously gives back to the sport he loves.
NOMINEES FOR JUDGE OF THE YEAR
About Jamie Hubbard
A native of Australia, I began my early judging career there. In 2004, I moved to the U.S. and began judging in the American Kennel Club system. Over the past 20 years, I have steadily progressed to earn approval for the Sporting, Hound and Terrier Groups, plus breeds in the Herding and Toy Groups.
I bring a breeder’s approach to judging, and I am still actively breeding and exhibiting dogs. I believe that this is an integral part of staying engaged with the process of evaluating breeding stock. I have an independent opinion when evaluating dogs and am secure in my judgment to make good choices in the breeds I am evaluating.
My judging career has taken me all over the world, but for me, the highlights have been judging some of the top shows in the U.S. I have judged the Westminster Kennel Club three times, including the Hound Group in 2021, the AKC National Championship five times, including the Sporting Group in 2022, and various National Specialties.
It is an honor to be included as a nominee for Judge of the Year.
About Desi Murphy
Desi Murphy was fortunate to have been born into the sport of purebred dogs. He represents three generations of “dog men.” Desi started going to shows regularly when he was 10 years old. He considers himself fortunate to have learned from great teachers like Bill Kendrick and Alva Rosenberg. In later years, Desi learned from Mike Billings, Frank Sabella, Jane Forsyth and many others.
In 1976, Desi began judging. He has judged at the Morris & Essex and AKC National Championship dog shows and at many National Specialties. Desi has judged three times at the World Dog Show and at many of the largest shows of the world.
Desi is very proud to have invented the Breeder’s Showcase at the Santa Barbara Kennel Club, as well as the Bullygangza competition, which is now famous in Italy.
“The sport has been so wonderful to me and given me so many experiences,” Desi says.
About Bill Potter
I have been involved with purebred dogs and dog shows for 56 years. It all started when my wife, Donna, bought me an Irish Wolfhound as a college graduation present. While I stayed involved with Irish Wolfhounds through co-ownerships offered by friends, the last one to live with us was in the early 1980s.
I purchased my first Smooth Fox Terrier in 1976, which started a transition to dedicating my efforts to the breed. I was successful in breeding and exhibiting Smooth Fox Terriers, producing Group and Specialty winners. I exhibited all my Fox Terriers. I owe a great deal of thanks to the established breeders and terrier professional handlers who provided their guidance and knowledge that contributed to my success.
In support of the goal of promoting our sport, I have been an active member of Mississippi Valley Kennel Club (St. Louis, MO) for decades — serving over 20 years as secretary and until recently, as show chair. I am also an active member of The American Fox Terrier Club, and in the past, I have served as president, secretary, board member and show chair.
In 1990, I was granted provisional status to judge Fox Terriers (Smooth & Wire) and Irish Wolfhounds. I am now approved to judge the Hound and Terrier Groups, Toy Manchester Terriers and Best in Show. I have always viewed judging as a way to expand my involvement in our sport and encourage the progress of exhibitors, breeders and the breeds that I am approved to judge. I have had the privilege to judge throughout the United States and many countries around the world. I hope that my experience as a breeder-owner-handler has helped me pass along the kindness and knowledge that were given to me through the years.
NOMINEES FOR BREEDER/OWNER/HANDLER OF THE YEAR
About Laurie Green
Laurie Green of Toledo, Ohio, and Boca Raton, Florida, has been showing and breeding dogs since 1970. She started in Irish Setters, moved to English Springers in 1984 and then added GBGV in 2018.
Since then, she has bred, shown and loved these breeds with her dog partner, Erline Jesseman, under the Crossroad Jockeyhill kennel name. Laurie has bred, owned or co-owned almost 100 champions, some of which have won prestigious shows like Westminster and the AKC National Championship.
Laurie started showing in owner-handler competition at its inception with her Springers and then her Grands and now both breeds. She has won numerous Owner-Handler Bests in Show with her Springers and many Owner-Handler Groups with her Grands.
