I wanted to write an article on Labrador Retriever specialty sweepstakes challenges. If you’re thinking about entering, here are a few reasons I believe it’s not worth doing—unless you’ve truly thought it through.
Let me explain where I’m coming from, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll understand why this isn’t personal. It’s not an attack on you as a Sweepstakes judge, and it’s not in response to a specific show. This article has been on my mind for years. I’m just finally putting it into words. No hurt feelings, please.
🚫 The New 18–24 Class Makes It an Uneven Playing Field
Let’s start with the obvious: the 18–24 month class has no business being in Puppy Sweepstakes.
It’s called Puppy Sweeps, not Puppy Sweeps and One Adult Class.
How is a 6-month-old supposed to compete with a 24-month-old fully developed dog? At 24 months, those heads are finished. Bone, coat, maturity—there’s no comparison. Sure, you might edge out an 18-month-old, but a 6-month-old doesn’t stand a real chance next to a two-year-old dog.
This alone is a major reason I’ve stepped away from Sweepstakes. It’s just not fair—not to the pups, not to the breeders, and not to the judges expected to compare dogs at two completely different stages of development.
🤝 The Sweepstakes Judge Matters—A Lot
Here’s a harsh truth: 90% of Sweepstakes judges aren’t breeders I respect.
They’re not as experienced, not as accomplished, and frankly, not on the level I want evaluating my dogs.
If I’m going to step into the ring, it’s going to be under someone I consider an equal—or better. Otherwise, why should their opinion matter? If they were breeding dogs successfully, I’d already know their name.
In too many cases, Sweeps judges are average or below-average breeders who got the assignment because they’re connected. It’s politics. Not merit. That might sound blunt, but it’s just the truth I’ve witnessed over the years.
🥇 Experience Has Taught Me What to Expect
Let’s talk about my track record:
- Potomac: Twice our dog made it down to the final two. We lost both times—to breeder judges.
- LRC Nationals: Three more near wins, three more losses to AKC breeder judges.
That’s five big-time defeats on major stages—all under the same pattern. You think it’s coincidence? I don’t. Once or twice, sure. But five? At the most prestigious Labrador specialties in the country?
And this isn’t even counting the local specialties where I’ve seen similar outcomes. It’s all a trade-off—favors for favors, payback for future wins, or a dog that’s been through the same stud line. I’m not playing that game anymore.
💰 Sweepstakes Cost More, and the Payout Isn’t Worth It
I’m not the guy who counts pennies at a dog show. But still—Sweepstakes cost more.
- Higher entry fees
- Handler fees, if you’re hiring out
- Zero points on the line
- No real recognition except bragging rights
At the end of the day, Labrador Retriever specialty sweepstakes challenges come with a high cost and little return.
🧠 Inexperience on the Judges’ Side Leads to Mistakes
Let’s face it—many Sweeps judges are new to judging. And when someone lacks the confidence of a seasoned pro, they fall back on what they know: familiar faces.
It’s not always intentional. But it happens. The comfort of going with the known name, the recognizable kennel, the dog they’ve heard about through the grapevine.
And I’m sorry, but I’m not here to help a new judge “get their feet wet.” I’m not offering my dog up as a learning opportunity.
✅ When I Will Enter Sweeps
I’m not saying I’ll never enter Sweepstakes again.
If I respect you—truly respect you as a breeder—I’m in. Win or lose, I’ll enjoy the process and stand by the outcome. Because when I trust the judge’s opinion on Labradors, that experience is worth it.
🤔 Why Others Might Still Want to Enter
Look, I get that there are valid reasons to enter Sweeps:
- 🎓 Practice for your puppy
- 🐾 Exposure to the ring
- 🤝 Building relationships within the breed community
If you’re in it for the experience and not the results, go for it. I respect that. It’s just not how I operate anymore.
🧐 Before You Enter: Ask These Questions
Before you sign that entry form for a Labrador Retriever specialty sweepstakes, ask yourself:
- Is this judge a trusted, accomplished breeder with proven wins?
- Do they have close ties to anyone else entered?
- Have they bred to or used a stud dog involved in the entry?
- Is someone on the show committee connected to an entry in Sweeps?
- Are they qualified to judge Labradors at the specialty level?
Because all of that matters more than most people want to admit.
🎯 Final Thoughts: It’s Just an Opinion Game
In the end, dog shows are built on opinions, and opinions are often influenced by relationships, politics, and favors.
You need to be able to look at your own breeding program and feel proud—regardless of what happens in the ring.
In the end, it isn’t the ribbon, the title or the name behind the clipboard. It’s the Labrador in your yard, the one you bred with intention and love, standing there in the light of your own truth.
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