Thomas Wastiaux

Belgium

My passion for the dogs and dog shows started when I was 12 y old. I was very much attracted to go myself into the ring, and I never really left it since that time. While my parents were breeders of Weimaraner and English Setters I spent few years competing in the Junior Handling. Later on I discovered that I was actually enjoying much more preparing my brothers and sisters to win the National titles and to participate at Crufts.
I decided very early that I would spend my life with dogs and so did I. I have been a professional handler for nearly 20 years, learned most of it in Italy handling and working with the best dogs in Europe. Numerous wins, Groups , BIS in many countries are at my active but this is now part of my past.
Today I enjoy showing my own dogs (Whippets and Berger Picard). However, my biggest passion remains the Junior Handling, I always have been involved in it and during a dog show this is the part I prefer from far. Judging them is always an immense pleasure, never easy and I love the adrenaline which comes with it….
What do I expect from a Junior when I step in the ring ?
I like natural handling, no exaggeration, no artificial smile, I need to see the dog shown as it is required in a breed ring. As you can expect I’m not going to ask you an 8 or to go left or right when I approach so please concentrate on your dog and everything will go smoothly.
I feel very honored to have been invited to judge the final of the World Dog Show. Some dream to win the BIS at such event, my dream will become true by judging this final and what a better place to do it then in Helsinki. I know that the organization will be at the highest level thanks to a wonderful Team.
Juniors will come from all over the World to qualify during those days in a country which offers one of the highest quality of Juniors. The road till the final will be judged by amazing colleagues who are as passionate as myself into Junior Handling.
I’m looking forward to judge all qualifiers as well as all the National representatives on Sunday.
Let’s meet in the ring and good luck to all of you.