MRS . LESLEY E . HILTZ of Brush Prairie , Washington began in the sport of dogs in 1967 while living in Australia . During a three-year working stay in the U . K . she owned and exhibited two Beagles across Britain . Upon her return to Australia in 1972 she brought the two beagles and a Cardigan Welsh corgi with her .
Her judging career began in 1979 when she was approved to judge the Hound and Toy groups in Australia . Ms . Hiltz has judged worldwide including in Sweden , Norway , Germany , Chile , China , Taiwan , Canada , the Philippines , and the Czech Republic .
After moving to the U . S . in 1988 , she continued to study breeds and is now approved to judge the Hound , Herding , Toy , Non-Sporting groups and numerous Working breeds . This is her first judging assignment at Westminster .
MS . THERESA L . HUNDT of Sandy Hook , Connecticut began in dogs in1963 . After graduation from Boston University , she bought her first Doberman Pinscher and became involved with showing . Ms . Hundt moved to Connecticut and earned a master ’ s degree from the University of Bridgeport . At the same time , she became an apprentice to professional handler J . Monroe Stebbins . At his retirement , she became a full-time handler .
During her handling career , Ms . Hundt piloted many dogs to Best in Show wins , including the only fawn Doberman Pinscher to win a Best in Show . At that time , she also handled the all-time winning Scottish Deerhound in history . She has judged multiple national specialties , numerous prestigious all-breed dog shows , and regional specialties . Ms . Hundt is approved to judge the Sporting and Working groups , numerous Hound breeds , Best in Show , and Junior Showmanship . This is her seventh judging assignment at Westminster .
MS . MARETH K . KIPP of North Prairie , Wisconsin was not allowed to have a dog as a child , so she waited until she got married . Her first dog was a Collie who came with the husband and farm . Then they purchased a Wire Fox Terrier , but that wasn ’ t the best fit . They decided on an Airedale Terrier in researching for the best all-around family , farm , and guard dog . Almost 60 years later , they still have an Airedale in the house . During those years , Ms . Kipp and her husband have bred over 80 Champions under the Moraine prefix , including Best in Show and National Specialty winners .
Her life in dogs has led her to numerous places and adventures , including taking a Safari in South Africa and climbing the Great Wall of China . Additionally , she has traveled to Australia , New Zealand , Japan , Argentina , Colombia , England , Ireland , Germany , Finland , and our neighbors to the North and South . Ms . Kipp has also served as President and former Show Chair for Waukesha Kennel Club .
Ms . Kipp is approved to judge the Terrier and Sporting Groups , several Working breeds , Best in Show , and Junior Showmanship . This is her second judging assignment at Westminster .
DR . NIKSA LEMO of Zagreb , Croatia is an FCI international judge , who has judged both national and international dog shows , as well as numerous breed specialties , on six continents . He first was licensed to judge Doberman Pinschers in January 1992 and is now licensed to judge all breeds , groups and Best in Show . Dr . Lemo breeds Miniature Schnauzers . He has also owned , co-owned , bred and shown Dobermans , Pugs , Standard Schnauzers , German Shorthair Pointers , Tibetan Mastiffs and Tibetan Spaniels . Dr . Lemo is a tenured university professor and a board-certified veterinary dermatologist ( DiplECVD ). He conducts seminars for student judges , judges , and breeders and has also been an invited speaker at numerous world club breed conferences . With respect to scientific interests , his master thesis was on hip dysplasia in dogs ( specifically the Tornjak ) and his doctorate covered genetic population studies in dogs . He is also a co-author of an article on the evolution of Dalmatians and their relation to other canine breeds . This is his second Westminster assignment .
WESTMINSTER There ’ s only one ® 31