AKC Judge

Why Randy?

  • Independent minded.
  • Fair, honest and trustworthy inside and outside the ring.
  • Started in performance sports with his dogs, cementing a lifelong appreciation for athleticism, temperament and soundness. 
  • 45 years of Breed and 20 years of AKC judging experience.  
  • Knowledgeable and educated in and outside the dog world.
  • Mentor to the GSD and larger dog show community.
  • Accomplished breeder, AKC judge, GSD Columnist, Architect and Baseball/Softball Coach.
work with me
US/CAN SEL GCH Covy Tucker Hills Compass PP, HT
GCHS Mickena’s Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
Sel Ch Covy Tucker Hill’s Wildrose UD, HT
A Simplified and Fair Approach to Judging

Let the dogs decide who wins. All decisions are absent of external influences in the selection of winners regardless of ownership, reputation or handler. Owner Handlers, Non-Professional, Junior Handlers and Professional Handlers are judged with equal status with the primary focus on the dog. The best dog wins – period!

Experience

45 years of breed experience and a dedicated student of the breed with an in-depth understanding of structure, movement and temperament. Breeder and Exhibitor of Multiple Champions, Select Champions, Register of Merit, Futurity/Maturity, Group, Best In Specialty Show, and Best In Show Winners. 20 years judging in All-breed, Specialty, Futurity/Maturity and National Specialty Show venues. Also judges Australian Shepherds (ASCA) and Rare Breed shows.

2007 GV CH Welove DuChien’s Army of One ROM

Philosophy

My admiration for the breed first began nearly 50 years ago while competing with Greta, my first German-bred dog, in Obedience. To this day, I still recognize the GSD as the most intelligent and utilitarian breed of all. I believe the service they provide to humankind is a rare asset, and at the core “Utility is the True Criterion of Beauty” (Max von Stephanitz),

BOM CH Ferlin’s Armstrong

Education

As an Architect, my studies in design & engineering are very helpful in understanding many aspects of our Breed Standard. Having the ability to visually apply proportion and geometry results in awarding dogs with structurally sound and correct GSD conformation and movement in the show ring.

BIF CH Von Rech Dances with Eagles

Outside the Ring

Together with my wife Cathy, a retired, professional GSD handler, we have raised five children, and enjoy spending time with family, friends and our three grandchildren.

After 26 years of coaching sports, I am still an active head coach in high school fastpitch Girls Softball, and continue to appreciate the mentorship and valuable life lessons that sports teach.

As a former planning professional for historic properties, I am actively consulting in architecture and the building construction Industry today.

Testimonials

Back in the early 1980’s, I met this inquisitive young man at our Topline Dog Show in Rockford, Illinois. He impressed me because he was very interested in learning about structure, movement and what it took to make a great show dog. Randy continued to ask questions while finishing Adam’s first Champion progeny “Dano”. We have enjoyed a lifelong friendship. Since that time, he has maintained that ever lasting ability to judge with fairness, and possesses a keen eye for dogs that excel and are according to the standard. I feel Randy is one of our best judges today. 

Judy Teidel

Proven Hills German Shepherd Dogs, est. 1966

Home of Sel Ch Proven Hill’s Up N Adam, ROM

Sire of 3x Sel Ch Altana’s Mystique, Top winning show dog of all time!

“We have been friends, and have worked and traveled together for more than 20 years.  Randy is reliable, a great friend, and most importantly a good and honest man.  He has also collaborated with me on creating and producing some of the best photographs and videos of my clients’ top dogs.” 

Miguel Betancourt

Author-Photographer (awarded Best Dog Photographer in the World by Dog Fancy Magazine)*-Multimedia Professional


“Mr. Darnell appreciates movement while being committed to judging dogs according to the GSD standard. Every exhibitor can feel confident their dog will receive a fair and impartial assessment by an experienced, knowledgeable judge.” 

Diana Paul – Handler

Randy Darnell is not only fair and honest, but knowledgeable when judging. As a former breeder of Acara German Shepherds, he understands our standard and proper movement for the breed.

Lauren Gerloff – Professional Handler

Randy Darnell is a pleasant judge to present dogs to.. his patience is evident with both dogs and exhibitors while making a clear, knowledgeable decision in the ring. He judges the dogs confidently and without bias, making it a worthwhile experience.

Alexandra Bialozor

All Breed Professional Handler

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