11/06/2025
November Gazette: Challenging Reading
In the November Gazette article “Preserving Our Purpose,” AKC Delegate from the Carolina Working Group Association Matthew Townsend “starts the conversation” about six challenges facing his colleagues and their clubs. And Matthew’s story is indeed a real conversation starter. It begins:
“Across the country, dog show rings are growing quieter. The ribbons still flutter. The trophies gleam. But fewer hands reach for them, and fewer exhibitors enter the ring with purpose-bred dogs, hopeful hearts, and the belief that they belong.
“It’s no longer enough to simply say, ‘Entries are down.’ We are losing unique exhibits—dogs that represent the lifeblood of our sport, the result of generations of careful breeding. If we don’t act with intention, we risk the slow fading of conformation as a vibrant, nationwide tradition.
“Now is the time to broaden access while staying rooted in preservation breeding, thoughtful evaluation, and the joy of presenting purpose-bred dogs to those who value them.
“With all that in mind, I would love to get the conversation started with six challenges we can collectively work to overcome.”
You can read Matthew’s challenges in the November Gazette:https://images.akc.org/pdf/gazette/november-2025.pdf
(PHOTO: courtesy Lynda Beam/ “Local specialty clubs are the modern bedrock of conformation.”—Matthew Townsend)
Also in our new issue:
From Purina—Going Full Circle with Peter Green;
Updates: AKC Scent Work National debut; Agility League season 3 wrap-up; ANC premium lists online;
Times Past: A great breeder-judge addresses the troops;
Thanks, Kids!: Giving thanks for gifted juniors;
Videos: Sams at Morris & Essex; Saint Bernard national; “Queen of Cords” Alice Lawrence; Indy, the Duck Toller movie star;
Ringside: Katheen Riley visits Burlington KC;
Dog People: Dr. Don Sturz;
An exclusive message from the AKC President;
Breed Columns from the Hound and Terrier Groups;
Gazette Gallery: The Long Stay—The Birth of AKC Obedience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7VIe8p7uzg
Back issues: https://www.akc.org/products-services/magazines/akc-gazette/
