– “Breeder of the Year” to be Announced at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship –
New York, NY — Today, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced the seven group winners for the American Kennel Club’s 2005 Breeder of the Year Award. The award honors breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.
“Dedicated breeders are crucial to the sport of purebred dogs, as they have the responsibility to preserve each breed’s unique heritage,” said Ron Menaker, AKC's Chairman of the Board. “The breeder of the year awards allow us to honor those who have worked to uphold standards of excellence in producing quality purebred dogs and shared their knowledge with newcomers, creating the next generation of dog fanciers. “
A breeder is chosen from each of the seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The individual group recipients will receive a medallion in recognition of their achievements on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, which will be televised live on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. At the end of the presentation, the AKC Breeder of the Year will be announced and presented with a specially commissioned award (original artwork by Originals By Springer). Additionally, a canine portraitist will be commissioned to memorialize a prominent dog from the recipient's kennel, and their name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy and plaque on permanent display at the AKC headquarters in New York City.
The group winners are:
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SPORTING: Douglas A. Johnson Bloomington, IN, Clussexx Clumber Spaniels
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HOUND: Karen Staudt-Cartabona Swartswood, NJ, Majenkir Borzois
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WORKING: Dave and Peggy Helming Flemington, NJ, Pouch Cove Newfoundlands
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TERRIER: William and Rebecca Poole Hixson, TN, Rocky Top Bull Terriers
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TOY: Margery A. Shriver Balitmore, MD, Sheffield Pugs
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NON-SPORTING: Roberta Lombardi Camarillo, CA, Rufkins Lhasa Apsos
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HERDING: Michele Ritter Saylorsburg, PA, Britannia Bearded Collies