Over the years, Laurie has given back to the dog show community in many ways. She is a past AKC delegate for the Middlesex County Kennel Club and the Lewiston Auburn Kennel Club. She is a past president and past show chair of the Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers Association; a past vice president and secretary of the Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club; and a past member of the Board of Governors of the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association. Laurie currently serves as chair of the ESSFTA Meet the Breeds and Top 20. She also is a member of the board of directors of the English Springer Spaniel Foundation and the GBGV Foundation.
Reflecting on what is most important to her today, Laurie said, it is my family, my dogs and the friends I have made through this crazy, sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding community. It is the people in the dog show world who have become lasting friends, mentors and even partners in her breeding program whom she treasures most.
Thank you, Dog News and Purina for the honor of being nominated for this award.
About Kerrie Kuper
Kerrie Kuper grew up in the sport showing in conformation and obedience. The first Karasar Whippet litter was born in 1967, and 11-year-old Kerrie put the first Best of Breed over Specials on their first homebred champion, CH Karasar’s Silver Sassafras. All the Karasar Whippets descend from this first litter.
Kerrie is believed to be the first breeder-owner-handler of a number one Whippet bitch, MBIS/MBISS CH Karasar’s Preference ROMX, who was number one in 1994 and 1995. She was the first of six generations of Multiple Best in Show-winning or number one Whippets, all of which were breeder-owner-handled by Kerrie.
Kerrie is the breeder-owner-handler of 16 different Best in Show/Reserve Best in Show winners. She also is the breeder-owner-handler of the first Grand Champion Whippet and of the first Reserve Best in Show winner. She has bred, owned and handled more than 200 Whippet Champions.
In 2013, Kerrie was the breeder-owner-handler of the first number one dog all breeds in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series. MBIS/MRBIS/MBISNOHS GCH Karasar’s Remembrance ROMX went on to produce two different Multiple Best in Show-winning Whippets, one of which was also a NOHS Best in Show winner. Kerrie is the breeder, owner or handler of 10 Different NOHS Best in Show winners.
Kerrie has been the American Whippet Club Breeder of the Year for many years, including the past three years. She is a Junior Showmanship judge, and since 2002 has been a judge of Whippets, Greyhounds and Silky Terriers.
About Eric Steel
Eric Steel of New York City and Amagansett, New York, was given at 6 years old his first Saluki, a dog whose breeding and pedigree he never knew. Almost 20 years later, Judith Myrer, one of the great matriarchs of the breed, sold him a puppy on the condition that he show the dog and then signed him up for handling classes with Michael Canalizo in a church hall on Long Island.
Eric’s first show was an Empire Saluki Club Specialty the day before Westminster in 1989, where “Korbu” won the American-Bred class from an entry of one. Apparently, that was all it took.
Eric has bred or co-bred more than a dozen litters under the Phaeton Saluki kennel name and handled a great many of these dogs to their championships. His young bitch, BISS GCHB Phaeton Nightingale of Allihan JC DCAT, won Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club in 2024.
Eric believes memorable dogs outlive their records. He has found just as much joy and pride in the ones that have excelled in the show ring as those that chased rabbits in an open field course or in a pet owner’s backyard.
He is a member of the Morris & Essex Kennel Club, the Saluki Association of New England and the Saluki Club of America. In 2025, he will serve as show chair of the SCA National Specialty. He is approved to judge Salukis and several other sighthounds.
An accomplished filmmaker, Eric directed two prize-winning documentaries, “The Bridge” and “Kiss the Water,” and one feature, “Minyan,” which opened the Berlin Film Festival Panorama in 2020. He produced “Angela’s Ashes,” “Bringing Out the Dead,” and “Julie & Julia.”
Eric cherishes the first major he won, as well as the most recent specialty he won last spring. He believes that the memories of dogs and dog shows are closely intertwined with people, with mentors and great friendships, and with caring and love and looking after one another. Eric was one of the founders of Take the Lead and is still inspired and humbled by the great, life-changing work of which our “family” is capable.
