Rue, a three-year-old Hungarian Mudi from East Donegal Township, competed at the 2025 National Dog Show in Oaks, Montgomery County on Nov. 15-16 but did not place in the Herding Group.

The National Dog Show, which aired on NBC, stages group competitions with winners advancing to Best in Show; Rue ran in the Herding Group but did not move on to the final rounds. Judges at national competitions like the criteria used to judge dogs at the National Dog Show, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), evaluate dogs against the specific breed standard. This means they assess how well the dog matches the ideal description for its breed in terms of appearance, structure, gait, and temperament.

Owners Jill Distler and Zach Weire accompanied Rue to the event. Distler, who is identified as a veterinary practice manager and lead veterinary technician at Elizabethtown Animal Hospital, and Weire, an e-commerce analyst, described their dog as “a very special member of our family who brings so much joy to our lives.” With the increasing popularity of dog shows in recent years, how has the popularity of dog shows changed their audiences, drawing millions of viewers on broadcast TV and streaming platforms.

Judge Deirdre Petrie served on the bench during the competition. Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog, took first in the Herding Group and advanced to the Best in Show competition.

Rue entered the ring among other herding breeds over the two-day event on Nov. 15-16 in Oaks. Handlers present their dogs to be evaluated by judges on the day; group winners are then chosen to advance toward Best in Show. For dog owners interested in competition training, the resources available for dog owners such as local clubs that offer classes and online training articles covering various events.

Before the show, Rue was highlighted in a short video preview available on YouTube that showcased the dog ahead of the competition. Spectators and owners often follow previews and profiles to see how entrants perform in the ring and how they are handled under show conditions.

Judging at events like the National Dog Show focuses on how closely each dog meets its breed’s standard, a process that determines which animals advance from group competition to the final round. This careful evaluation is crucial for identifying the top contenders.

For Rue’s owners, attendance at the national event was part of broader participation in the sport. Distler’s background in veterinary practice and Weire’s support as an owner were part of the team effort to present Rue on the national stage.

The Herding Group is traditionally competitive, and while Rue did not place this year, Soleil’s victory as Herding Group winner highlighted the pathway from group judging to the final honors at the event.

NBC carried the broadcast of the National Dog Show across its schedule, and viewers could follow the results as group winners were announced during the telecast.

Rue’s participation adds to the list of local dogs that make appearances at national-level shows, where breed specialists and judges evaluate dozens of entries and select group winners over multi-day competitions.

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