Page 12 - North Haven Magazine Issue 25 Autumn 2022

Meet Kurt Anderson:
by Marisa Hexter

AKC DOG SHOW

JUDGE

or as long as he can remember, dog show judge Kurt Anderson ily companions.” Locally, Kurt belongs to the Elm City Kennel
Fhas had a love for dogs. While he never had a dog at home as a Club, which was founded in New Haven in 1918. Most recently
child, “I was constantly ‘adopting’ neighborhood dogs.” Kurt met held in Massachusetts, this Kennel Club used to be held in various
his wife in college and as a graduation present for each other, they locations in the New Haven area.
purchased their first pure-bred Golden Retriever. As time went
on, their family was joined by additional dogs. “As my mother
then claimed I was ‘overcompensating’,” Kurt mentions. Ander-
son began his time in dog shows by exhibiting his pure-breds.
Currently, he is showing his Flat-Coated Retriever who recently
started her show career, and English Cocker Spaniel who has been
actively shown for about the last three years. For a dog to have a
show career, there is a lot of preparation before they are ready.
“Preparing dogs for a show career includes early socialization of
the dog, proper nutrition and proper grooming leading up to a
show,” Kurt explained.
While Kurt exhibits his dogs, he is now a judge approved by the
American Kennel Club. “After showing dogs and holding various
positions for multiple dog clubs, applying to become an AKC-ap-
proved judge seemed the next logical step for me…” Anderson
states, adding, “It was a way I felt that I could take my accumu-
lated knowledge and help others evaluate their dogs which is
especially helpful for folks that are venturing into the world of
pure-bred dogs for the first time.” To Anderson, his time as an ex- Born in New Haven but growing up in Hamden, Anderson and
hibitor helped him with his transition into becoming a judge. “To his family moved to North Haven in 1984 and have lived here ever
be successful in the show ring as an exhibitor, you need to devel- since. “I love the small-town feel of North Haven. I think the town
op a deep understanding of your chosen breed, both in terms of services are first-rate and the school system provided a great edu-
historical foundations of the breed in terms of pedigrees and pur- cation for our two sons. Geographically, it’s also very convenient
pose. A dog’s conformation is intrinsically connected to what the to New Haven as well as Boston and New York while still main-
dog was bred to do, be it a herding dog helping farmers, a sport- taining a small town feeling.” When not at dog shows, Kurt en-
ing dog developed to work with a hunter or working dogs which joys cooking and playing his acoustic guitar. Shortly, several dog
serve a variety of functions around the world.” Anderson also ex- shows are being held in West Springfield in the coming months.
plains a judge takes the knowledge they have garnered through Anderson says, “Anyone contemplating purchasing a pure-bred
different breeds they have studied to expand their expertise, but dog but wants to learn more before taking the plunge could see
they still evaluate each dog against the breed’s original purposes and learn about many breeds at any one of these shows.”
and standards. To prepare for a show, Anderson will review breed
standards for the breeds he is scheduled to judge before any show Kurt Anderson is a life-long dog lover and shows this admira-
assignment. This allows him to refresh before arrival. tion through his judging at dog shows. There are many different
aspects of dog showing and judging that he appreciates; from see-
Kurt’s favorite part of being a judge is the interaction with people ing a new dog’s potential to socializing with people who share the
and their dogs. “It’s always a delight to discover a young dog that same passions he does. Kurt continues to use the knowledge he
shows great promise.” Anderson explained the allure of partici- gained over the years to help others understand the dog-showing
pating in dog shows stating, “We enjoy socializing with friends world to better appreciate the sphere in which they encompass.
that share a love of dogs and who also strive to breed healthy fam-

12 North Haven Magazine - Autumn Issue 2022