NOMINEES FOR SHOW CLUSTER OF THE YEAR
About Beehive Cluster
The Utah Beehive Cluster, established in 2000, has long been a cornerstone of the local dog show community, hosting a series of shows that highlight the sport of purebred dogs and dog sports. We are proud to bring together dog enthusiasts and also to promote Junior Showmanship and provide public education about the sport.
This year’s event, held at the Utah State University Bastian Agricultural Center, featured not only our prestigious conformation, obedience and rally shows but also exciting agility trials and Fast CAT competitions. We are proud to welcome specialty clubs such as the Utah Bulldog Club, Utah Shetland Sheepdog Association, Salt Lake Doberman Pinscher Club, Utah Collie Club, Great Basin Non-Sporting Club of Utah and Group IV Terrier Club of Salt Lake. Over the years, the Beehive Cluster has also hosted Regional Specialties, National Specialties and special interest events like Foundation Stock Service shows, puppy competitions and more.
A popular event at our shows is the Dutch Oven Lunch. We are proud to host this memorable event for exhibitors that celebrates the spirit of community and camaraderie that makes our shows so special.
Our Cluster is also proud to contribute to the safety and well-being of K9 officers in Utah. Intermountain Kennel Club Inc. and Utah Valley Kennel Club Inc. provide custom-fitted bulletproof vests for K9 units to help protect these brave animals while they are performing their vital duties. Over the years, we have donated bulletproof vests to K9 officers with the Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Utah County Sheriff’s Office that might. Each vest, valued at approximately $1,700, offers crucial protection for K9 officers that might not otherwise receive this life-saving equipment. In the early years, we donated one vest annually to the Utah Highway Patrol. However, as demand increased, we have proudly begun donating two vests per year and even had the honor of donating a fully trained K9 partner.
The Utah Beehive Cluster is grateful to all the clubs and volunteers who contribute to making this event a highlight of Utah’s dog show calendar. We look forward to hosting many more years of celebrating dogs, their skills and their invaluable contributions to our society.
About March Madness Cluster
The March Madness Cluster in Edison, New Jersey, is honored to be nominated for Show of the Year. The New Brunswick Kennel Club and Bronx County Kennel Club are wonderful partners, collaborating to host wonderful events for the fancy. Five Group clubs — Big Apple Sporting Society, Big Apple Working Dog Club, Delaware Valley Toy Dog Fanciers, Non-Sporting Group of the Garden State and the Herding Group Association of New Jersey — kick off the circuit on Thursday evening.
Our goal is to make our shows a pleasant and fun experience for everyone. Being able to hold our show at a conveniently located Expo Center gives both exhibitors and the general public the opportunity to enjoy a great weekend celebrating purebred dogs.
Exhibitors love that our show has a wide variety of vendors for their shopping pleasure. We start off by welcoming our vendors with a pizza party on setup day. We appreciate vendor participation at our shows, and this is a small way to thank them.
We offer health clinics throughout the weekend, which gives breeders and owners easy access to health testing for their dogs. Specialty clubs can take advantage of several meeting rooms to have meetings or hospitality.
The Supreme Specialty Challenge showcases all Specialty Best of Breed winners over the course of the weekend. The event is judged by a prominent dog person who is not a licensed judge. The winner receives a gift certificate to future Rau Shows as well as an embroidered director’s chair and a rosette.
We offer ice cream and other goodies to the exhibitors during Group judging, and there is judges hospitality at Group time.
The New Brunswick Kennel Club offers a scholarship to third-year veterinary students who are New Jersey residents.
Putting together a Cluster requires a lot of effort and innovation. When clubs work together toward a common goal, we can create events that draw exhibitors from near and far and that draw the general public to learn about purebred dogs
About Indy Winter Classic
The Indy Winter Classic is the crown jewel of Indiana dog showing. It boasts the largest daily totals of any show in the state and has been the largest gathering of dogs in the Midwest. The Indy Winter Classic is an integral part of the dog show community in the Midwest, and it is our mission to keep it that way. Dog breeders and enthusiasts know that this event is our biggest opportunity to promote the sport of purebred dogs to our community.
