In keeping with one of its objectives to raise the standards of dog judging in the country and be abreast with its counterparts in the international community, the Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines, Inc. (AKCUPI) conducted a one-day seminar for aspiring judges last September 2009 at Max’s Restaurant at Tiendesitas, Ortigas Ave. cor E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Pasig City.
Two of the highly respected and top-rate international judges of the American Kennel Club, Karen Wilson and Sydney Leblanc Good were on hand to pass on their wisdom, know how and experience to the participants through the different topics they tackled. The judges were fresh from adjudicating AKCUPI’s All-Breed Dog Show on the last weekend of August 2009.

Ms. Good, AKC’s Executive Field Representative, licensed professional handler, and licensed international judge has been with the club for 30 years. She was born into Dobermans, with her family breeding and showing acclaimed dogs of that breed on the East Coast. As a child, Sydney was very active in Junior Showmanship competition and exhibiting the Dobe puppies in Futurities and Sweepstakes and very active in local kennel club events

With a degree in education, Sydney taught at the New York City School System, after which she became an AKC licensed professional handler when the AKC originally licensed handlers. She handled working, sporting and non-sporting breeds. She was applying for her Judging Approval when she went to work instead for the AKC. As Executive Field Representative, Sydney evaluates judges, works with the show-giving clubs, mediates, instructs, demonstrates, interprets the rules and regulations, and acts as good listener. She had the distinction of being the only Duel Rep as she covered Field Trial Events along with Dog Show events in California at the start of her position.

Ms. Wilson, on the other hand, is an AKC international judge and eligible to judge Best in Show, had her adjudication approve by the AKC 15 years ago, initially with Airedale Terriers and Cairn Terriers. Karen, together with his husband, Gary had dogs as family pets. They acquired their first show dog in 1966 and the story continues from there for the dog show world. Gary exhibited Airedale, while Karen chose Irish Setters. Both have had great success as owner-handlers and breeders. They showed in both conformation and breed as well as doing some field work with the Irish Setters.
Karen was able to judge at one of the most prestigious shows in the canine world, the Westminster Kennel Club in New York for three times and will be judging again next year.

One of the topics discussed by the resource persons was: “Rules, Policies and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges” a very essential component for every aspiring judge. An open forum followed after the seminar where the participants shared their experiences and voiced their concerns regarding dog judging.