Joseph Buchanan – Judge’s Interview by Allan Reznik

Joseph Buchanan – Judge’s Interview by Allan Reznik

Where did you grow up?

Joseph Buchanan: I grew up in Phoenixville, a charming suburb of Philadelphia located on the border of Valley Forge National Park. It’s a town I adore, and I’m fortunate to still live close to my family there today.

Do you come from a doggie family? And, if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin?

Joseph Buchanan: Yes and no. While I didn’t come from a family involved in dog shows, we always had dogs. My interest in breeding and showing began in 1989 when I was in elementary school. I walked past a small grooming shop in my hometown, owned by Bob Hirschle of Radwyn Whippets. He had a stunning fawn-and-white Whippet named Tina. When Tina had a litter, and after plenty of begging and pleading, my parents agreed to purchase one of her puppies. That puppy, Dante, became my Junior Showmanship dog and marked the start of my journey into the world of purebred dogs.

Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence.

Joseph Buchanan: I have been incredibly fortunate to have influential mentors to guide me. I believe that mentorship is a lifelong necessity; even mentors need mentors. As a young child starting out in Juniors, my dog’s breeder remained very involved and taught me how to show. Debbie Butt and her mother, Donnie, of Sporting Fields Whippet fame, played a significant role in keeping me involved in the sport. Living nearby, they encouraged me and generously took me to countless shows before I was old enough to drive.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors across multiple breeds, including Lori Evans of XO Pharaoh Hounds, the late Dianne Reimer of Snowcap Whippets, and Janet York of Piccadil Cavaliers. When evaluating a dog, I recall their words of wisdom. Throughout it all, Karen Roberson (Whippet and Borzoi breeder/owner/handler) has been my dearest friend and greatest contributor to my growth.

During your time breeding Whippets and Pharaoh Hounds, did you have any breeding philosophies that you adhered to?

Joseph Buchanan: I have always bred on a very small scale, primarily because my career involves frequent travel. Flying nearly every week has made it challenging to have a dog in my home. In fact, I just had my first litter in nearly 10 years in October 2024. I am very fortunate to have brilliant and dedicated co-owners and co-breeders who have been invaluable to someone like me who can’t always be there.

Health and temperament must always come first. That’s non-negotiable. Breeders have a responsibility to be transparent and open about any health concerns in their lines, not only for the betterment of the breed but also to maintain trust within the community. Shame on breeders who hide issues.

How did your professional handling career begin? Any highlights as you look back?

Joseph Buchanan: My professional handling career began very naturally from my love of showing my own dogs. I was always eager to help others, whether it was taking a dog back in for Winners or showing when they had a conflict. I discovered that I was good at handling and truly enjoyed it. By the time I was about 15, people in multiple breeds were asking me to show their dogs, and of course, I said yes! As I got older and into my 20s, this passion evolved. While I never apprenticed under a professional handler, I was fortunate to learn so much from kind and generous professionals who were willing to help a young upstart succeed.

Looking back, there are several highlights that stand out. While I have primarily shown in the US, I’ve also had the privilege of showing at prestigious shows around the world. In the mid-2000s, I handled an extraordinary Powderpuff Chinese Crested named “Eli,” owned by Janet York who is known for her exceptional Cavaliers. Eli was groundbreaking. He was No. 1 All Systems and won the Crested National at a time when Puffs weren’t typically winning. He also won the breed at The Garden, becoming only the second Puff in history to achieve this honor. (I later had the privilege of handling the third, a stunning Puff named Miirick.) That year at Westminster, I won the breed with multiple Toy dogs, but it was bittersweet to only be able to take one into the Group ring. I stayed on the Puff.

Another unforgettable highlight was being asked to go to Europe to handle a young Pharaoh Hound named Mellon for his breeder/owner Lori Evans at several shows. Our last show before returning to the US was Crufts, where 25,000 dogs competed and Mellon won the breed and placed in a Group of more than 3,000 hounds. On another European trip, I showed a gorgeous Cavalier named Vinchy, owned by Janet York, at the Amsterdam Winner Show, a two-day extravaganza. Vinchy was awarded Best in Show out of an entry of around 5,000 dogs. These moments remain etched in my memory not only because of the accomplishments but because of the special connection I had with these great dogs. They brought immense joy into my life, both inside and outside the ring, and I will always treasure those memories.

