Page 208 - Showsight December 2020

All,
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the AKC National Championship Presented by
Royal Canin. While the circumstances of this year could not be predicted, the heart of the show—the breeders, the dogs, and the evaluation of breeding stock—was able to be preserved. Even in these unprecedented times, the entry was strong; again, marking our show as the largest dog show of the year. We saw an impressive presentation of breeding stock, standout performances, and an unwavering commitment by all to maintain the fiber that
makes this community so resilient.
On behalf of Royal Canin, we thank everyone for their contin-
ued support of the AKC National Championship and we are proud to recognize our newest National Champion, GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, who is owned and shown by Cheslie Smithey. This is an impressive feat as Bourbon joins her littermate, GCHP CH Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey, who took the Best in Show title at the 2018 National Championship—marking this the only time in the show’s history that a brother and sister duo both captured the coveted Best in Show title.
We also congratulate last year’s National Champion, GCHS CH Pequest Wasabi, and breeder/owner-handler David Fitzpatrick on being named Reserve Best in Show and Best Bred-by-Exhibitor in Show this year.
Preparation is already underway for the 2021 National Champi- onship where we have great expectations of returning bigger and bet- ter than ever.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
WARMLY,
JASON W. TAYLOR VICE PRESIDENT-MARKETING, ROYAL CANIN ASSISTANT SHOW CHAIRMAN, AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
206 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2020