Diane Stewart-Ritchie

Ireland

I have been involved with dogs all my life.  My parents showed Irish Setters when I was very young and of course, I was involved from the earliest days, competing in Child Handling classes, aged around 8 years old.  We also had Cocker Spaniels, too, in those early days. My profession, also, brought about my love of working dogs. German Shepherd multipurpose dogs, Malinois, working Labradors, Springers, to name a few.  I suppose its right to say, I have had a very full life which totally encompasses dogs at the fore front. I have trained German Shepherds for almost 30 years through a range of disciplines, from scent disciplines, obedience, agility, tracking and man work. As an exhibitor and breeder I have won well over 300 UK CCs and similar in Reserve CCs.  Other achievements include Top Dog All Breeds in my home country and Top Breeder of All Breeds UK in 22 & 21, as well as attaining Top Irish Setter Breeder UK for 17 years. I have judged extensively throughout Europe and Scandinavia over many years.  I have judged in Australia, Pakistan and South Africa too. I am an FCI approved judge for Best In Show as well as Groups 1, 6, 7, 8, 10 and part of 3.  I am an approved Group judge in the UK and currently I award CC’s to 26 breeds across four Groups. I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been invited to judge at this most prestigious event. I am looking forward to it with immense pleasure and anticipation.