2006 Judging Legend Candidates & Results

There is no secrete group at TheDogPlace choosing the winners.  You who know them best, have judged them through your votes.  Some judges missed inclusion by a mere handful of votes but there's always next year!  Dozens of judges nominated their peers, expressing amazingly similar reasons for holding them in such high regard.  The top five nominees were Judith Daniels, Ric Chashoudian, Joe Gregory, Margaret Mickelson, and Mardee Ward, and indeed, YOU chose well!

Nominations closed Oct. 23rd 2006 - Voting Began Nov. 17, 2006
Judging Legend 2006 Election results announced Dec. 1st 2006

And the winner is..... Peggy Mickelson Judging Legend 2006

Runner Up is Joe Gregory

Click for Mickelson Interview!

You selected the five Nominees.  We selected comments that best summed up each Candidates.

Read, weigh their skill and talent, then cast your vote below.

JUDITH (JUDI) DANIELS:

• I nominate Judi Daniels for Judge Legend 2006 One of her best points.....a million dollar smile!

• a gracious and kind judge, putting both the exhibitors and dogs at ease.  We could attract many more people into the conformation rings if more judges would have her character and gracious style

• An honest and fair judge, also an advocate for dogs and "fought city hall" for our rights as owners and breeders.

RICK CHASHOUDIAN:

• ,,…Seems gruff to some but it is because he is so intent on doing it well.  Proves his eye for a dog and for structure in his art.

• Knows his terriers, in fact, he's a master on all terriers, coated or not, and other breeds as well.

• One of the last "old guys" who really knows dogs and what it takes to present a terrier properly.

JOSEPH (JOE) GREGORY:

• Demands a good front, loves a sound and showy dog.  Those who know him know what he respects and when they win, no sense crying politics because it is his knowledge and love for the shows and the dogs he sees on the day that drives him to keep dancing and smiling.

• ..... Epitome of the all breed judge.  Dignified, soft spoken but eloquent in his obvious love for dogs and the sport as it should be.  An x-handler who knows the games, just doesn't play them.

• Few judges are so into the judging process just for the love of dogs and right or wrong, choosing the dog he would most like to own, or as a handler, have shown because of the type and style. Known to not only spot a potential great dog but to award it, even buy it!

MARGARET (PEGGY) MICKELSON:

• A lady who knows what she wants and will put it up whether the handler is "right" or not.

• It is a joy to watch her do herding breeds.  More judges should have her knowledge and grasp of those breeds.  Hope she makes it to all-rounder.

• A gifted writer who can verbalize or write about the shows, the people, and what makes it all come together the way it should.  One who could do critiques as they do in Europe.

MARDEE WARD:

• Comes from great lines!  Her parents were both good judges, Bob especially known for being about to spot the right dog and the daughter gaining that reputation.

• Born with an eye for Sams and now, other breeds to. 

• I showed under her parents and was delighted when she moved right into judging.  She fills the ring with knowledge that can't be gained by just having worked her way up as a handler or breeder, which she is.

Honorable Mention

We would also like to pay tribute to those judges who received more than one hundred nominations.  Our staff also selected three of the best comments received for each nominee. 

Go to:  Judging Legend Nominees for interviews with the Judging Legend Nominees.

Read interviews with previous Nominees, Legends, and other great judges in the sport.