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NOMINEES FOR BREEDER OF THE YEAR
About Keith Bailey
For more than 25 years, Keith Bailey has dedicated herself to building Bayleigh Welsh Terriers through hard work, perseverance and an enduring passion for the breed. Her goal has always been to produce healthy Welsh Terriers with sound temperaments that truly embody the breed standard.
Keith’s journey began in 1998 with her foundation bitch and an agreement with the breeder to finish her championship and return two puppies. Although new to breeding and showing, Keith embraced the challenge with the guidance of his mentor, Sharon Abmeyer, and the skill of his handler, Tracy Szaras. From her very first class placement at the 1999 “Muddy Montgomery,” Keith knew she wanted to pursue this path.
One of his proudest moments came 10 years later with MBIS/MBISS GCH Bayleigh Shaireab’s Super Hero (“Spyder”), a multiple Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show winner and the first Welsh Terrier Grand Champion. In partnership with Sharon, Bayleigh went on to produce more than 100 Champions, including 13 Grand Champions and record-setting Welsh Terriers such as “Jennie,” the top-winning Welsh Terrier bitch of all time, and “Khaleesi,” the No. 1 Terrier in 2017. After Sharon’s retirement, Keith proudly carried on the legacy with GCHG Brightluck Money Talks (“Dazzle”), the No. 1 Terrier in 2019 and 2020.
About Sarah Murphy
As a first-generation exhibitor, Sarah Murphy met her first Ibizan Hound at the age of 12. Since then, her world has revolved around this beautiful, unique and very entertaining breed.
Sarah was introduced to Margery Good, a past Breeder of the Year winner, and became her full-time assistant at age 19.
Sarah was introduced to Margery Good, a past Breeder of the Year winner, and became her full-time assistant at age 19. Margery ignited the fire that has grown exponentially into Abbaio Ibizan Hounds, the top producer of AKC champions, grand champions and dual champions, as well as having the most CHIC-registered Ibizans.
As a breeder-owner-handler, Sarah has produced 100 champions that have won over 100 Group Firsts, the only two Grand Champion Platinum Ibizan Hounds, 15 Best in Field winners, and more than 35 dual champions. Heralding from Abbaio are three IHCUS National Specialty Best of Breed winners; six Westminster Bests of Breed; five Bests of Breed and a Group-placing winner at the AKC National Championship; a Best of Breed and Group First winner at the National Dog Show; and a Breed Finalist at the National Lure Coursing Championship.
GCHP Abbaio Dream With Your Eyes Open SC (“Iris”) was the first breeder-owner-handled Best in Show winning Ibizan Hound. GCHP DC Abbaio Bushbaby MC (“The Zit”) is the top-winning breeder-owner-handled and dual champion Ibizan Hound in breed history and the only Ibizan to win Best in Show and Best in Field.
Sarah, who was the 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year for Lure Coursing, strives to maintain the dual purpose of her beloved breed, which reflects her deep belief that everything that makes an Ibizan Hound beautiful also makes it functional.
About David Murray
David Murray became involved with Tibetan Terriers in 1988 and with Havanese in 2006. He bred his first litter of TT’s in 1994 and recently co-bred his first litter of Havanese.
He considers himself lucky from the beginning to have surrounded himself with incredible mentors, breeders and co-owners and supportive friends.
David never set out to produce lots of champions. His goals were centered around advancing both breeds to the fancy and the general public as worthy competitors on any stage. He strived to produce the best quality possible from a very limited breeding program.
Most of the dogs David has finished and campaigned have been the result of working with other people in choosing the right dogs to put together, and equally important, making final selections from that litter regardless whether he was listed as a breeder on that particular litter.
As an exhibitor, David has shown both breeds and been awarded multiple national specialty Bests of Breed, multiple all-breed Bests in Show and many other honors along the way.
He is grateful to all the breeders who came before him and is looking forward to a bright future for these breeds working together to maintain the best quality in health, temperament, type and soundness in these remarkable dogs
NOMINEES FOR PROFESSIONAL HANDLER OF THE YEAR
About Rebecca Cross
Rebecca Cross is a breeder and professional handler who has been involved in purebred dogs for over 30 years. She is a second-generation dog enthusiast, who grew up helping her mother, Dorene Cross, breed and show Scottish Terriers. Rebecca also had Labrador Retrievers, one of which was her first junior showmanship dog.
