A Conversation with Timothy Lehman: Event Chair, Progressive Dog Club

A Conversation with Timothy Lehman: Event Chair, Progressive Dog Club

As the Progressive Dog Club begins its second century promoting the interests of Toy dogs, TNT got together with Event Chair Tim Lehman to talk about the club’s plans for this year’s shows in the heart of Manhattan. Progressive’s 2026 celebration will again take place at The New Yorker Hotel, on January 30 & 31, where hundreds of “top-notch” Toys are expected to gather from across the country and around the world. Breeders, exhibitors, and fans of the most diminutive of purebreds will not be disappointed by the presentation of Pekes, Poms, and Pugs that awaits guests at one of the more luxurious environments to ever host a dog show. We hope readers enjoy learning what’s in store for visitors to this year’s festivities.

This year’s Progressive will once again take place just as Westminster Week gets underway. How is this relationship beneficial to exhibitors who are coming to New York City to compete?

Timothy Lehman: Last year we welcomed approximately 300 entries, even as some exhibitors were still navigating post-COVID uncertainties and lingering concerns about traveling to and staying in the city. I’m optimistic that those apprehensions have largely faded, and that exhibitors will feel even more confident returning to New York to enjoy not only the shows but the unique energy, tradition, and excitement that make this week so special for the Toy community.

Let’s talk a bit about The New Yorker Hotel and its beautiful ballrooms that provide such an elegant backdrop for the dogs. Were you pleased with the venue overall?

Timothy Lehman: I was very pleased with the venue. The actual ballroom is a beautiful place to showcase beautiful dogs. I thought the amount of space was great and the flow was great. There’s a balcony space which we didn’t utilize last year, since it wasn’t needed, but this year we plan to have grooming up there if necessary. Obviously, since it was our first time using the venue last year, there were a few challenges. The temperature was the only real issue. We had some conflicts with the temperature in one of the rooms, but we’ve learned from that. (It can be difficult to get the temperature just right at any venue.) Hopefully this year it will be better.

Visitors to last year’s shows were certainly made to feel welcome. Is hospitality something that is important to you and the club’s members?

Timothy Lehman: Progressive is a show where breeders, owner handlers, and professionals all feel equally welcome. It’s about a community of people who love the dogs, respect the sport, and support one another. Progressive is a place for people who have dedicated their lives to their breeds for decades. I think an event like ours is vital as it reminds everyone why there are preservation breeders, why we breed purebred dogs, and why dog shows still matter.

Of course, the reason people attend a show like Progressive is to see the dogs in competition. Can you speak to the depth of quality that’s presented in the ring at your shows?

Timothy Lehman: For obvious reasons, we’re very fortunate to precede Westminster. We get to capture some of the excitement that’s in the air. At both shows, we see a great depth of quality among the specials, and people who really want to showcase their young, up-and-coming dogs. There’s a kind of unique energy in New York, where everyone is bringing their best, and we’re fortunate to be part of the momentum. And I think, with the challenges facing the dog show world, the visibility of shows like ours is that much more important.

Every dog show depends on club members who volunteer their time and expertise on the day and throughout the year. Can you tell us a bit about Progressive’s current membership?

Timothy Lehman: Kathleen Kolbert is the club’s President Emeritus who stepped down as President last year. Most of our members are in the Northeast, and we’ve been very fortunate in having an influx of a new generation of members who are very eager to work and share in the responsibilities. As Show Chair, I have a great team that really just amazes me in terms of the time they are willing to put in to the show and the club. Our show would not happen without these dedicated members—and the exhibitors who give so much to the sport. I have to say that I have so many exhibitors who offer to help at our show who are not even members of our club; people who love to come to Progressive and are willing to do anything that’s needed. Their generosity makes my job very easy on the day.

A Show Chair’s job can be all-consuming, especially on the big day. Do you have any day-of strategies for ensuring everyone has a memorably positive experience at Progressive?

Timothy Lehman: Progressive would not happen without the dedicated support of our members. Our show is very much focused on the exhibitors and the handlers, and we are there to welcome them. They are our guests at our show. As long as they’re happy… mission accomplished. On behalf of Progressive Dog Club, we are extremely grateful for their support of our show.

Progressive is now in the company of other storied dog clubs that have been promoting purebred dogs for more than a century. What does this say about the club’s traditions and its place in the sport of dogs?

Timothy Lehman: Well, it is great to be able to honor the traditions of Progressive today—and we look forward to the years ahead. We aim to keep the club relevant and welcoming, preserving it for future generations.