In Loving Memory of Mr. Brian Meyer

The purebred dog community mourns the loss of longtime professional handler and revered AKC judge Brian Meyer, whose life in dogs began quite literally at birth: his parents, Lorraine and the late Kenneth Meyer, were respected Boxer breeders in Rockford, Illinois. Brian stepped into the show ring at age 10 and never looked back.

While working for legendary handlers Larry and Alice Downey, Brian met fellow assistant Cindy. The partnership that blossomed ringside became a life together grounded in devotion to one another and to the sport they loved. Together, Brian and Cindy piloted top winners in all seven AKC groups, earning Bests in Show with breeds as varied as Rottweilers, Pomeranians, Tibetan Terriers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Akitas, Havanese, and more. Their home kennel produced—and their lead strings showcased—generations of Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Briards, Bearded Collies, and Boxers of enduring influence. Brian and Cindy were married for 57 years, and had 3 children.

After 31 years as a professional handler, Brian hung up his armband in 1999 to embark on a new chapter as a judge. Approved for the Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding Groups—as well as numerous individual breeds—he was celebrated for a keen eye, an encyclopedic breed knowledge, and a calm, encouraging presence that steadied novices and veterans alike.

Brian’s commitment to the sport was inherited. His mother, Lorraine Meyer, an ABC Life Member, served two decades as secretary of the American Boxer Club, where she launched the Sire & Dam of Merit program, edited the ABC Bulletin, kept the parent club studbook records, and judged obedience with the conviction that “training should be fun for dog and handler.” Lorraine passed away in 2015 at 95, but her love of learning, fairness, and tireless volunteerism lived on through her son’s career.

Run hard, Brian—your final go around is complete, and the applause follows you home.

The Canine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences to his  wife Cindy, their children, family, and friends. He will be greatly missed by many.

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Posted by Liz on Jul 5 2025. Filed under Featured, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.