Meet the Judges
Regular Judge: Mrs. Susan Shephard, Deja Vu
I met my Grandmother's Pekingese, Footsie, when I was a toddler and it was love at first sight on my part. For Footsie, not so much. I didn't get my own Pekingese until I lived on my own and several pet store Pekes came into my life, increasing my infatuation with them. More than 25 years ago I got my first show dog and life has never been the same or any better! I retired from the corporate world in 2018 and became a full-time Pekingese Wrangler.
Some of the highlights of my Pekingese/dog life are:
I served on the Board of the Pekingese Club of America as Vice President, Newsletter Editor, Publications Chairperson, and the Judges Education Chairperson.
- I bred the first and only American bred Pekingese dog to be awarded his UK Championship title; GCH Deja vu Stand By Me.
- I bred and showed the 2019 Pekingese Club of America Best of Breed winner, a bitch, GCHB Deja vu Kiss Me Like You Mean It.
- I am a Silver Register of Merit breeder (PCA)
- I am a board member of the Pekingese Charitable Foundation.
- I am the Show Chair for my all-breed club; West Volusia Kennel Club.
Sweepstakes Judge: Mrs. Lori Stephen, Aslan
I grew up showing horses and with Persian cats. I purchased my first Pekingese from a pet store in 1999, and he completely stole my heart. I had intended on buying a handbag when I left the house that morning but instead came home with a Pekingese puppy appropriately named “Coach. I was enamored and mesmerized with that dog and began a serious study of the breed. I had many pets and rescues over the years, some with serious health issues. I learned how to properly care for, and help the ones that were poorly bred, before I started breeding my own. I did a lot of research before I started showing and breeding.
Early on, I realized the importance of healthy, sound dogs. I was blessed with fabulous mentors who gave me years and years of their time and knowledge. My husband Mark and I breed under the prefix of Aslan. We have finished 34 and an additional 17 that we have handled for others Pekingese of our own breeding/co breeding, and an additional 17 that we have handled for others. We have bred multiple group winning dogs, and several BISS Winners and Multiple All-Breed Bests in Show. We have won the PCA National three times with two different dogs under Breeder Judges Thomas Curley, David Fitzpatrick, and Elizabeth- Tilley Poole.
We have been also dabbling in Afghan Hounds for the past few years. When I put my hands on a dog, I want and expect it to be built just as nice under the coat as it is beautiful. I am a member of several dog clubs, and serve on the boards, so I can work to advocate for this beautiful ancient breed.
Tuesday Dec 12
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Wednesday Dec 13
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Thursday Dec 14
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Saturday Dec 16 AKC National
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