Any thoughts on how handlers and owners can improve their working relationship?

Joseph Buchanan: It starts and ends with communication. Both the owner and the handler should discuss expectations and agree up front, or should reconsider forming a relationship. Some owners may want to micromanage, and again it comes down to communication on what the owner and handler relationship is, what may happen if/when their dog needs to be presented by an assistant, where their dog will fall in order of priority, etc. It’s always best to iron these things out up front, rather than after they have already happened.

When and how did you decide the time was right to transition to judging?

Joseph Buchanan: I tip my hat to professional handlers; while they make it look easy, they work very hard. The days are long, grueling, sometimes frustrating, and typically exhausting. As my healthcare career began to take off, it became clear that I needed to shift my focus. I took great pride in the dogs I showed, so it was difficult to step away. I stopped handling more than 15 years ago and focused on my own dogs and my work. I only transitioned to judging in 2018. Judging brings me great joy and fulfillment, allowing me to stay connected to the sport and people I love, and contribute in a meaningful way.

The sport has changed greatly since you first began as an exhibitor. What are your thoughts on the current state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport?

Joseph Buchanan: Yes, the sport has changed significantly since I first began. As a child in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, I vividly remember that shows were much larger, which I attribute to two main factors. First, there were fewer shows overall, and clubs didn’t compete for the same entries on the same weekend. Second, and perhaps more importantly, weekday shows were far less common. Back then, owner-handlers had a better chance to participate in a similar number of shows as professional handlers, allowing them to climb the rankings and stay competitive and engaged. Today, with the prevalence of four- and five-day show circuits, the time commitment and expenses—multiple nights in hotels, travel costs, and time away from work—can be prohibitive, deterring many from staying active in Conformation as both owner-handlers and breeder/owner-handlers.

I do see many breeders, handlers, and judges making meaningful efforts to encourage newcomers and novice handlers. Participation in this sport should be driven by a love of the dogs, a dedication to maintaining or improving the breed, a love of the competition, and a love of the community. If any one of those aspects is missing, whether you are a breeder, owner, handler, or judge, it may be time to step away.

I encourage anyone with expertise in their breed to actively seek out and support newcomers. Oftentimes, newcomers may feel intimidated or may not realize the value of connecting with experienced mentors. A simple offer of guidance and encouragement can make all the difference in ensuring they feel welcome and inspired to remain in the sport.

How could judging be improved? Does AKC do the sport a disservice by discouraging communication in the ring between judges and exhibitors?

Joseph Buchanan: I don’t believe the AKC is actively discouraging communication in the ring, but there are limits that need to be respected. Personally, I have often provided handling support in the ring or taken a moment to explain a placement to an exhibitor before they leave the ring, ensuring they understand why they received the placement they did. To date, I have not received any negative feedback from AKC Reps regarding this approach. However, when time is tight, I’ve occasionally asked exhibitors to find me later so that we can discuss in more detail. Anyone can point to a dog and hand over a ribbon, but one of the most important parts of my role as a judge is to be an educator. Offering constructive feedback and guidance helps exhibitors, especially newcomers, improve and stay engaged.

Finally, tell us a little about Joseph outside of dogs… your occupation, your hobbies.

Joseph Buchanan: I am married to my wonderful husband, Stephen, and we live in the suburbs of Philadelphia. While we don’t currently have any dogs, we do share our home with a collection of neglected and dying houseplants.

Professionally, I began my career in healthcare many years ago as a Registered Nurse, working in hospice care. Later, I went to graduate school and earned an Executive MBA. Through the years, I moved up through the ranks of corporate leadership and most recently was an executive at a large national healthcare company where I led Clinical Operations, overseeing more than 3,000 providers (MDs, NPs, and PAs) providing in-home care in 46 states as well as the Clinical Education and Quality Improvement divisions. My career has primarily focused on working with private equity-backed healthcare companies, helping them improve and scale operations. In mid-2024, I took a leap and launched a healthcare consulting agency. I maintain board certifications as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) and as a Board-Certified Nurse Executive (NE-BC).

Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler. In 2024, I logged just around 60 flights, five countries, and crossed a few trips off my bucket list. Before the year ended, I took one last trip and finally witnessed the Northern Lights in Iceland. I’m also a Philadelphia sports fan and have held season tickets for many years to the Philadelphia Union. My goal is to travel even more in 2025.