Box 256, Hedley, B.C. V0X 1K0 Ph. (250)292-8356
Currently Canadians may only judge 6 shows per year in the U.S. plus unlimited Specialties. For the past several years I have been privileged to fill my card so to speak. At present I judge Groups one - two - three & seven and am on permit for Group five plus Best In Show.
I began my judging under the old combined group 3 and 7 -The Working Group' :-) Purchased my first purebred Shetland Sheepdog in 1950. Beautiful little dog with many temperment problems :-( It wasn't until 1960 that I joined the S.S.C. of B.C. and became involved in the sport of purebred dogs. My kennel name was permanently reg'd in 1964 and to date I have bred somewheres around 40 champions. I never was a Big Player :-)
I am a lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club. I still breed Shelties. I live in the interior of British Columbia very near the beautiful Okanagan. I am on an acre and a half with a beautiful view of the Similkameen river just below my house. This is somewhat out of the way, However it has distinct advantages.
Originally I spent my first years learning and showing and attending every Seminar available to me. I visited kennels all up and down the West Coast and had friends in other breeds with kennel facilities. Life was somewhat different back then :-) I am a bit on the competitive side so it was only natural that I would begin showing breeds other than my own. I titled Vizlas; Siberian Huskies; Schpperkes; Long coat standard Dachshunds; Pugs and a few others.
I had a kennel and a Commercial Booth at dog shows for approximately nine years. The first year I was privileged to breed I saw my income increase tremendously. This forced me to the conclusion that there was a conflict of interest between sales and judging so I discontinued the booth.
It has taken me some 20 years to get to my present position. I like to judge. I know 'who is who', however ,in the ring I have been blessed with being able to concentrate on the dogs and leave the politics aside. I need only please myself. I firmly believe in a level playing field, This means that every exhibit is deserving of the same consideration, no matter if it is a dog which is professionally handled; owner handled; novice handled etc. My job is to evaluate the exhibit closest to the standard for the breed. Specials means that at least 3 other judges have awarded this exhibit the needed points to become a champion. It does NOT mean that they will be the only class considered for Best Of Breed.
Joseph Brant
CKC Judges # 01603
AKC Judges # 18182
