Utah woman reflects on judging National Dog Show

RICHMOND — For many families, the National Dog Show is a Thanksgiving tradition — airing right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But for one Cache County woman, the event is more than just a holiday spectacle. Pat Jenkins knows what it’s like to be in the spotlight, judging some of the best dogs in the country. “If you love it, you just keep at it and just keep going,” Jenkins said. Jenkins has been showing Alaskan Malamutes with the American Kennel Club for a long time, “probably 53 years,” she said. Today, she shares her home with four Malamutes that live in a large kennel area in the back, including Roy, who currently ranks number two in the country.Her years of experience recently earned her a rare honor: serving as a judge for the working group at last year’s National Dog Show in Philadelphia. “It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” Jenkins said. “People don’t get invited every year. They want different judges every year to judge the dogs. So it becomes more of a fair competition and also has new faces, new people.” Judging on national television can be intense, especially under the bright lights. The standards for each breed are strict. Alaskan Malamutes, Jenkins said, “... must be sound. They can’t exhibit any kind of lameness. They can’t crossover on the front. They need to have strong rear. They need to have what we call 50/50 length of leg to body depth.” Even the head proportions matter: “The muzzle is 50% and the skull is 50%. They need to have thick, well-furred ears because that protects them from the cold.” While the process sounds complicated, Jenkins insists it becomes second nature with experience. “It’s super involved. You know, it sounds complicated, but once you learn it, it’s not," she said.For Jenkins, judging at the National Dog Show was deeply meaningful. “It meant a lot," Jenkins said. "It meant that all my years were valued. They are a valuable contribution to the sport and to the breed.” Though she won’t be judging this year, Jenkins will be watching. “For as long as they had it on after the parade, it’s like 'we’re going to watch football.' I said, 'not me. I’m watching the dog show,'” she said, laughing. Jenkins said that while competition can be fierce during the National Dog Show, camaraderie among participants is strong afterward. She's currently set to judge the National Championship in Orlando next month. By the way, the National Dog Show was recorded nearly two weeks ago, but the winners are kept secret until the broadcast airs after the parade.

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