Julie,
that's exactly right: keep in mind that most dogs of a breed look pretty much the same in a photo. So the ads that go to the judges try to make sure that the judge can identify the dog that's with a particular handler.

Subconsciously, the judge notes that this is the #1, #2, etc. dog in the country and evaluates them in the ring based on that knowledge. It probably shouldn't be part of the mix -- they should evaluate the dogs in the ring on a particular day without regard to where they rank in the standings -- but as you say, it's a subjective, political process.

And, yes, she's lovely. Most judges will remember her.

Jim