Judges

Carl Liepmann's earliest recollection of a purebred is about 1945 when the family got a Great Dane named "Eric Von Stroheim III." His first serious "dog ownership" occurred in 1961 during his honeymoon with Jan, when they went to Canton, OH to pick up their German Shepherd at a training academy. That started 50 years of involvement in the dog world.

In 1962 he started his career with the Flint Fire Department, and also purchased his first Retriever, a Golden, from breeder Marcia Schlehr of "Kyrie Kennels." This was the beginning of the Liepmann family's love of the Retriever. In 1964, after the birth of daughter Lora, the Liepmann's founded The Flint Retriever Club.

The next two decades were filled with dog activities, including his work as a Professional Handler in Obedience, and the opening of a boarding and training kennel called Triple L (for all three Liepmanns). In 1968 they bred their first litter of Labradors. From this litter came their first homebred Champion, Am. Can. Ch. Baldridges' Raven CD. Over the years they have produced a good many champions and obedience titleholders., including the AKC Centennial BOB winner.

In 1980 he was approved to judge the five Retriever breeds and now judges all Sporting, Herding,and Working, Junior Showmanship and BIS. In 1985 he retired from the Flint Fire Department and in 1988 ran for public office and was elected as Treasurer of Flushing Township, which is the position he retired from in 2008. When people ask if he has a problem with disgruntled exhibitors, he simply says "Five days a week I was a tax collector. After dealing with irate tax payers, exhibitors are a piece of cake!"

I want to thank the PWDCC for inviting me to share in your National Specialty, as I am looking forward to this experience!
My experience with PWD’S began with my first dog, Benhil’s Rogue Wave, and Rudder’s breeder Joan Bendure. Rudder led me in many directions, and to many longtime friendships in the dog community. I had the pleasure to work for Sandy D’Andrea (now head of AKC field reps), as well as the handling team of Tom and Andrea Glassford.

I am a retired AKC Professional Handler (2015), as well as an AKC Junior Showmanship Judge since 2008, judging at Specialties as well as All-Breed shows. I have bred PWDs, under the “Valkyrie” name, with Dana Kellerman, as well as KBT’s and BRT’s. Our dog , Pasha, was the First BIS Black Russian Terrier in AKC Breed History, and my first Best In Show win! I have also had the pleasure of judging Puppy and Veteran Sweepstakes in 2018, at our PWDCA Nationals in Michigan. I currently represent my All-Breed Club as the Delegate for Erie Kennel Club, and as a past Director and Vice-President of the PWDCA Board.

I am always so impressed at the dedication of all the people that surround themselves with our Breed, and look forward to seeing all the contributions from all our breeders. I am very excited to be a part of this Celebration , and thank you so much for this opportunity!

Nikki first realized her passion for Great Danes after coming across a family photo of herself as a baby with a family member’s Great Dane. Before retiring, Nikki worked as a software architect for Verizon Data Services. She now writes two articles a month for Canine Chronicle and is approved to judge six out of seven groups of AKC breeds, with judging assignments throughout the country. Her Great Danes exhibit in AKC conformation shows, obedience, perform therapy work. Nikki is an AKC recognized Breeder of Merit, breeding fawn and brindle Great Danes under the kennel name McEmn. She currently resides in Valrico, Florida with her Great Danes Cate, Eliza, Sugar, Abba and Diana.

After graduating from the University of Guelph with an B.SC. Honours, Jane’s love of dogs and
understanding of animal behaviour lead her into the world of all things canine. When many
trainers were focused on correction, Jane’s method of positive reinforcement stood her apart
and created the opportunities to develop her career in a multitude of directions.

Initially, Jane was recognized for her success in the obedience ring, putting OTCH titles on
multiple dogs. Once introduced to Agility, Jane trialed successfully qualifying five times for the
Agility Association of Canada National Championships.

In 1997 Jane opened Jane Book’s Dog School in Beamsville, Ontario. Her first clients through
the door were pet owners looking to have a calm, family pet. Many stayed and continued to
train with Jane through a wide assortment of canine disciplines achieving Championships in
Obedience, Rally, Tricks, Agility, Conformation, Tracking and Scent Detection; a testament to
her ability to ‘read’ dogs and help handlers build great relationships with their companions.
Today Jane juggles her time between judging Tracking and Scent Detection for multiple
organizations, competing with her own dogs, leading workshops and running online courses
for all levels of Scent detection across Canada and beyond. It’s a full schedule but Jane’s
passion is still in the classroom where you can find her on a day to day basis coaching clients
to have well behaved pets.

We are thrilled to welcome Jane back to Judge our 2026 National Specialty Scent Trial.

I would like to thank the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada National Specialty Committee
for inviting me to judge water at this year’s National Specialty and wish all of the competitors
the best of luck.

I competed at my first water trial in 1995 and have been “hooked” ever since. Eight of my
Portuguese Water Dogs have attained the Courier Excellent Title and there are currently two
dogs owned by me in training for the Courier Title. I have been a PWDCA approved Water Trial
Judge for over 25 years. Having taught numerous seminars, workshops and “camps” in the
US and Canada I enjoy introducing water to new Portuguese Water Dog owners and
introducing them to the sport I love.

During the non-water months of the year I compete in obedience and (occasionally) agility
trials. I am a NADOI (National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors) endorsed obedience
instructor and teach competitive obedience year round at Canine Workout in West Chester, PA.
I share my home with three Portuguese Water Dogs and my husband of 53 years, Steve.