Frank Kane

United Kingdom

I had my first dog, a Cocker Spaniel, when I was 13 years old, and showed him with limited success as he was too big and too long…… but those early disappointments taught me a lot and I was fortunate to have the help and support of good breeders and going to shows in the 70s and 80s I was fortunate to see the golden age of Cockers with many famous kennels and wonderful dogs to train my eye. Cockers remain my first love although greater success came with my American Cockers:  I was fortunate to have 13 UK champions and several group winners.  Also in the 70s I developed a love for Sealyham Terriers.With Jim Wilson of Gunngrace fame I was fortunate to co-own two champions, one a group winner. I first judged at a championship show in 1974 and Cockers, Americans and Sealyhams came first, and then expanded to take in other gundog breeds and then breeds in other groups. I am now approved to judge 140 breeds and all seven groups in the UK along with Best in Show. I judged Best in Show at Crufts in 2012. I have been fortunate to be invited to judge around the world, including Best in show appointments at Royal shows in Australia, USA and Japan and South America as well as many FCI shows in Europe. I joined the Board of the Kennel Club in 2004 and later became Chairman of the Breed Standards Committee. I have been involved with the television presentation of Crufts dog show for the past 20 years. Outside my canine activities, I am a keen horseman, having been going to horse shows with my father since I was 10 years old.  I am looking forward to the World Dog Show in Helsinki and am confident it will be a great event befitting the country’s reputation for clever breeders, great dogs and excellent judges. I hope to hear the great music of Sibelius, rightly so proud of his Finlandia!