Meg Prior received the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award for 2018 at the annual banquet in Louisville, KY on 3/14. The award was established by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to encourage sportsmanship in our sport and each of the member clubs are encouraged to acknowledge members who demonstrate passion, good sportsmanship, and make a difference in the world of purebreed dogs each year. Club members are considered for this award through nominations by ABGA member peers and the award is presented during the ABGA National Specialty week in March of each year.
According to the member that nominated this year’s recipient, “Meg exemplifies the AKC Code of Good Sportsmanship. She consistently congratulates winners, even though they are her competition. Meg has mentored several new members in recent years. She is (at times brutally) honest about the state of health of her own breeding stock. Indeed, the health and welfare of her dogs is paramount. Although Meg is a breeder/owner/handler, she conducts herself with a professional’s demeanor. She serves as first Vice President of the Owner Handler Association and is an active member of the Bakersfield Kennel Club. Meg promotes the importance of diversity in the breed by using dogs from multiple lines to enhance her breeding program. Always striving for optimal health and quality of the breed, Meg trains her dogs not only in conformation but in agility and obedience (Canine Good Citizen). She is an ardent proponent of our sport and of Brussels Griffons in particular.”