Pat Jenkins, a Cache County judge who has shown Alaskan malamutes for about 53 years, described the honor of judging the ‘s Working Group in Philadelphia as “kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing.” The American Kennel Club (AKC) serves as the governing body for conformation dog shows in the United States, setting the eligibility rules and defining breed standards, which underpins the significance of Jenkins’ role at this prestigious event.

The appearance carried extra weight because the National Dog Show is a Thanksgiving tradition broadcast after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Jenkins said the national stage made the assignment especially meaningful. She has four Alaskan malamutes, including Roy, who currently ranks No. 2 in the country, and the scope of the event — which involves about 1,900 dogs — underscored the gravity of judging at that level. The National Dog Show has maintained strong and often growing popularity since its launch in 2002, reportedly drawing high viewership, showcasing the widespread love for dog shows.

Jenkins spoke about the demands of judging under bright lights and national scrutiny, saying, “If you love it, you just keep at it and just keep going.” She described the technical criteria that matter for malamutes, noting that the breed “must be sound” and “cannot exhibit any kind of lameness,” a standard she applies when evaluating movement and structure. In major dog shows like the National Dog Show and Westminster Kennel Club, breeds are categorized into seven groups by the AKC, highlighting the meticulous organization that judges like Jenkins must navigate.

Her work at the Philadelphia show came after a long career in the sport; Jenkins has been showing Alaskan malamutes for about 53 years and remains active with the American Kennel Club in conformation events. Jenkins said the invitation to judge the Working Group validated those years of involvement: “It meant a lot.” The rigorous standards set by the AKC ensure that only the most well-trained and well-bred dogs make it to this level of competition, making Jenkins’ achievement all the more significant.

The National Dog Show recording took place nearly two weeks ago, and Jenkins is already scheduled to judge a national championship “next month,” a continuity that highlights how connected top breeders, handlers and judges remain across the season. Jenkins described the learning curve for judges and exhibitors alike: “It’s super involved. You know, it sounds complicated, but once you learn it, it’s not.” This ongoing education is vital as the dog show landscape evolves, ensuring that judges are always up to date with best practices.

Her preference for the dog show over holiday football is candid: “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.'” That remark captures both the personal devotion many participants bring to the sport and the way the broadcast reaches viewers beyond the ring, drawing attention to the breed standards and accomplishments celebrated during the event.

Jenkins’ reflections are part of broader public interest in conformation judging. For readers seeking more on her interview, a segment titled “Utah woman reflects on judging National Dog Show” is available from KSL News Utah on YouTube, which includes her firsthand account and observations from the event. For context about how conformation events are organized under national standards, see background on conformation activities from the American Kennel Club’s related resources.

Jenkins pointed to technical measures she watches for in the ring — proper leg-to-body proportions, a strong rear and sound movement — and framed judging as both technical and rewarding. “It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” she said, acknowledging the rarity of some national invitations and the collective recognition they confer on a long career.

Her comments arrive during the Thanksgiving window when millions tune in to the National Dog Show and when judges, handlers and owners are completing a busy fall circuit. Jenkins’ combination of long experience, current hands-on involvement with four malamutes and recent national judging assignments places her among a small group of judges regularly asked to evaluate at the highest level.

Pat Jenkins’ reflections emphasize the continuity of a multi-decade commitment to the breed and to conformation showing, and they offer a view from inside a tradition seen by many viewers as a holiday staple.

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Original reporting: view the original article.