The AKC named James W. Smith, of Absolutely Smooth Fox Terriers, its 2012 Breeder of the Year at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, in Orlando, Florida, on December 16.

Smith, pictured here at the presentation with AKC Chairman Alan Kalter and President/CEO Dennis Sprung, was chosen from among seven "group winners" who assembled at the Orange County Convention Center for the in-ring ceremony.

"Congratulations to Jim," AKC Director of Event Management Michael Canalizo says. "The American Kennel Club knows that the breeders of purebred dogs are the backbone of our sport, so we're proud to honor them each year at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Being recognized as Breeder of the Year is one of the highest honors achievable."

Each year, one honoree is chosen from each of the seven breed groups. From those seven, one is selected AKC Breeder of the Year. The award ceremony will be part of the show's telecast on ABC, Saturday, February 2. (Check local listings for time.)


Smooth Operator
Smith entered his first dog show, exhibiting a Dalmatian, in 1956. He soon gravitated to the terrier rings and acquired a Wire Fox Terrier. His first Smooth came along in 1962.

He was the delegate from the Dalmatian Club of America for 26 years and now represents the Washington State Obedience Training Club. He is in his third separate term as president of the American Fox Terrier Club, having previously served as vice president, delegate, and secretary.

Smith was not active breeding and showing for a large part of the 1990s during his years on the AKC board of directors. He has served on AKC ad hoc committees, most recently the one which revised the judges' approval process.

In 1999, Smith acquired a Smooth from Eddie Boyes, and his interest and involvement has proceeded full-speed ever since. Absolutely has produced over 50 breeder-owned champions, Best in Show dogs, national and regional specialty winners, and many group winners. Preservation and maintenance of the breed are paramount to him, and adherence to the standard is constantly reviewed.

Smith says his greatest pleasure is "sitting and watching puppies play and develop."


2012 Group Winners
Sporting: Dr. Dana Massey (Win'Weim Weimaraners)

Hound: Alicia Hanna (Kimani Rhodesian Ridgebacks)

Working: Lynn Brady and Connie Townsend (Szumeria Kuvasz)

Terrier: James W. Smith (Absolutely Smooth Fox Terriers)

Toy: Tammy and John Simon (Ta-Jon Maltese Ta-Jon)

Non-sporting: Krista Nuovo (Delamer Schipperkes)

Herding: J. Frank Baylis and Chris Oldt (Bayshore Border Collies)


AKC Breeder of the Year: Previous Honorees
2011 Pluis Davern (Sundowners)
2010 Debbie Butt (Sporting Fields)
2009 Claudia Orlandi (Topsfield)
2008 Joan Savage (Stagedoor)
2007 Barbara Miller (Max-Well)
2006 Douglas & Michaelanne Johnson (Bugaboo)
2005 Dave & Peggy Helming (Pouch Cove)
2004 Catherine B. Nelson (Pennywise)
2003 Mary Rodgers (Marienburg)
2002 Wendell J. Sammet (Alekai)