Page 223 - Showsight December 2020

William “Bill” Stebbins
HERDING GROUP
Placements:
Group One: GCHS Stonehaven Bayshore Secret Sauce (Australian Shepherd) Group Two: GCHG Scott’s Lady Liberty (Bearded Collie)
Group Three: GCH Bugaboo’s Courage Of Conviction (Old English Sheepdog) Group Four: GCHS Xiv Karat Come Hel Or High Water (Cardigan Welsh Corgi)
1. Can you describe the thrill of receiving an invitation to judge at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?
Receiving an invitation to judge a Group at the AKC National Championship is not unlike the child who finds the bicycle they so wanted under the tree on Christ- mas morning. I was delightfully surprised.
2. How did you prepare for this assignment? Any special preparations (particularly due to COVID-19)?
I have been fortunate enough to have judged at the AKC National Championship in the past. I have been involved with dog shows for over 50 years and I have never been to a venue that comes close to this event.
3. Was this year’s show noticeably different from previous years (due to the pandemic)?
Like most aspects of our society, this year’s event was impacted by COVID proto- cols. The AKC, along with the Orange County Convention Center, put together a list of do’s and don’ts, which allowed for this incredible show to take place. These protocols impacted the way that attendees were able to enjoy the events.
4. What did you experience when you first entered the ring? Can you describe the feeling?
My feelings when I first entered the ring are along the lines of... “It doesn’t get any better than this.” When one judges, you tend to block out any distractions that are present.
5. Did you feel any pressure from the live Internet coverage?
This year, the AKC had installed cameras in every ring to allow for live streaming of the breed judging. This was a giant step forward in allowing the viewing public to hone in on those breeds in which they themselves have interest. Even if a viewer is not involved in the sport of dogs, most all of them have dogs of their own and will, naturally, be interested in seeing their own breed(s). Kudos to the AKC for allowing the non-showing viewers to more comprehensively embrace the mechan- ics of a dog show. The presence of these cameras did not cause any distraction to the judging process.
6. How challenging was the assignment? Can you share your selection process?
Judging at a show such the AKC National Championship can be more challeng- ing than most shows. A judge seldom has the opportunity to consistently see the best of the best in his/her ring, irrespective of the breed involved. The Herding Group, as was the case for the judges of the other six Groups, was simply a pleasure to have in front of you. This is always a situation where the judge runs out of rib- bons before running out of good dogs.
7. Do you have a word or two about your winner? About the dogs that placed?
My selection for the winner of the Group was the Australian Shepherd. I’m certain that this bitch caught the eye of many of the viewers. She had beautiful conformation that was sup- portive of her ability to do the work for which she was bred. Utilizing the terminology of form-and-function, she moved beautifully and covered ground in a most efficient man- ner. Lastly, she was presented in an exceptional manner by her handler. A beautiful specimen that is beautifully presented is always a combi- nation that leads to some level of success. The attributes that she possesses carried forward into my other placements; Bearded Collie, Old English Sheepdog, and Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
8. How do you think this show furthers the cause of the preservation purebred
dog breeder?
One would certainly believe that a venue such as the AKC National Championship would continue to enhance the interest in purebred dogs. Although there are many different breeds that have high intellect and are used in many facets of today’s society, I have always believed that the Herding Group, taken in toto, is pret- ty much at the top of the intelligence chain. I know when I judge Herding breeds that I am not the smartest thing in the ring. Given the challenges faced by the AKC in putting to- gether this year’s event, I believe they deserve an “atta boy” from so many of us who benefited from their efforts.
9. Have you got any advice to offer next year’s Group and BIS judges?
My advice for the Group and BIS judges for the ensuing years of this event is to be happy with your good fortune to receive an invitation and get ready to have a lot of fun.
RECEIVING AN INVITATION TO JUDGE A GROUP AT THE AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS NOT UNLIKE THE CHILD WHO FINDS THE BICYCLE THEY SO WANTED UNDER THE TREE ON CHRISTMAS MORNING.
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