Progress comes from change. Last year, The Hoosier Kennel Club hosted its 100th Anniversary show and were joined by our partners, the Danville Illinois Kennel Club and Bloomington Indiana Kennel Club, to form the new Indy Winter Classic Cluster.
Originally, a male, invitation-only kennel club, the Hoosier Kennel Club reinvented itself and invited 10 women to join its membership. These necessary changes were just the start of our Cluster’s success. Hosting a dog show that you can be proud of and one that you would want to attend is no easy task. The Cluster is filled with a strong field of competitive dogs, many Specialties with major entries and even a Group show.
With many new ideas, new faces and fresh starts, we are grateful that the nomination committee has noticed these positive changes. We want the dog community to know that we are looking forward to more enhancements to our Cluster as we continue to make arrangements for the show in 2025.
NOMINEES FOR SPECIALTY SHOW OF THE YEAR
About American Shetland Sheepdog Association
The first American Shetland Sheepdog Association National Specialty Show was held in 1933 in conjunction with Morris and Essex. Since then, the National Specialty is held each Spring. The week-long event includes a Futurity, conformation, Junior Showmanship, agility, obedience, rally and herding. As in past years, it remains one of the largest and most attended specialties amongst all breeds.
The week kicks off on Friday with an Agility Trial, followed by Obedience and Rally Trials on Saturday. The ASSA Board of Directors meeting begins on Saturday as well. Sunday there is a Herding Trial and most recently a Farm Dog Certified Test. Conformation Exhibitors arrive and setup and the Board meeting continues.
On Monday puppies that have been nominated by ASSA Members, compete in Futurity. Following Futurity judging there is a Veteran’s Sweepstakes and Parade of Veterans and Titleholders. Monday evening everyone joins together for a Welcome Party.
Each Tuesday begins with a Symposium which is centered around either structure, health, reproductive issues or the finer details of the breed. A Health Clinic is held in the afternoon. Tuesday evening the top 20 dogs in all breed and breed competition are recognized in an Invitational Showcase. The top owner-handled dog is recognized as well. In 2025 the top Junior will also receive recognition. Any new ASSA Life Members are announced as well as new 50year members.
Conformation Judging begins on Wednesday. At the conclusion of judging the ASSA Annual Meeting is held. Each year at the Annual Meeting the following awards are presented: AKC Sportsmanship Award, ASSA Service Award, Breeder of Most AKC Champions, Top Sire and Top Dam.
Judging of conformation classes continues on Thursday. There is a Judges Education Seminar and Workshop for aspiring Judges, followed by ringside mentoring. Ringside Education is also offered for any fancier wanting to learn more. Thursday evening there are visiting hours which gives fanciers a chance to actually put their hands on many dogs that they might not have a chance to go over otherwise. This past year we added an area known as the “Chat Room” which is available all week for folks to gather and speak about different issues and concerns of the Shetland Sheepdog.
Friday class judging is completed and the class winners from the week compete for Winners. That is followed by our veteran classes, stud dog and brood bitch classes. Friday evening there is a Junior Handling Clinic and Pizza Party.
The final day begins with Junior Showmanship followed by Best of Breed judging. At the conclusion of Best of Breed there is a Parade of Winners for the newly crowned Best of Breed, Best of Winners, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Awards, Award of Merit winners, Futurity winner and Best Junior Handler. Best All Around Sheltie is also announced on the final day.
This week would not be possible without the tireless dedication and hard work provided by the Show Committee and those who volunteer their time each year. We are extremely proud of our National and would like to thank Purina Pro Plan and Dog News for this nomination and recognition as Specialty Show of the Year.
