Interview with Richard LeBeau – 2024 National Dog Show Toy Group Judge

Interview with Richard LeBeau – 2024 National Dog Show Toy Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Toy Group at this year’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina?

Richard LeBeau: Life is truly full of surprises! On February 12th, I had just returned to America from hearing a friend from Pittsburgh sing at Deutsche Oper in Berlin, Germany. Due to a morning snowstorm, my connecting flight from Newark to Pittsburgh was cancelled and all remaining flights were full due to a chain reaction of re-booked travelers. Rather than stay overnight in Newark without clothes or toiletries, I had rented a car and driven home to Pittsburgh. The next day, I was expecting a call from the airline’s luggage courier. I answered an unidentified call, hearing, “Is this Richard LeBeau?” Naturally, I replied, “Yes, it is. Do you have my luggage?” The answer was completely unexpected. “No, I don’t have your luggage. This is Frank DePaulo with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.” I was embarrassed, and surprised! I managed to explain everything and we both had a good laugh. I was most assuredly not expecting to be invited to join the panel in Philadelphia when I answered that call. I have told this funny story for months to my friends and family. You never know who is calling, when you are a dog judge!

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at this historic show?

Richard LeBeau: It is a great privilege and very exciting to judge a variety Group for The National Dog Show, with millions of nationwide viewers on Thanksgiving Day. I had shown my English Toy Spaniel “Champ” here in 2019 and won Best of Variety, going under the bright, hot lights for the television taping of the Toy Group. I never imagined I would be judging there in five years. It has been exciting for me, my family, and friends. I’m happy to say the arena has new, updated lighting and was quite comfortable for everyone this year.

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

Richard LeBeau: Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and The National Dog Show on NBC are long-standing traditions for everyone I know! National network television definitely makes this show very important and exciting for everyone. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is a benched show, which also makes the event very special. Thousands of spectators fill the aisles and halls and are enthusiastic, curious dog lovers. Benched with “Champ” in 2019, I made many new, lasting friends with fellow exhibitors in the benching area, and it’s a pleasure to share one’s breed with anyone who wants to meet your breed. A lot of breeds are not widely known outside of the fancy. This show provides a special opportunity for everyone. I should mention that the vendors are diverse and wonderful to browse and shop.

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

Richard LeBeau: The Toy Group was the first Group to enter the arena for taping at 1:00 p.m., so there was very little time for me to worry or get nervous. I rushed to change into my tuxedo and report to the sound technician to be wired with a remote microphone and power pack. I knew which Breed winners I would see again from my morning assignments, but naturally I was anxious to see the Breed winners coming from my colleague judges. I knew I was going to have gorgeous dogs and that I would have to quickly assess the full Toy Group but remain relaxed. The Toy Group was very strong, with many impressive exhibits. I felt honored and delighted to judge them.

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

Richard LeBeau: The energy in the arena is palpable and builds as the show advances to its conclusion. We heard a moving version of the National Anthem from a local area high school choir and, soon after, I was escorted to center ring and began the traditional judging procedure. The dogs are so beautiful and the competition is very keen. The audience understands this. Everyone can definitely sense that this is a very special moment in time.

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

Richard LeBeau: The great challenge of this assignment was the depth of quality and the constant, nagging thought in my subconscious mind that I have only four ribbons and too many deserving dogs. I enjoyed the challenge of working through the strongest line-up I have ever judged. I retained an unusually big cut of eight dogs, regretting as I walked the line that I had to refrain from keeping more in play. There’s an indescribable, intellectual aspect to judging dogs which I’m sure is a different process for each individual judge. I try to remain open until the last go around, at which time I perceive a calm but thorough sensation or perception of which dog is winning on the day. My winners conveyed this energy to me and made a lasting impression which drew me to them and inspired me to place them. I found them captivating in the ring, and unforgettably so!

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

Richard LeBeau: As everyone knows by now, I found the Pug to be irresistible. His performance was flawless and he impressed me as a charming, little dynamo, with energy and merry, yet dignified, exuberance. In a flash on the final go around, he sparked a certain sense of tremendous joy within me, and so I gave him the Group 1st. The astonishing, flowing balance and beauty of the Maltese was impossible to overlook and she was placed Group 2nd. The Brussels Griffon displayed the charming, inquisitive expression and confidence of her breed, with clean movement and tidy carriage, winning the Group 3rd. The quality and charm of the Yorkshire Terrier was also perfectly displayed in Philadelphia. Her exquisite, silken coat, correct in color and texture and cool to the touch, and her purposeful, perfectly timed carriage with a level topline earned her the Group 4th. The dogs I pulled but did not place were all beautiful and impressive to me, and I did wish for more rosettes.

8. This show has become a Thanksgiving Day tradition in America. Is there anything you’d like to say to the members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the show’s sponsors?

Richard LeBeau: I would like to thank Wayne Ferguson, Frank DePaulo, Peter Green and Beth Sweigart, Sarah Karger Krickeberg, the NBC technical crew, NBC network hosts David Frei, John O’Hurley, and Mary Carillo, and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Members, Directors, and Show Committee for their careful planning and warm hospitality. Thanks also to my Ring Steward, John Van Driesen, and my Group Ring Stewards, Lauren Gerloff and Stanley Broadbent.

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Richard LeBeau: The National Dog Show is so very important to the sport. The value of a benched show, rare in this day and age, cannot be overstated. People need to see and chat with us about our dogs. It is essential for us to share our dogs in person, to hopefully inspire future interest. I’m sure everyone understands the importance and impact of national television for positive exposure of our diverse and carefully developed purebred dogs.

10. Now that your assignment is complete, what does this show mean to you personally?

Richard LeBeau: I am so proud to have judged with so many respected colleagues for the venerable Kennel Club of Philadelphia, established 145 years ago in 1879. This club has always been an important organization in the sport of purebred dogs. I was impressed by the cordiality and the unified focus of the members of this club. I wish them continued success and will always hope to return. It was a great experience for me to judge such an incredible entry of beautiful Toy dogs. Many thanks and appreciation to all of the exhibitors!