Page 217 - Showsight December 2020

Clay Coady
WORKING GROUP
Placements:
Group One: GCHP2 Cinnibon’s Bedrock Bombshell (Boxer)
Group Two: GCHG Vanderbilt ‘N Printemp’s Lucky Strike (Samoyed) Group Three: GCHG Onak’Stouch Of Gold (Alaskan Malamute)
Group Four: GCHB Pouch Cove’s Alright Alright Alright (Newfoundland)
1. Can you describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
First of all, I would like to thank the AKC National Championship for inviting me. I was very excited and honored. I have always said that the ab- solute great thing about this show is the fantastic lighting and the footing for the dogs. It is a great venue to see and judge dogs.
2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any special prepara- tions (particularly due to COVID-19)?
Because of COVID-19, I needed to brush-up on some breed standards that I had not judged for over a year.
3. Was this year’s show noticeably different from previous years (due to the pandemic)?
This year’s show was noticeably very different from previous years; with the lack of audience and applause. When I was finished, I realized that it was much easier for me to concentrate and I rather enjoyed it.
4. What did you experience when you first entered the ring? Can you describe the feeling?
When I entered the ring, I felt very confident.
5. Did you feel any pressure from the live Internet coverage?
I did not feel any pressure from the live Internet coverage, other than I had watched the previous Groups and was a little worried about some of the dogs being apprehensive about the cameras.
6. How challenging was the assignment? Can you share your selection process?
Whenever you have this many good dogs, it is really challenging. My selec- tion process was just a process of elimination.
7. Do you have a word or two about your winner? About the dogs that placed?
My winner was the Boxer bitch. I thought she was very complete; beau- tifully sound, wonderful stations, excellent mover, with a gorgeous head.
8. How do you think this show furthers the cause of the preservation purebred dog breeder?
This show definitely furthers the cause of the preservation of purebred dogs and enhances the interests of the breeders and owners.
9. What are your thoughts about the 2020 show year? The year ahead?
I thought the 2020 show year was devastating. I can only hope that next year will be better.
10. Have you got any advice to offer next year’s Group and
BIS judges?
My advice to next year’s Group & BIS judges is to look forward and enjoy.
THIS YEAR’S SHOW WAS NOTICEABLY VERY DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS YEARS; WITH THE LACK OF AUDIENCE AND APPLAUSE.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, DECEMBER 2020 | 215