Meet The Judges

Best Of Breed & Bitches - John C. Ramirez

John Ramirez a Southern California resident has had an interest in purebred dogs since early childhood.
Showing and breeding Saint Bernards he had the privilege of co-owning, Ch. Figaro von Steinhaus, a German Import, a Group contender and a multiple BISS winner.
Social issues at the time eventually lead to the Skye Terrier, producing several homebred champions, Persian cats bred under the Agonistes prefix, and has always had a growing passion for the Newfoundland. Over the years he has owned, bred and successfully shown King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, currently owns four French Bull Dogs and has co-owned some top ranking Chihuahuas. His love for the Saint has never ended.
In the early 70’s he applied to the judging program and was granted provisional status on his first three breeds.
Somewhat curtailing his showing and judging interests he pursued educational and travel interests having had the opportunity to live in several foreign countries. He has had the opportunity to judge in the U.K. with the honor of awarding CC Certificates and opportunities to officiate in Ireland, Japan, Korea, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Jamaica as well as other countries. He has judged at the Westminster Kennel Club on three occasions including the Working Group that he fondly refers to as his “I can’t believe this is happening to me” moment.
Today AKC has permitted him to pass on the Working Group, Toy Group, French Bull Dogs, Chinese Shar Pei, Old English Sheepdogs and has nearly completed the Terrier Group.
Judging has become a passion, a privilege and a very rewarding experience.

Dogs - Michele Mulligan

I grew up in Downey, California, having one little Boston Terrier dog as my pet. As a child I longed for a huge Saint Bernard; just like the one in the TV program “Topper”.
In 1967 I got my wish by being able to have my first Saint Bernard. Eventually having two children and a couple of enormous dogs, we were off to our dog career! Not starting off with the best dogs for showing, I eventually figured out what quality meant, and I learned everything I could.
I studied the breed, started going to dog shows, learning the good, the bad, and the ugly from anyone that gave me information on this wonderful breed.
I eventually knew the type of Saint Bernard I liked and with the help of others, I started breeding dogs. My mentors at that time, being Mr. John Ramirez, Mr. Howard Brown, and Mrs. Bea Knight, helped me so much. There were so many others also along the way.
Raising two children, being heavily involved with their activities along with the Saints was challenging at times. My son went on to play Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres; my daughter showing her talents in the opening day ceremonies for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Jack and I have always tried to better our breed with every new litter. Always breeding for Temperament, Tall, Powerful, and Proportionate Stature with Sound Structure.
The thrill of a lifetime came with our “BELLA” (CH. Jamelle’s U Outa BN Pictures) becoming the top winning bitch of all time for many years. She will always be within the beat of my heart. Taking the Best Of Opposite Sex at the National under Mr. Stan Zielinski was a very proud moment for me, being her breeder and under a prestigious judge.
So many outstanding wins from our dogs; GCHS Nobel’s Fierce Warrior V Jamelle (Joel) winning Winners Dog/Best Of Winners under Mr. Horst Vogel at the New Mexico National being one, and the following year winning Best Of Breed under Mrs. Fran Stephens at the Ohio National. Also, the following year taking Best Of Breed at the Westminster K.C. under Mr. John Ramirez are wins of a lifetime. We have been blessed to have produced many Champions in our dogs but it has taken determination and hard work.
Myself, having dogs participate in the Top Twenty for years; has always been an honor. Receiving my Judging License in 1994 for Saint Bernards, and then eventually being licensed in eight working breeds, plus Juniors; has brought proud moments to my life.
I don’t ever want to be without this breed. They have brought me love, joy, and loyalty.
It’s an honor for me to judge our 2023 National Specialty Show.
Thank you to all the of the officers and members for voting for me. I will treasure this day always!!

For the betterment of the breed,
Michele Mulligan

Sweepstakes - Jackie Schart-Parker

I would like to begin by saying how honored I am to have been selected to judge Sweepstakes at the 2023 SBCA National Specialty.
My professional career is as an animal behaviorist and animal shelter manager, allowing me to be surrounded by dogs every day, what could be better than that!? I have been so fortunate to have bred many champions Saints and enjoyed top-level competition and one of my proudest club moments was serving the SBCA as a judge for the top twenty event in 2022.
I have had the pleasure to share my life with many influential Saints in my kennel program, one being CH. Summerlyn's Lucius, WP. Lucius was also the SBCA's Stud Dog of the Year three years in a row, 2011, 2012 & 2013. He's been a very valuable stud dog in my breeding program. GCH Summerlyn's Keeping it Real, HOF, was also the very first Saint Bernard to receive the Silver Grand Champion status and was the SBCA's Top Specialty Winning Saint Bernard in 2011 as well as the SBCA's Top Winning Saint Bernard in Breed Points. One of his great accomplishments was the Top Twenty Award at the 2011 National Specialty.
I am currently a proud member of the SBCA and Orange Coast Saint Bernard Fanciers. I enjoy breeding and exhibiting my dogs and my favorite activities are educational opportunities that allow me to share these amazing dogs. Together William Buell III ( Billy) and I as Summerlyn Kennel have produced over 30 champion Saint Bernard's, enjoying much success in the show ring and whelping box.
To say I am excited to judge this year's sweepstakes is an understatement. I am looking forward to seeing the young Saints, the future of our breed. Now.....Let's have some fun!!!

