Fri, 01/02/2026 - 11:13am
Question of the Week
Did you attend the week-long Orlando Cluster and what were your thoughts about it and in particular the AKC National Championship dog show?
Dr. Daniel W. Dowling
Hope, ME
Yes indeed we were there! This is one of my wife's and my favorite canine events of the year and this year was no exception. The quality of the dogs was good with many outstanding exhibits. As expected Roz Kramer did a great job in her very competitive BIS ring!!!
Julie Lux
Kearney, MO
We participated in the AKC National Championship for the first time in several years and were very pleased with the experience. Putting on a cluster in Kansas City, Ron and I have an understanding of the many details that go into holding a dog show. So, I can only imagine the myriad of details large and small that go into a show of this magnitude. Big congratulations to the entire event committee on a resounding success.
Richard L. Reynolds
Tenafly, NJ
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire week and all of the associated events. The ANC is a unique phenomenon and one can only marvel at the teamwork and effort that goes into making this a truly spectacular event. The BiS line up on Sunday was one of the most magnificent ever. This 25th anniversary was the best yet.
Barbara Miller
Old Brookville, NY
I couldn’t attend this year but still watched all I wanted to thanks to AKCtv. I relaxed in front of my computer and simply followed direction as to how to tune in to watch Performance events; something I never do at a show. Watching the Best Bred By exhibitor was a huge treat as the camera coverage was spectacular getting directly upfront and personal at each exhibits' bite (and Amy and Wager won the big ribbon). Each evening, I devoted time to watching all the Groups. Again, perfect camera coverage both examining each exhibit and following each as they toured the big ring. It never occurred to me when I’m in attendance at any given show but observing the judges at group time up front was a treat. All are perfectly groomed, both men and women, some smile at the exhibitor, some don’t and then there’s always one or two who take it a bit further. Not only did Beth Sweigart look glamorous as she judged the Terrier group, but she didn’t let the cameras stop her from pleasant seconds of conversation with the exhibitors putting them at ease. Going back to Beth’s handling roots she quickly helped an exhibitor straighten out her dog’s lead. And then there was Roz Kramer looking lovely who had the honor of selecting Best in Show. Mrs. Kramer made it perfectly clear each of the 7 exhibits in front of her were winners. As I was once the recipient of Breeder of the Year, I eagerly devoted time to that portion of the show. All those nominated deserve Best but certainly longtime breeder of Lhasa Apsos, Susan Giles, hit the jackpot accepting the winning ribbon, twice, as Mrs. Kramer awarded her Best in Show. Watching AKCtv just might be my future ticket to any show they televise.
Carrie Chase
Martinsburg, WV
No, I did not attend the Orlando Cluster. But I did attend a show at the Allentown, PA Cluster. I was surprised to see how many handlers flew back and forth between the two clusters. One day I saw them on AKCtv and on Saturday there they were at Allentown! I do not recall this happening before.
I have attended the Orlando Cluster before and may again, but I do not campaign a top special at this time and honestly, the shows seem openly geared toward that cohort - that’s not bad or good, just how it seems.
Barbara Burns
Freeport, IL
I attended the shows and National Championships last week. I attended several seminars and had the privilege and honor of judging the Cesky Terrier National Specialty and did some serious shopping. I also attended the Delegates meeting at the Rosen Center. I look forward to these shows every year and enjoy every minute of it. I especially loved seeing all the decorations in the grooming areas. I got to see many people I don't get to see that often. I appreciated Robin Mathews who did a wonderful job organizing mentors of many breeds for those working on progressing in their judging approval process. It was a great week.
Carol Herr
Summerfield, FL
I thought this year the show was run beautifully. However, I do have one complaint. The building was so cold, even my dogs laying in their crates were shivering.
Inge Semenschin
Richmond, CA
Orlando can be exciting for the splendor of the dogs present, but it also can be exhausting for walking, and finding the rings. What is special, you see so many friends and judges to chat with and catch up. Ringside observations are truly the best in the country, and parent club approved mentors are always available and so willing to do that job. Judges can greatly benefit being there. It is the place to be.
Jon Cole
Nashville, TN
All of the Shows are well run. The depth of quality in the Breeds presented was outstanding. A great conclusion to the Dog Show year.
Betty M. Winthers
Lynnwood, WA
I had attended from the inception of the AKC national - from California to the current Orlando.
Last year, I showed my dog at the Specialty, OH, and the AKC. In my opinion, there are too many events - dogs and handlers get tired. In spite of all - it is a great event.
Laszlo Sulyok
Delhi, NY
Several substandard judging... in the Pumi rings.
Extremely disappointing.
Wasting this much money for some of these shows with either unqualified judges is becoming cost prohibitive
Susan Shephard
Deltona, FL
After watching the groups and best and then seeing that $50,000 check, I have to wonder why the bred by winner is $15,000. After all, without the breeders where are we? I'd like to see AKC put a lot more emphasis on the breeders rather than the exhibitors.
Linda & Kevin Flynn
Scituate, MA
We go every year for the full week since it returned to Orlando. The entries in so many breeds, especially low entry breeds, are great educational opportunities. It’s an exhausting week whether ringside, in the seminars, or at the Delegates’ meetings, but it’s an awesome experience. This year, attending the Greyhound NSS events, especially watching Desi Murphy judge 112 Greyhounds was the high point of the week for me. It was also amazing to see so many low entry hounds being judged as well! Thank you to the AKC employees, Mike Canalizo, and the many other workers who work so very hard for a year or more in advance to present such a well-run show for us to enjoy.
Lisa M. Sons
Homer Glen, IL
It was a great show but so cold!!!! While I love it when it’s colder for the dogs, this was three layers and a vest cold! Turn up the thermostat a couple of degrees next year.
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Fri, 01/02/2026 - 11:13am