Judging Legend Nominees, Awards, Candidates! Interviews AKC Judges Bivin, Beauchamp, Chashoudian, Downing, Gregory, Kirkland, Canino, Sabella, Mickelson, Daniels, etc. TheDogPlace

TheDogPlace made history in 2002 when America's Top AKC Judges were decided by public procedure. This system moves the best judges forward, much like a great dog progresses from the Breed to Group to the Best In Show ring. Rather than selection by the elite or an obscure process, Judging Legends are Nominated and Elected by you, the people who support them with your entries.

Candidates are "judged" on the basis of their expertise on the breeds for which they are approved; on procedure; objectivity and that elusive quality we all know as style. They are chosen by their friends, their peers, and the exhibitors who support their work throughout the year.

Previous Nominees & Interviews

Previous & Current Nominees List

Judging Legend 2002

Results and Comments

Edd Bivin, Voted Judging Legend 2002

Annie Clark First Runner Up, and it was close.

Anna Wanner Second Runner Up
Mel Downing, an icon and a Living Legend

Michele Billings, Top Five, always a winner

Judging Legend 2003 Nominees

Legend 2003 Comments

Michele Billings, Top Five, in everything.

Dany Canino, a front runner 2003, she rocks!
Frank Sabella, Top Five, style to spare!
Ann Rogers Clark, experienced and dedicated.

Melbourne T. Downing, Wisdom of many years.

Virginia Hampton, dedicated, quite and gentle.

Lester Mapes, Top Five, especially in character.
Dorothy Nickles, Top Five, more than a teacher!

Anna Wanner, An asset to all judges.

We apologize for the two year lapse during restructuring and construction

Judging Legend 2006

Peggy Mickelson Legend 2006

Runner Up is Joe Gregory

Interviews, comments, results!

* Preliminary Interviews *

Richard Beauchamp Judge, Author, Publisher, Breeder, Rick does it all - and does it well!

John Boozer, Smooth Fox and a whole lot more. John is pretty smooth too and he's not in a hurry.

Dany Canino Obedience, Multi-Groups, she tells it like it is and this lady "Rocks"!

Ric Chashoudian former pro handler, now renowned Judge, professional columnist and his bronze and ceramics sculptures are collector's items.

Judith (Judi) Daniels All Terriers, all Talent! As determined as her Staffies, former AKC President.

Joe Gregory, All-breed Judge, family man, gentleman, dog man. A legendary handler turned career judge who gives his all to the sport - for all the right reasons.

David Kirkland from terriers to toys (cats too) he's a connoisseur of quality and a regular guy.

Barbara Ann Langlois Multi-breed Hound Judge, Teacher, a real "dog lady"
Peggy Mickelson Popular herding breed authority, writer, breeder, and a whole lot more.

Rosemarie (Rose) O'Hara UKC Conformation Judge; ASCA and UKC Obedience Judge and AKC Rally Judge. Australian Shepherd Breeder, Exhibitor.

Mrs. Chris Walkowicz Judge, Author, gifted Breeder, a real VIP (very interesting person)!!

Mardee Ward 2nd generation AKC judge. 58 years in Sammys may be a record but she brings much more to dogs, judging, and breeding sense.