I would like to thank the members of the Basset Hound Club of America for their vote of confidence in my judging ability. I am looking forward to a wonderful experience judging the bitch classes at the 2025 BHCA Nationals in St. Louis. This is quite the honor to be voted by the membership for the fifth time dating back from 1993, 2001, 2007, 2017 and now, 2025

I grew up in the world of Basset Hounds starting at the age of three years old when my mother (Barbara) and father (Donald) purchased their first Basset Hound. Although not registered, our kennel name was Northwoods Bassets, named after the road on which we lived. Soon, we outgrew Northwoods Drive and my family moved to Old School Road. It was in 1970 that we lost our home and 30+/- of our Bassets in a devastating fire. Our family used our years of experience to start all over and was blessed by many friends in the dog world to help us get back on our feet. We were successful in obtaining and breeding many champions over the next several years and we always made it a family affair. I spent my grade school and high school years with a kennel full of Bassets and learning about a variety of breeds while working with local handlers. Learning and working with some of the top Sporting and Terrier dogs of their times helped me to understand the standards and characteristics of several breeds. I am thankful to all of my mentors who have taught me so much over the years.

I am especially proud of our (Bryan, Heidi & myself) accomplishments in the Junior Showmanship classes. My mother and father promised us that if we could qualify for the junior showmanship classes at the Westminster Kennel Club, then we would be able to compete in Madison Square Garden. Collectively, we competed in junior showmanship for sixteen years. I wonder if they ever regretted making that promise? The highlight of my youth was showing the many great Bassets and traveling with my family. I was blessed with picking out a dog that my dad judged in Maryland when I was only 16 years old. Ch. Tal-E-Ho’s Top Banana became a top winning Basset, and a stud dog that has left his heritage within the breed. He was a two time national champion, a Canadian national champion, winner of several specialties, hound groups, and a best in show. He loved to compete and he loved people.

When I went to college, I decided to apply for my judges license - so I could have an excuse to go to the dog shows while at school. I have had my license for about 50 years and at the time I was one of the youngest judges to receive a license. I truly enjoy judging and I take it very seriously. I have judged the bitch classes at the 1993 nationals in San Diego, the best of breed class at the 2001 nationals in St. Louis, the dog classes at the 2007 nationals in Pittsburgh, the best of breed class at the 2017 nationals in Lancaster, PA, the Westminster KC 2007 show, several Basset Hound Clubs throughout the United States, The Canadian National show, Basset Hound Club of Denmark, and at countless all breed shows. I also judge Afghan Hounds, Dachshunds, and Norwegian Elkhounds.

Thank you again for this tremendous honor!

Peter Martin
Bitches