After high school, Rebecca joined the U.S. Air Force. During her service, she networked and mentored with breeders and handlers in Europe and Japan. She credits Japanese handler Hiroshi Tsuyuki for helping guide her grooming and handling skills from 2003 to 2008. Following her military and civilian service, Rebecca returned to the United States after living abroad for almost 10 years.
Rebecca has been handling professionally since 2009. She has achieved success at the highest levels, not just with Scotties and Westies but also with other breeds. She is well known for piloting the Scottish Terrier, Ch. McVan’s To Russia With Love (“Knopa”), to Best in Show at Crufts in 2015 and wining the Terrier Group in 2021 at Westminster with a Westie.
Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree in computer studies and a master’s degree in information technology. In her spare time, she travels the world to give grooming and handling seminars to help others further their education in the sport. When time permits, Rebecca enjoys a round of golf.
About David & Jennifer Harper
With over 60 years of combined experience, David and Jennifer Harper have dedicated their lives to the art and sport of dog handling. As the first couple nominated for Professional Handler of the Year, they bring not only individual expertise but also a shared passion for excellence in and out of the ring.
Together, they have campaigned dogs from all seven groups, showcasing their versatility, skill and deep respect for the breeds they have represented. Their partnership, both in life and in handling, has been the foundation of their success. Their goal is to honor the sport with integrity, professionalism and dedication to the love of dogs.
Beyond their many accomplishments in the ring, they are proud to contribute to their local clubs, mentoring others and working with juniors to help ensure that the next generation of handlers carries forward the same love, respect and dedication to dogs that has shaped their careers.
None of this would have been possible without the support of their clients, friends and family, whose encouragement has turned their passion into their dream career.
About Stuart McGraw
Stuart McGraw began his journey with the fancy as a young boy when his parents acquired their first Borzoi. He began working for Bill and Taffe McFadden shortly after this and never looked back in pursuing a career with purebred dogs. He remained a member of the McFadden team for eight years before joining Eddie and Lesley Boyes, where he worked for three years.
Since going “out on his own” with his fiancé, Justine Spiers, Stuart has handled dogs to Best in Show from six of the seven groups. He has guided his charges to placements in three groups at Westminster and Bests of Breed at National Specialties in four groups.
Stuart and Justine began breeding Borzoi and English Setters under the Justart prefix in 2015, so far producing three generations of Best in Show/Best in Specialty Show winning Borzoi and the 2023 Westminster Sporting Group winner. Stuart has been incredibly fortunate to present dogs of immense quality, with many contributing significantly to their respective breeds.
Always with an eye to the future, Stuart has taught numerous junior handling clinics. He is honored to have been nominated for this award and is grateful to his incredible clients, friends, and mentors who have made it possible for him to pursue his passion as his career.
NOMINEES FOR JUDGE OF THE YEAR
About Tom Coen
I grew up on Long Island, which was a mecca of dog activities in the ‘60s. At that time when I competed in obedience and conformation with my first Sheltie, the match shows were really large. I was extremely fortunate to have been mentored by legendary Collie breeders. Eventually, I worked for professional handlers Leslie Canavan and R. Stephen Shaw. In 1970 after graduating from college, I received my handler’s license from the AKC and began an exciting journey that lasted over the next 30 years.
The first Macdega Sheltie litter was whelped in 1962 when I was still in junior high school. The first National Best of Breed win was in 1968, and our eighth was 56 years later in 2024. Nioma and I are fortunate to have bred or owned the breed’s Top Sire as well as two dozen Register of Merit producers and eight All-Breed Best in Show winners.
In 2000, I retired from handling to begin judging. I am honored to have had some wonderful assignments in the U.S. and abroad and to have judged some unforgettable dogs of exceptional quality. I enjoy judging, especially when the quality is deep and there is the possibility of finding that next great one.
About Liz Muthard
I was on my way in the business world when I was bitten by the dog show bug. Encouraged by my best friend, I changed course to apprentice with toy handlers and then with sporting dog experts, George and Mary Ann Alston. I then worked out of Ruth Lukens’ Blue Bell Standards kennel. After several years, I was joined by Charlie Olvis, who aspired to be an AKC judge. His application meant the end of my professional handling, so I soon followed with my first judging application.
