Presentation of Judge

Joan Miles

I bought my first Keeshond in 1978 – a bitch puppy who sadly succumbed to epilepsy at nine months of age. In 1979 I bought Keesland Flipper (Benny) who completely stole my heart and when my daughter was born he adapted perfectly to the new addition to the family.

I took him to training classes and was persuaded that he was good enough to show. I had never shown a dog before but that was the start! Eventually he became the fourth champion from the litter, which is still a breed record. I registered an affix: Lekkerbek. In Dutch Lekker means delicious, Bek is mouth – put it together and somehow it means greedy eater – perfect!

I have owned several champions and had some notable wins including winning Challenge Certificates and Best of Breed awards at Crufts and breed club Best in Show wins.

Am and Can Ch Kemonts Skyline’s Game Boy came to stay with us for a while from Kristen and Susan Cullen. Ferris was used selectively at stud and we now have three Ferris sons: Ch Neradmik Game Plan for Lekkerbek, Ch Rossvale’s Legacy for Lekkerbek and Ch Neradmik Family Affair with Lekkerbek and a double Ferris grandson Ch Neradmik Kiss Chase with Lekkerbek.

After a long apprenticeship and much mentoring I started judging, my first appointment being at my local Open show in 1988. I was subsequently approved to award CCs and my first appointment was at the West of England Ladies Kennel Society. Since then I have awarded CCs at Richmond, Birmingham National, Darlington, Windsor and Bath.

I also judge all breeds in the Utility Group and the Group itself at Open shows.

I have served on the committee of the Keeshond Club and also as a committee member, Treasurer and now Vice President of my local canine society club.

I have attended US National Keeshond Specialities regularly since 2001 and have judged there twice, taking part in the Top Twenty judging in 2009 and then judging the Puppy and Veteran Sweepstake classes at the Diamond Anniversary Show in 2010.

I judged in Australia at the Keeshond Club of Victoria’s championship show in 2013.

I am honoured to be invited to judge at the Keeshond Club of Norway’s 30th Anniversary show and I am looking forward to it enormously. After this, my next judging appointment will be Crufts 2024.