My interest in dogs started in my teenage years in the 70’s. I bred in a small scale and showed my dogs actively for over 40 years, right from the start also abroad.
My own breeds are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel. Merits include more than 60 champions and the Finnish Kennel Club’s Vuolasvirta prize for merited breeding. I became a judge in 1986, first for my own breeds. I became an FCI all-breed judge in 2010, thanks to competent mentors and the Finnish Kennel Club’s training programme.
My already grown-up sons and other family as well as my life work as a researcher have made it possible for me to pursue my interest in dogs in this extent – I am thankful for these years.
I’ve gained judging experience from more than 50 countries. Membership in the Royal Kennel Club and my years in England have added to my interest and work as a judge. The appointments I’ve had in England have been pleasant and I recently experienced one of my highlights, when I got to choose the most beautiful toy dog in Crufts this year. This task was the most pleasant, I am a ‘toy dog judge’ after all! I’ve judged at FCI World Winner shows four times – wonderful experiences. Highlights of my hobby also include judging Best in Show at the Finnish Kennel Club’s Finnish Winner show in 2016.
My goal when judging is a healthy, non-exaggerated dog that is typical for the breed and has a good temperament. My heart leaps of joy every time I meet such dog – surely it will again happen several times at this year’s Winner shows!