About Newfoundland Club of America
The Newfoundland Club of America (NCA) has served the Newfoundland dog fancy since its inception in 1930 and has held an annual National Specialty for the past 57 years. The 2024 NCA National Specialty, appropriately themed “Heading to The Lake,” was sponsored by Pro Plan and dedicated to the memory of Mr. David Helming, Mrs. Mary W. Price and Mr. Chris Lyden, who contributed so much to the sport of dogs and the Newfoundland breed.
The outdoor show site for 2024, Bayfront Festival Park, located on the scenic shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, was chosen specifically to pay homage to the breed’s rich maritime history as working water dogs. The spectacular backdrop of the iconic Ariel Lift Bridge with ocean-going vessels passing by daily set the scene for a memorable event that drew attendees from across the U.S. and around the globe.
To highlight the breed’s versatility and promote inclusiveness among all Newfoundland dog fanciers, a full complement of activities was offered over six days. The NCA celebrated its outstanding dogs and members in several categories, recognizing their annual achievements and commitment to the breed. Conformation judging, multiday rally and obedience trials, and draft tests were held.
Interwoven throughout the week were parades and ceremonies recognizing participating regional clubs and international guests; Newfoundland dogs that were former rescues; a Living Legends tribute to dogs 10 years and older; and a parade to honor those who earned AKC, CKC and NCA titles. AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluations, Trick Dog testing and a Specialty Carting exhibition drew much interest. With a nod to the future, the 2024 NCA National Specialty was excited to host a Beginner Puppy competition, Pee Wee special attraction, and several fun and educational activities focused on mentoring and supporting our junior handlers.
The Top 20/10 Gala, dubbed the Aurora Borealis Ball, was held under the stars with the actual Northern Lights making an appearance to shine on the top conformation and obedience showcase. An online and live auction and strolling buffet at the adjacent Great Lakes Aquarium provided a unique and exciting venue for this popular event. Health clinics, DNA blood draws, along with AKC breed mentoring for judges and an educational seminar hosted by the NCA Breeder’s Education committee, supported the club’s commitment to further the health and well-being of the breed.
The Newfoundland Club of America aspires to be a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive community of enthusiasts recognized as the leading voice for the preservation, protection, promotion and celebration of the Newfoundland dog. The 2024 NCA National Specialty embodied this desire and created an experience for this vision to become a reality.
About Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was recognized as a breed able to compete for championship points the first October weekend in 1973, so we made an entrance to the dog show world Montgomery County Kennel Club weekend. While there were only 33 entries that year, Wheatens have been in the top three of Terrier breeds shown for the past 49 years.
Our sweepstakes was held on Sunday morning until entries grew to the point that we were holding up Best in Show judging. There have been occasional suggestions that we move our National Specialty to another venue, but the majority of our members can’t imagine leaving the greatest Terrier show on earth!
Roving Specialties are held every other year in areas served by Local clubs or where new clubs are forming. Last year we celebrated in Louisville and next year, Los Angeles, but our National is the big hurrah. Plans for the next year’s show begin at a Board meeting the Monday after the big show. Co-chairs submit their ideas for the theme and for the sales items to support the show’s theme. They choose a team to help plan events. Our membership is vitally important since they bind together yearly to create a very special event. The hotel sets the stage and we have struck gold with the Hyatt Place in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Our annual dinner and awards banquet is held Thursday or Friday evening with the ever popular Wheaten boutique starting the evening.
Our ring decoration team sets up Saturday for the Sweepstakes and the Specialty with guidance from our longtime chair, Gary Vlachos. His team includes a talented landscape designer and several dedicated members. The ring is a seasonal delight and the envy of the other Terrier breeds.
One of the major reasons that SCWTCA stays with Montgomery County is the cooperation we receive from Bruce Schwartz, President, and Ken Kauffman, Show Chair. Their planning ensures our success, and we do appreciate their continued guidance as we change coordinators yearly. We are also appreciative of AKC TV. Wheaten lovers everywhere are able to join with us as we celebrate our big day!