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2008 National Specialty – A Perspective

I just returned from this year’s National and, as always, I am still in sensory overload. So may nice dogs too see in just a few days.

The first (and probably most important) comment that must be made is to recognize the efforts of Joe and Lynda (and their respective supporting cast) in getting this year’s show to fruition. Even Hollywood would never write a script like this for fear of it being too unbelievable for the public to digest. I’m certain that everyone is aware of the nightmarish scenario that played out in recent months. To say that this was a job well done would be to understate the efforts of our show chairs. Over the years (and no doubt in future shows) there have been (and will be) other emergency situations to be resolved. The GDCA is fortunate to have the likes of Joe and Lynda within our ranks. Not only are they willing to take on the responsibilities of chairing the National but also are so results driven that no obstacle is too daunting. As a lover of our breed I say to them and to all who are willing to pick up the gauntlet of this responsibility, THANK YOU.

Regardless of the breed, a National is not only a showcase for wonderful dogs, it is an opportunity for long-time friends to reunite and for the new Dane owners to see just what their breed is all about. It is difficult for most exhibitors/breeders to have the opportunity to actually see the better dogs from other areas of the country except at a National. One readily understands that there are so many others that are doing it the right way. It can also be a eye opener for some that may need to change their thinking about the level of quality within their own dogs. In any event, there are many opportunities for all of us to return home with an enhanced understanding about our beloved breed.

This year I had the opportunity to be a steward at the Top 20 competition. I had a great time since I was able to have the top ranked dogs in the country standing right in front of me while my assigned judge (Jane Chopson) was evaluating them. In a recent article I wrote about judging on the day and how common it was for dogs to look better or worse at any given show even though the physical qualities of the dog were still the same. Many of the dogs that were in this year’s Top 20 competition I have had in the ring. I saw both sides of the coin. There were dogs that I have rewarded that I did not think looked quite the same at the Top 20 and others that I have not rewarded that looked simply great.
I guess that’s just a part of the sport. Regardless, it was a wonderful evening.

I hope that everyone had a great time. For those of you that are Dane fanciers that have never attended the National I would say that you owe it to yourself to make the commitment to do so. Congratulations to all of the winners and see you next year.

BILL