I will put my two cents worth here and send a HIGH five to Terry.  I am a breeder/owner/handler, been in the breed for about 15 years with a break to raise children and I swore I would not be forced out of showing but it is sure getting close. I love this breed and I am getting soo heartbroken showing in the breed ring. Please do not think I am a novice.  I am not kennel blind, I do a decent job, if not better than most in showing my dogs and my dogs are in great condition, etc.  I know my dogs faults and understand most of the time when they do not place. I have also spayed and neutered dogs I have finished, knowing just because a dog is a champion, does not mean he/she should be bred. Showing used to be for breeding stock, not any more. The Pros IMO, are taking over and the judges seem to lack the education on breed standard and/or delve into the political arena. Showing is almost a business now a days.  AKC will run itself into the ground eventually due to the lack of priority of the owner/handlers.  That is how showing dogs started, with the breeder/owner/handler and now we are definitely in the minority.
Off my soap box and going back into the shadows.
Vicki-Stormwynd.