Many don’t know that with very limited breeding programs, dogs owned or bred by, I achieved top rankings in the ring as well as top producers in several breeds. Inspired by a lifetime of being around some wonderful dogs, as well as some of the top people in the sport, I always seek the best in the ring each time I judge. Over the years, our judging careers have progressed, and today, we are among a small number of all-breed AKC judges.
I have been described as “brutally honest,” a trait that carries into my judging. Those who know me appreciate that there is a great sense of humor behind the serious expression in the ring when I concentrate on selecting winners. I truly am dedicated to being the best judge I can be. The once shy girl who knew the answers but didn’t raise her hand still strives to have the right answer in each class that comes into her ring.
About Linda Robey
I began showing my Doberman Pinscher in obedience in the mid-1970s. Belgian Sheepdogs (1979) and Belgian Tervuren (1989) joined the family and have been my passion ever since. I have been active in several dog clubs over the years. During the ‘80s, I held several positions, including president, in the Greater St. Louis Training Club. I am a founding member of the Three Rivers Kennel Club of Missouri.
I’m active in both the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America and the American Belgian Tervuren Club. Since 1996, I have been the Judges Education Chair for the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, and I serve on the Judges Education Committee for the American Belgian Tervuren Club.
I started judging in 1995. I am currently approved to judge the Sporting Group, Working Group, Herding Group, three Hound breeds, the Dalmatian breed, the Miscellaneous Class, and Best in Show.
I have judged at Morris & Essex, the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC National Championship, plus many National Specialties. I have had the honor to judge several times the National Specialties of the Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren and Belgian Malinois.
NOMINEES FOR OWNER/HANDLER OF THE YEAR
About Caroline Clegg
Caroline Clegg was born into the sport of dogs, as her parents were breeders and professional handlers. She began her own journey breeding at 6 years old.
Caroline won her first Best in Show when she was 13 and her first Best in Show on a Bred-By Golden Retriever when she was 14. She also won Best Junior Handler that same day with the same dog, becoming the youngest person to do so. At 15, Caroline won her first Best in Show on a Kuvasz and over several years handled the dog to 13 Bests in Show to become the top-winning female Kuvasz in history.
She went on to handle a male Kuvasz to 15 Bests in Show, making him the second top-winning Kuvasz in history. Caroline piloted the dog to Best of Breed and Group 3 at the World Dog Show in Croatia, setting a record as the only Kuvasz to place at a World Dog Show.
Now, at 24 years old, Caroline has owner-handled Kuvasz and Golden Retrievers to win: 30 Bests in Show, 50-plus Reserve Bests in Show and 200-plus Group Firsts. She has won five KCA National Specialties, multiple Group placements at the Westminster Kennel Club and AKC National Championship, and Bests of Breed at the World Dog Show. She has handled Top 20 Golden Retrievers, Top 25 Working Dogs eight times from 2017 to 2025, and the No. 1 Kuvasz nine times from 2016 to 2025. She has finished 50-plus Champions and multiple FCI Champions.
Caroline is honored to be an owner-handler of a rare breed and is passionate about helping the Kuvasz breed flourish worldwide. Through her work with breeders in Europe and South America, she aims to promote cooperation to help the breed thrive.
About Brenda Griffin
Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, loves dogs – all dogs. She started working for a veterinarian when she was 13 years old and joined her first AKC dog club at 14. These early experiences gave her a lifelong passion for dogs and the human-dog bond.
Brenda has been continuously involved in the sport of purebred dogs for 46 years. Her first dog was a Springer Spaniel, and her second was a Flat-Coated Retriever, a breed she has owned and loved since 1981. About 15 years ago, Brenda got her first Sussex Spaniel. She fell head over heels in love with the breed, one of the rarest of all AKC breeds and also one of the oldest.
Brenda is proud to be a preservation breeder of these incredible little brown dogs and is thankful to her mentor, Debbi Miller, for giving her a solid foundation of dogs for her breeding program. From 2022 to 2024, Brenda campaigned her beloved Sussex “Parcel” (GCHP Remedi’s What Can Brown Do For You FDC DJX CGC TKN ATT) to Multi-Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show wins. The No. 1 Sussex Spaniel (breed and all breed) in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Parcel also was the No. 1 NOHS dog among all breeds in 2023.
Brenda currently serves as chair of Judges’ Education and Breeder Education for the Sussex Spaniel Club of America. Earlier this year, she was honored to receive the prestigious Joy Freer Award from SSCA for her efforts to support fellow breeders.
