Question of the Week

Michelle Mixon

Ramona, California

I did watch the National Dog show on Thursday with my non-doggy family. I felt the coverage was pretty inadequate. I realize this presentation is geared toward the general public, but they could have presented more information on the judges, handlers and their qualifications. They could have put a banner up at the beginning of each group with the judge's name. They didn't even show the winner of Reserve Best in Show.

Lydia Hutchinson

Middletown, Maryland

I recorded it and watched at night after my guests departed. The NBC guy who was giving statistical information floored me when he said Cairn Terriers are the most aloof breed of all 200! That isn't even close to being right. (Quite the opposite is true.) In fact, most Cairns are very outgoing, and I speak from having lived with them my whole life. Where did he get that erroneous information? Can you tell I'm upset?

Carrie Chase

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Yes, I did watch the Kennel Club of Philadelphia show on Thanksgiving. I also attended it as this year’s Best in Show judge. In the past I’ve been an exhibitor, benched there, and have shown in the Herding Group. I’ve heard others complain about the limited breed coverage, but I believe we have to remember who the target TV audience is. I think it’s a great show for the layperson who loves dogs and is a pet owner or prospective owner. I’ve heard from these folks at my work, and they really learn from watching. They like the humor, too. I appreciated how multiple announcements were made about how the entire judging of each breed example could be viewed, so anyone from layperson to long-time breeder could look up any of the dogs and watch them. So while many may be critical, I feel the format is effective for its purpose, and presents our dogs and sport to the world in a very positive light. Well done, Kennel Club of Philadelphia and NBC! 

Peggy Antrobus

Pipersville, Pennsylvania

Extremely disappointed in the show. I would have liked to see the DOGS, not the "extras" that they spent time on. They cut out more and more of the dogs every year. Probably won't watch next year.

Gay Kuehnel-Hisatake

Trenton, New Jersey

The Philadelphia dog show is a traditional part of my Thanksgiving Day festivities. We are a small family consisting of myself, my son and several dogs, and preparations for our meal begins around 10:30 a.m. This allows us time to put the stuffed turkey into the oven so we can enjoy the dog show later on. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia puts on a top-notch event, and the dogs, of course, are some of the best that we have. I always remind friends and relatives to watch it. Thanksgiving Day would not be the same for me without this show. My only complaint is wishing it were longer, so we could see all the dogs in each group. Thanks to those in the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for their hard work in putting on this professional production.

Doug and Avery Gaudin

Summerville, New Brunswick, Canada

Very disappointing. Glad we taped it so we could watch without commercials, but ended up speeding through more than just commercials. We used to love watching this show, but probably won't bother next year if it stays like this. 

Steven Herman

Wesley Chapel, Florida 

I had it on, but felt obliged to give attention to our family and guests. So I caught just a bit — some breeds and the end of the Sporting Group. I hope to watch it all sometime. It looked well done.

Mrs. R. Cameron A. Lickey

Greenfield, Indiana

I did watch. Loved it. Wished I had been there, car troubles stopped me from attending, but I hope to see the Florida circuit.

NEVER had heard of AKC.TV. Learn something every day.

Cindy Cooke

Kalamazoo, Michigan

I watched the show and enjoyed it. I was pleased that complete group judging was available online. I didn't care for the "statistician," especially when he started talking about subjective categories like the most "aloof" breed. The show would be improved with less silliness.