Far left : Breeder of the Year went to Alan Kalter and Dr . Chris Lezotte for their HappyLegs Bullmastiffs . Left : Best Junior Handler was Lauren Marie Hull with her Great Pyrenees Ch . Patorama ’ s Lay Down . the presentation , the Breeder of the Year honor went to Alan Kalter and Dr . Chris Lezotte .
There are no frivolous awards at an AKC National Championship . The AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence ( ACE ) recognize five dogs that have impacted the lives of their owners or enriched their community . Each 2016 ACE recipient had a compelling story , and more than a few throats were choked up upon hearing the acts of these heroic dogs who were with their owners to receive their accolades .
Many individuals who received honors over the weekend got their start as junior handlers . These young people are the stewards of our respective breeds for the future , and in 2016 , the AKC Obedience Classic and Agility Invitational involved junior handlers for a sixth year , and the AKC Rally Junior Competition for the third . This year , Junior Showmanship competition awarded the coveted title of Best Junior Handler to Lauren Marie Hull with her Great Pyrenees Ch . Patorama ’ s Lay Down , an honor that came with a $ 2,000 scholarship .
Best in Show
The culmination of the AKC National Championship is Best in Show , and by Sunday night , the field of dogs vying for the title had been decided . When judge Dr . Anthony DiNardo entered his ring , he was faced with seven dogs , many of them forces to be reckoned with in their respective Groups all year long . Representing the Sporting Group was GCh . S Clussexx Man Of Steel , a Clumber Spaniel . GCh . P Sporting Fields Shameless was the Hound Group-winning Whippet , while the winner of the Working Group was GCh . P Mephisto ’ s Speak Of The Devil , a Boxer . The Terrier Group was won by GCh . S Taliesin Twice As Nice , a Norwich Terrier , and GCh . S Somerset Wynzall Hashtag , a Brussels Griffon , represented the Toy Group . The winner of the Non-Sporting Group was GCh . P Belle Creek ’ s All I Care About Is Love , a Bichon Frisé . And last to enter the ring was the No . 1 dog in the country , all breeds , Herding Group winner GCh . B Cordmaker Mister Blue Sky , an Australian-bred Puli who was the first of his breed ever to win the Herding Group at the AKC National Championship .
‘ Flynn ,’ the Bichon Frisé handled by Bill McFadden , was named Reserve Best in Show , and when announcing his Best in Show choice , judge DiNardo simply said , “ Puli .” With that one word , ‘ Preston ,’ handled by Linda Pitts , became the first Puli ever to win Best in Show at the largest-ever AKC National Championship by beating nearly 5,000 dogs from 49 states ( only North Dakota was not represented ). Preston received a $ 50,000 check and became the first recipient of the new Best in Show trophy designed by Society Designs . It was a fitting conclusion to a show of “ firsts .”
The Greats Inspire Us
Sometimes words fail us when trying to describe the quintessence of exceptional dogs , but someone at Royal Canin managed it . The following words appeared on an enormous banner that hung in the grooming area , phrases that amounted to a secret handshake :
THE GREATS
A great dog is elusive . A quest . Yet we settle for nothing less . Because The Greats possess a definite style , unbound by time or trend . Some are perfect demons , proudly wearing their honorable scars ; Others , unflappable — impressive by their dignity . They stand over more ground than is usual , Distinctive members of an ancient family . The Greats embody power and determination , And exhibit the devotion of a true friend of man . They are steadfast ; the Diehards . The Greats are lithe and agile , each in his way ; Exuding an air of distinction peculiar to themselves . Filled with fire , on the tiptoe of expectation , They indelibly impress by their strength and spirit . Canny , graceful makers of history ; The Greats are difficult to define , but unmistakable when present … The Greats are among us .
THIS IS THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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