Brenda and her husband have enjoyed having two large litters of Sussex Spaniel puppies this year. With only about 30 to 55 Sussex puppies born annually in the U.S., producing healthy puppies is a top priority for this breeder-owner-handler.
About Adam Kucera
Adam Kucera began showing dogs in 2021 when he was 12 years old and got his first Irish Setter. “Stryker” (GCHG Kinloch So There! ATT) was supposed to be his pet, but they agreed to a show contract and Adam decided to give it a try.
Their first show was a specialty where they went Best in Sweeps, Best Puppy and Best of Winners for a 5-point major. He was hooked.
Adam has worked hard to compete with the best and credits Stryker for always giving him 100 percent as they have learned together. He attributes his breeder, Patty Fanelli, for teaching him about the breed and the sport he loves.
Eventually, Adam hopes to participate as a professional handler. He is especially proud of winning the AKC National Owner-Handled Series in 2023 during the AKC National Championship and six all-breed Bests in Show and attaining the ranking of No. 1 all-breed Irish Setter in 2025 with his best friend, Stryker.
NOMINEES FOR SHOW CLUSTER OF THE YEAR
About CA Mission Circuit
The Mission Circuit Cluster began in the mid-’70s with three clubs joining to form a weekend of shows during the Memorial Day weekend.
The first three clubs were Antelope Valley Kennel Club represented by Clay Coady, San Gabriel Valley Kennel Club represented by Lowell and Arlene Davis, and San Fernando Kennel Club represented by Bob and. Dolly Ward. The third year, Los Encinos Kennel Club represented by David Powers joined the cluster making it a four-day event. The South Bay Kennel Club joined our cluster in 2025.
The Mission Circuit was one of the first clusters to be approved when AKC started allowing clubs to have four days of shows on the same weekend. The circuit then moved to the Los Angeles County Fairplex, which was its home for over 40 years until recently moving to the beautiful San Bernardino Soccer Complex. Wonderful specialty clubs have always joined us the day before the four all-breed shows helping to make the Mission Circuit Cluster a success.
Lowell and Arlene Davis played a huge part with making the Mission Circuit Cluster an iconic show on the West Coast. The vision of the clubs to make the Memorial Day weekend the theme of the Cluster has worked beautifully.
About Lone Star State Cluster
The Lone Star State Classic (LSSC) was founded in 2007 and has become a successful partnership of three Dallas, Texas, area clubs: the Texas Kennel Club, Trinity Valley Kennel Club and Greater Collin Kennel Club.
A goal from the beginning has been to re-establish the area’s breed specialty clubs that have struggled to find affordable show venues. By supporting local breed clubs, LSSC believed that regional all-breed clubs would benefit in the long term through growth of the local dog community.
In the first year of the cluster, LSSC added nine independent specialties. By 2025, LSSC has grown to host 33 breed specialties, two group specialties and five designated specialties with an entry of over 1,500 dogs.
The cluster is held at the 200,000-square-foot Dallas Market Hall, which has a five-star hotel, the Renaissance Hotel-Dallas, adjacent to the property. This makes for an exceptional experience for exhibitors.
LSSC has recently added two group clubs and three breed specialty clubs and re-established a dormant Dallas area all-breed club, the Denton Kennel Club, to join as a fourth all-breed show. The specialties will be held across the four-day event as concurrent specialties from Thursday to Sunday, which provides even more opportunities for exhibitors at a single event.
About Keystone Cluster
Originally, the Harrisburg and Penn Ridge Kennel Clubs joined forces to make the Keystone Cluster an indoor summer weekend event. Today, Huntingdon Valley and the Penn Ridge Kennel Clubs are partners in the Keystone Cluster.
Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard organized the first Monte Carlo casino night, after Take the Lead suggested a fundraiser at the cluster. Subsequently, the Penn Ridge Kennel Club formed a 501(c)3, so proceeds from future fundraisers could benefit multiple charities. Different themes are featured each year, and attendees are invited to dress the part for the shows as well as the fundraiser. The Keystone Cluster fundraisers have generated about $350,000 in donations that benefit the fancy.
As COVID shut down the Pennsylvania farm show facility and Huntingdon Valley decided to hold both its shows in the spring, the Keystone Cluster moved to the Meadow Event Center in Doswell, Virginia, and Huntingdon Valley became a partner in the Keystone Cluster, bringing FastCAT as an added competition. The Keystone Cluster is now back in Pennsylvania at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center and Fairgrounds, where dock diving is an added competitive event.
