Judge Information
Judge Name: Rita Biddle
Location: Minnesota, USA
Kennel Name:
Website:
Types of Shows: Conformation
Type of Breeds
   
Biography
I began my career in the sport of purebred dogs over 45 years ago with Great Danes. In the early '80s, I became interested in the Akita after taking care of one for a friend and had the two breeds simultaneously until I lost my last Dane in 1997. My kennel name is O'Ryan. While quite a few of my Danes became champions, my involvement with the Akita has been more intense resulting in many champions. My line produced foundation stock for several kennels including a bitch who became one of the top producers in breed history with 16 champions from four different sires. One of her offspring was the youngest Akita to ever go BIS.

My Akitas have ranked in the top 10 over the years and have received Awards of Merit at Akita National Specialties and in 2017 won Select Dog. They also have won group placements and my male won an Award of Merit at the 2018 Westminster Dog Show.
I also have been very active in my all breed club, Ingham Co. KC, and have served in various officer positions and have been the club's Delegate to the AKC since 2005. In March 2017 my fellow Delegates elected me to the Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club.

My parent club activities include serving as Past President and Board member of the Akita Club of America and as a past Vice-President and Board Member of the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club.

In the mid-80s, I began judging matches and fell in love with that side of the sport. I thoroughly enjoy studying the various breeds and find their history and the purpose for which they were bred to be most fascinating. I am always impressed that form follows function and how so many of the standards reflect this fact. When judging, I try my best to find the exhibits that most closely fit their standard. I have judged all over the US at all breed shows, regional and national specialties. I’ve also been honoured and privileged to judge all breed shows and specialties in Canada, Mexico, the UK, and Europe.

It is always a thrill for me to put my hands on a dog and then to watch it move and evaluate it against its standard. There are many great moments in judging, such as: putting a young puppy at ease and feeling them relax in your hands and start to have a good time, finding a young dog that goes on to become one of the greats in its breed, and having an exhibit that takes your breath away standing or moving.
   
Future Assignments
   
Past Assignments
               

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