I started showing my Staffordshire Bull Terriers and a Pomeranian in the early ‘70’s, ( in Zimbabwe )changing to Airedales which I continued showing and very occasionally breeding, importing dogs for the Jokyl Kennels in the UK, for over 40 years. My husband imported and exported his Bull Terriers , showing and breeding until we moved to South Africa. I then, imported from the UK & New Zealand, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. I also imported Spinoni Italiano from Italy -an absolutely wonderful gentle breed. After my Pomeranians I bought Toy and Min Poodles, but did not enjoy the grooming, so although I still have five, they are my bed warmers so are kept short ! I have co owned and shown Labradors and GSD’s, and been involved with Rotweillers as encouraged two of my sister’s to show. I was involved in Obedience and was an Instructor for 12 years before I decided to become a judge in the early ‘80’s. I became an All Breeds Judge in 2002, with Specialties in the Terrier Group, plus Bull Terriers, Staffords, and Wheatens . All of which I have judged at Speciality Shows overseas. I have a very soft spot for Toy breeds and of course , Gundogs. I became an FCI All Breeds Judge some 18 yrs ago and have judged mostly in the African/Asia FCI areas but also judged Staffords, American Staffords and Corgi at the FCI AsiaShow in Moscow in 2023. I have judged in India, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand,Australia, New Zealand,Tasmania, Zambia, Ghana, Zimbabwe and am a senior judge in South Africa . I am married, retired , am an artist- painting and sculpture and I love gardening.

What is CAC Show
A CAC dog show is a national dog show recognized by the Kennel Club (COBA) in which dogs (FCI & non-FCI recognized) can earn a Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat (CAC), a certificate of aptitude for the National Beauty Championship. Winning a CAC is a crucial step towards achieving the prestigious title of National Champion.

What is CACIB Show
A CACIB dog show is an international dog show recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in which dogs can earn a Certificat d'Aptitude au Championnat International de Beauté (CACIB), a certificate of aptitude for the International Beauty Championship. Winning a CACIB is a crucial step towards achieving the prestigious title of FCI International Champion.

What the CACIB means:

• International Recognition: The CACIB is an internationally recognized award, marking a dog's superior quality and conformation on a global scale.
• Championship Title: Earning a certain number of CACIBs can qualify a dog for the International Beauty Champion (INT.CH) title, which is a significant achievement for any breeder or owner.
• High Standards: To be considered for a CACIB, a dog must have been awarded "EXCELLENT 1" (a top grading) in specific competitive classes, demonstrating superior breeding and quality.

How it works in a show:

• Eligibility: Only FCI-recognized breeds are eligible for CACIBs.
• Classes: Dogs are judged in various classes, and the CACIB can be awarded to "EXCELLENT 1" winners from the Junior, Open, Veteran classes.
• Awarding: The judge awards the CACIB to the highest quality dog that meets the criteria, not just the class winner.
• Reserve CACIB: A Reserve CACIB may be awarded to the second-best dog in a class that received an "Excellent" qualification.
• Best of Breed (BOB): The CACIB winner often competes against other winners in the show for Best of Breed.

Interpretation of Grades at a Show:

• EXCELLENT: may only be awarded to a dog which comes very close to the ideal standard of the breed, which is presented in excellent condition, displays a harmonious, well-balanced temperament, is of high class and has excellent posture. Its superior characteristics in respect of its breed permit that minor imperfections can be ignored; it must however have the typical features of its sex.
• VERY GOOD:may only be awarded to a dog, which possesses the typical features of its breed, which has well-balanced proportions and is in correct condition. A few minor faults may be tolerated but none of a morphological nature. This award can only be granted to a dog that shows class.
• GOOD:is to be awarded to a dog that possesses the main features of its breed however showing faults provided these are not concealed.
• SUFFICIENT: must be awarded to a dog which corresponds adequately to its breed, without possessing the generally accepted characteristics or whose physical condition leaves something to be desired.
• DISQUALIFIED:must be awarded to a dog which does not correspond to the type required by the breed standard; which shows a behaviour clearly not in line with its standard or which behaves aggressively; which has testicular abnormalities; which has dental flaw or a jaw anomaly; which shows a colour and/or coat imperfection or clearly shows signs of albinism. This qualification shall also be awarded to dogs that correspond so little to a single feature of the breed that their health is threatened. It should furthermore be awarded to dogs that show eliminating faults in regard to the breed standard.
• CANNOT BE JUDGED: This rating is to be given to any dog which does not move, constantly jumps up and down on its handler or tries to get out of the ring, makes it impossible to assess the gait and the movement or avoids constantly to be examined by the judge and makes it impossible to inspect teeth, anatomy and structure, tail or testicles. This rating is also to be given if traces of operations or treatment can be observed which seem to indicate that the exhibitor wanted to deceive the judge.