Judge Information

Judge Name:

Lesley Hiltz

Location:

Washington, USA

Kennel Name:

Website:

Types of Shows:

Conformation

Type of Breeds

Biography

My passion for Beagles began as a teenager in 1967. While living in the country I had previously enjoyed showing horses but a move to suburbia saw my horses sold. To replace this void a family pet was purchased from a local Beagle breeder who suggested that I may want to show him. Although not a great example of the breed he was a terrific showman,winning enough to increase my interest in this sport. This led to my leasing another beagle, further successes in the show ring, and the development of the "bug".

Three years later, on a working holiday in the UK, I had the opportunity to purchase two English Beagles, a dog and a bitch. From Thelma Gray (Rozavel), a male and from Judith Ireland (Annasline) a bitch. What enjoyment it was to show both these beagles all over the UK before returning to Australia with my new companions. Unfortunately the male was sterile so did not contribute to the Australian blood lines but the bitch became the foundation for TORBAY Beagles.

During the next 20 years my successful breeding program produced many All Breed Best in Show winners, Specialty in Show, and Royal Show winners (both tricoloured, and lemon and white). Through a 15 year partnership with Liz Rosbach (Whitcher) and her Manahound Beagles we formed MANABAY beagles. Stock was imported from both the USA and the UK, and incorporated into our bloodlines with great success.

My move to the USA and marriage to my husband David, also a Beagle breeder/exhibitor, continued my love for Beagles, the show circuits, and judging. David's famous dog, Ch Starbuck"s Hang Em High, sire of 136 champions, was well known amongst both American and Australian breeders. A hard act to follow. We continued, selectively breeding, under the STARBUCK TORBAY prefix, a combination of both our kennel names. Over the years we consistently produced Group and Specialty winning Beagles. We, like other beagle breeders, always have the hope that another great star was sitting in our whelping box.

My judging resume dates back to 1974 when I was granted my Hound license. Since then, as well as 9 working breeds I have been approved by the AKC to judge Hound, Herding, Non Sporting, and Toy groups. Although enjoying many All Breed assignments across the USA nothing excites me more than judging Beagles. The honor of judging our own National Specialty in 1995 (227 entries), to Beagles Specialties in Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, Philippines and Sweden and the UK. These are moments I have cherished. I feel that seeing beagles in so many different parts of the world gives me a unique perspective of the breed.

I have now ceased breeding but continue to attend Specialties and World shows to enable me to follow the state of the breed currently around the world.

Future Assignments

2025

Beagle Club Of Western Canada - May 31, 2025
Beagle Club Of Western Canada - May 31, 2025
Alberta Bouvier des Flandres Club - May 30, 2025
Alberta Bouvier des Flandres Club - May 30, 2025
Northern Alberta Canine Association - May 30, 2025

Past Assignments