MASTER EARTHDOG JUDGE

Richard Reynolds

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   Richard Reynolds began his involvement with dogs in 1962 as a veterinary assistant. Since then he has bred Beagles, English Foxhounds, Jack Russell Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Fox Terriers and Wire Haired Dachshunds. He was an AKC licensed professional handler and is currently approved by AKC as a conformation judge of all the hound breeds, some terriers, Spanish Water Dogs and Best in Show and has had assignments nationally and internationally. He is also approved to judge all classes of AKC Earthdog tests. Outside of AKC Richard has judged at major hound shows on the east coast and is an approved judge for the American Working Terrier Association.

  Reynolds’ focus as a judge has always been on preserving breed type through concentration on performance ability. He was the founding Master of Foxhounds of the only hunting pack of English Foxhounds recognized by both AKC and MFHA. Hounds from his pack have won a group at Westminster, many Bests in Show , many Large Pack classes at hound shows and the occasional Grand Championship. Most important, each hound and the Jack Russell Terriers that accompanied the pack, hunted a regular 3 day a week schedule.

   Most recently Richard has pursued natural earthwork and above ground hunting with Dachshunds and terriers. Dubbed “The Ratcatcher of New York City” by the BBC, Reynolds’ pack of vermin-catching terriers has attained worldwide recognition in the media.

   While judging comes first, he can often be found in the alleys of New York City hunting wild rats with terriers of all breeds and sizes or controlling vermin on the farms of New Jersey.