Interview With Richard L. Reynolds: 2025 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group Judge

Interview With Richard Reynolds: 2025 AKC National Championship Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Bred-By-Exhibitor Hound Group at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?

Richard Reynolds: The invitation was received in late 2023 as is the custom for the ANC. It was both an honor and a privilege to be invited to this event once again. Unfortunately, I was unable to accept one of the breeds offered due to prior commitments. Short form answer, I was elated!

2. What does it mean to judge this event at the only all-breed show organized directly by the American Kennel Club?

Richard Reynolds: The ANC usually draws a large number of entries of very high-quality dogs. There is the honor of being selected as a judge, of course, but the real treat is knowing that you can actually examine and select from some of the best dogs in the country. There’s never a need to settle or compromise in your choices.

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Richard Reynolds: This is a show run by the pros. The AKC staff and Royal Canin folks work seamlessly to get the job done. They have an adequate budget to ensure that every aspect is top drawer. They’ve got 25 years of experience. With that kind of a workforce, success is almost guaranteed.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the BBE Group ring?

Richard Reynolds: How great it was to have a “full” Group, checking to see that my zipper was up, regretting that I had worn brown shoes with a black suit, and marveling at the size and lighting of the ring.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel any excitement from the spectators?

Richard Reynolds: Many of the dogs in Bred-By-Exhibitor have been bred by folks who have been in the game since they themselves were puppies. For them (and for me too) the heightened energy is kind of a regular thing. Because of the scheduling, there weren’t many spectators at the BBE Groups.

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Richard Reynolds: Having judged hounds since 1981, I don’t think “challenging” is the word. The depth of quality and the fact that time constraints (and TV) prevented making a cut made the final choice a bit more difficult. In a Group like this there are a number of standouts, and so many were worthy of placement. I went back and forth for the placements several times. Many dogs walked out of the ring that could win a Group any day.

7. Do you have a word or two about your BBE Group winner? About the dogs that placed?

Richard Reynolds: The BBE Group winner, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, “Nate,” has always been a favorite of mine. At other shows in faraway places I have given Group wins to his littermates. He’s showing a bit of age, but is still one of the finest examples of a working hound that I have ever seen. The Ibizan (Second) too is one of the greats of all time. She is well known and very well respected. I had never seen the PBGV (Third) before, but the quality and the presentation were undeniable. The Beagle (Fourth) comes from a great line of dogs and I had given it a Best in Specialty earlier this year, and its forebears several Bests in Show. Each of them was known to be the product of some of the very best breeders in our sport.

8. Breeders are fundamental to the health and welfare of the sport of dogs. Based on this assignment, are today’s breeders doing well by the sport and for their breeds?

Richard Reynolds: Many, if not most, of the dogs present in this Group were produced by conscientious breeders of long standing with stellar reputations. Sidearm, Wenrick, Quiet Creek, Wild Isle, Aberdeen, Baha, and others were well represented in this knockout Group. Unfortunately, some breeders within the AKC, and many of them who are not part of our sport, are simply producing puppies. We need to do more for education and inclusion.

9. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the AKC staff and the show’s sponsors?

Richard Reynolds: The names in the front of the catalog read like a “Who’s Who” of dogdom. Much of the real work, though, is in the fine print. Without Michael Canalizo and his counterparts at Royal Canin, the show would not go on. Tim Thomas does double duty with the judges’ seminars and as Chief Steward. Paula Spector gets it right and makes sure hundreds or thousands of details in travel and hospitality are attended to in perfect order. She is seemingly present everywhere all week. Mari-Beth O’Neill is always on top of most everything. There are lots more staff who step out of their everyday roles and put their heart into this show. It’s really the people, both the workers and the exhibitors, who make this a singular sensational event. Thank you.

10. Now that it’s over, what are your thoughts on the 2025 show year? Any thoughts on the year ahead?

Richard Reynolds: I’ve been honored this year with judging assignments at both Morris and Essex and the ANC 25th Anniversary show. That’s a pretty good deal for any judge. We’ve had some pretty good litters that have produced some nice pups and I’ve been able to do a little hunting. Retirement, unfortunately, has eluded me, so it’s onward and upward for 2026. See you around the rings.