The Keystone Cluster has always strived to provide a great show experience, from the friendly atmosphere to the many extras such as daily refreshments, Huntingdon’s ice cream socials, Pee Wee class, Storytime for the Littles, armband draws and Chuck a Duck. After-show activities include a Puppy Match and a complimentary dinner and cornhole tournament for an evening of friendly competition.
The Penn Ridge and Huntingdon Valley Kennel Clubs plan to continue to offer the fancy a great Keystone Cluster weekend for years to come.
NOMINEES FOR SPECIALTY SHOW OF THE YEAR
About Dachshund Club of America
The Dachshund Club of America Inc., one of the AKC’s oldest member clubs, celebrated one of the AKC’s most recognizable breeds at the 2025 Nationals. As one of a handful of multipurpose hunting dogs, Dachshunds can do it all, as do enthusiasts. With this in mind, the 2025 Nationals Committee worked hard to offer something for everyone.
The Nationals began in late March in Pennsylvania with a tracking test, three field trials and two earthdog tests. The action moved to Purina Farms in Missouri the week of May 11 with the club’s first scent work trial and inaugural Top 30 competition, followed by two agility trials, three obedience trials, three rally trials and three specialty shows. It culminated with the 2025 National Best of Breed winner.
After-show activities featured a Breeders Education seminar with guest speaker and master breeder Bill Shelton, a Juniors Handling Clinic led by DCA member professional handlers, and a Judges Education seminar with hands-on exams and ringside mentoring.
Throughout the week, enthusiasts shopped at the Way & Means and vendor booths, took a chance on creative raffle baskets and brushed up on breed history through 23 challenge trophies and a display of prior National breed winners. Attendees enjoyed visiting with seldom-seen friends at our welcome party and afternoon ice cream social before wrapping up a great week at the annual awards dinner.
About Doberman Pinscher Club of America
The Doberman Pinscher Club of America was founded in 1921, Today, the national Doberman breed club has approximately 1,400 members representing most of the 50 states and several countries.
The 2025 DPCA National Convention and Specialty Show was held in Wichita Falls, Texas, and in 2026, the club’s 100th National will be held in Topeka, Kansas. The DPCA Show Committee and Board aim to deliver a world-class event that embraces the club’s mission of education and breed excellence.
The combined DPCA National and associated regional specialty shows and trials feature: Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes, Owner-Handler Sweepstakes, Futurity and Maturity Stakes, Regional Specialty Show, National Specialty Show, Pee Wee Class, five obedience trials, five rally trials, three agility trials, two scentwork trials, and two Working Aptitude Evaluations.
Top 20 events include: Top 20 Conformation, Top 20 Obedience, Top 20 Agility, Top 20 NOHS, Top 20 Junior Handler, Top Junior recognition and a Junior Scholarship winner. A vast range of seminars include a review of the breed standard, breeder and exhibitor education, health education, performance and companion events.
Special events include the Stud Dog Showcase and a photo display of Register of Merit Dobermans. The Awards and Health/Rescue Fundraising Banquet highlights are the Parade of Rescues and presentation of Volunteer of the Year, AKC Sportsmanship Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Register of Merit, Apex Award for Breeders and Legacy Award for Sires and Dams.
About Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America (GSMDCA) was founded in 1968 and achieved full recognition to the AKC Working Group in July 1995. In October 2024, the club proudly hosted its 29th National Specialty at Basin Harbor Resort in Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain during peak fall foliage.
More than 250 entries set a record as the largest National Specialty in the club’s history. Embracing the spirit of “Build it, and they will come,” members from around the country and the show committee rose to the occasion to make the event unforgettable.
In addition to conformation, the schedule highlighted the breed’s heritage and versatility through traditional activities such as pack hike, draft and weight pull. A wide range of AKC companion events included obedience, rally, AKC Temperament Test, Farm Dog Certification, Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog.
Exhibitors and guests enjoyed the “Peace, Love and Swissy” welcome party, locally produced maple specialties and the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck. Additional highlights included top-quality vendors, daily scavenger hunts, a decorated setup contest judged by AKC Judge Patricia Proctor, the Triathlete Challenge, a musically themed Top 20, MagnaWave therapy for dogs and handlers, rescue and health auctions, and judges’ education.
Together, these wonderful activities created a National Specialty that combined
tradition, innovation and a true sense of community.