Judge Information
Ms. Patricia M. Cruz

Ms. Patricia M. Cruz
15 Shiloh Ct.
Coram, NY 11727
(631) 928-1517
CELL: 631-816-8155
FAX: (631) 928-1517
lacruz928@optonline.net

Have been involved in the sport, one way or another, since the mid 1950's. Started breeding pet Miniature Poodles in the '60s and got my first Afghan Hound in '65 while working for a groomer.  In the late '60s I was a founding member of the Owner Handler Association of America and still maintain my national membership. Have always enjoyed ring stewarding and was a member of Stewards Club of America for over 15 years.

In 1969,  I helped to found the Liberty Hound Racing Association.  We hosted weekly "out of the starting box" straight-a-way sighthound races - the precursor to today's lure coursing and AKC's CAT and FAST CAT.   Many of the great hound fanciers of the day and today came to watch and bring excited puppies to play.  We also had exhibitions at the local kennel club's annual shows. 

While showing some Afghans (not very successfully), a Skye Terrier, Mini Wirehaired Dachshund, Ibizan Hound, White and Colored champion Bull Terriers,  I  began "stringing" for the New York Times.  I continued reporting on dog shows, clubs, and people when I got my own weekly column for a local newspaper.  I then went on to the New York Post and Newsday writing for their sports pages.  Have been a member of the Dog Writers Association of America since 1971; currently serve on their Board of Governors; and, was recently inducted into the DWAA Hall of Fame, the only member to have written for four different New York newspapers.

I raised two children while keeping a full-time, secretarial, job at the Suffolk County Police Department, was president of their civilian employee union of over 300+ and the elected secretary of the 10,000+ county civilian employees union.  I left that to become an Executive Field Rep for AKC, covering the Texas area and surrounding states.

Bred some Afghan Hounds and English Cocker Spaniels (two specialty winners here).  Began judging in 1972 and went on hiatus in 1978 while employed as an AKC Executive Field Rep covering shows over 48 weeks a year.  Have had the privilege of interviewing some of the greats in our sport.   In 1988, I returned to Long Island, picked up the pieces of my life happily becoming a grandmother of two great kids.

While working for AKC, I was encouraged by then-president William Stifel to obtain an international license from the Federacion Canofila Mexicana, a member of the FCI.  By being approved to judge by two recognized kennel clubs, it gave credibility to my evaluations of judges I interviewed during my tenure.

I was approved by FCM/FCI in 1979 and have judged all-breed international shows since then, including the World Show in Mexico in 2007 and shows in Mexico, Cuba, India, Sweden, Canada, most of South and Central America, Puerto Rico, Nova Scotia, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa - quite a privilege!  I have judged sweeps and Best Puppy in Show classes at shows here and judged the last specialty match shows, before inclusion to AKC ranks, for the Shar-Pei and the Leonberger. 

Currently approved for Afghan Hounds, Borzois, Whippets, Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Dachshunds, Salukis, Irish Wolfhounds, Bull Terriers and Miniature Bull Terriers, Limited Junior Showmanship.  Have stepped back from long-standing membership in several all-breed kennel clubs after holding offices in a few, while maintaining my Afghan Hound Club of America, Afghan Hound Association of Long Island, Knickerbocker Bull Terrier Club memberships.  I am a member of the Heart of the Plains KC in Lubbock, TX, proudly serving as their Delegate to AKC since 2006.  Previously served as Delegate for Santa Cruz KC for three years.

In 2012, I was elected to the American Kennel Club Board of Directors and was re-elected to serve a second term in 2016. In 2019, I was elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.  While serving as a Board member, I chose to put my AKC judging approval on hold and not accept assignments in the U. S., believing that I shouldn't benefit from any decision made as a Director.  During this time, I was successful getting several initiatives currently in place benefiting exhibitors and the sport.

Although I retired from New York State service, I also was Sales Manager of a major market radio station on Long Island and one upstate New York - managing staff and budgets in the millions of dollars range.  Currently, I serve as Vice President of the Board of my homeowner's association, representing over 1,500 residents as legislative liaison with town and county officials.

Thanks for taking the time to read my bio.  Know that I appreciate my time in this sport and the opportunity to give back.  The ups and downs; the people that have become like family; the loved ones lost and the people who have welcomed me into their countries and their lives. The people who have been there when things were not so good for me and mine have made it worthwhile.  If there is anything else you would like to know, give me a call - not sure I want to 'fess up everything, but I'm pretty straightforward as many of you may know.  I'll be happy to chat.

 

 

 

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Breeds Approved by AKC to Judge:

Breed Assignments
Owner-Handled Best in Show
Past  
Owner-Handled Hound
Past  
Owner-Handled Terrier
Past  
Afghan Hounds
Past   Future
Borzois
Past   Future
Dachshunds
 
Dachshunds (Longhaired)
Past   Future
Dachshunds (Smooth)
Past   Future
Dachshunds (Wirehaired)
Past   Future
Greyhounds
Past   Future
Irish Wolfhounds
Past   Future
Salukis
Past   Future
Scottish Deerhounds
Past   Future
Whippets
Past   Future
Bull Terriers
 
Bull Terriers (Colored)
Past   Future
Bull Terriers (White)
Past   Future
Miniature Bull Terriers
Past   Future
Junior Showmanship Competition
Past  
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