Jackie Schart-Parker

Obedience / Rally for Preview Shows
Draft Test / Weight Pulls - Barry Roland

I appreciate being able to judge the events at the Saint Bernard Club of America National Specialty and Preview Shows again this year. I have owned Saint Bernards for more than forty years and Portuguese Water Dogs for over thirty years, German Shepherd Dogs for the past five years, a yellow Lab and a mixed breed dog. I actively show and judge in conformation, obedience and performance events. My dogs have earned multiple Draft Test titles, Weight Pull titles, more than forty Obedience titles and five Working Dog Champion titles, while earning twelve owner handled breed championships. I was a member of SBCA Working Dog Committee for more than twenty years and have been the Working Dog Chairman and/or Obedience/Rally Chairman for the SBCA National Specialty Show more than fifteen times.
I am the Treasurer and training director for a K-9 Search and Rescue group in the Atlanta area. I inherited two German Shepherd Dogs when our President passed away and became the handler of a dog that I have certified in trailing and cadaver recovery. In 2021 a second member of our team died and I inherited his two dogs, one of which I have certified in trailing and the other is working in cadaver recovery.
I have been volunteering at a local State Park helping with maintenance and informational classes for three years.

Draft Test - Bethany Karger

Bethany has belonged to Penn Ohio Newfoundland Club and the NCA since 1996 when her family acquired Admiral, their first Newfoundland. Since then, seven more Newfs have moved in, currently ranging from a 2 year old to an 9 year old. Bethany also is mother to ten bulldogs and 5 cats. (Sometimes the Kargers feel like they live in Noah’s Ark!) She and her husband, Bruce, live in Pittsburgh, PA. They have two children, Jane, 37, and John, 40 and Sarah, their daughter-in-law. Their only grandchild, Giuliana, arrived in April 2014.

She has been active in and on the board of Penn Ohio, past president and past Treasurer, Activities Chair and Water Test Chair. Currently, Bethany serves on the Sunshine committee and is the coordinator for the VN committee for the NCA.

Through the NCA, she’s fulfilled the requirements for mentor level water and draft test judging, including being approved to judge the WRDX and DDX test. Here and in Canada, Bethany and her dogs have succeeded in draft and water, in addition to the conformation and obedience rings. The Kargers have developed and conducted weekend water and draft seminars for the Central Ontario Newfoundland Club, where she is an approved water test judge, and also for the Penn Ohio Newfoundland Club. She is also an approved draft test judge for the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club, concentrating on the Chesapeake Potomac Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club.

Other rewarding experiences are pet therapy visits made once or twice a week around the Pittsburgh area. Two of her dogs have been the first to participate in the PITT PAWS pet therapy program at Pittsburgh International Airport. Bethany and Bruce also have developed a Newfoundland program that’s been presented to ages from toddlers at day care centers to senior citizen centers through which they’ve raised funds for Newfoundland Rescue and donations for Pittsburgh animal shelters and food pantries. When presenting this program to schools, Bethany also provides a reading list that she has created for the children about the Newfoundland breed as well as interesting fiction. This list applies to all grade levels.

Bethany is very grateful to the Saint Bernard Club of America for the invitation to judge the 2023 National Specialty Draft Test. She wishes all the handlers and their dogs a great experience with flat trails and lots of sunshine!

Weight Pull - Jessica Kuster

My love affair with the Saint Bernard breed began in 1993, when Jay & myself purchased our first Saint Bernard, Percy. Percy was not a “show” quality Saint, but my LOVE for the breed was set, for the rest of my lifetime.
Shortly afterwards, my Mentors & in laws, Jack & Barbara Kuster brought Taz into my life. At any given weekend you could find us at a dog show anywhere in the Southeast, as well as, at National & Regional SBCA events. Along with my husband Jay, we presented numerous breeds for individuals, as well as our Clumber Spaniel, Whippets & Belgian Tervurens.
I have been part of breeding numerous litters & finished multiple Saints to their Championship. We have had the pleasure of breeding multiple SBCA weight pull title holders as well. I Co-Chaired the 2008 SBCA National Specialty in our beautiful home state of NC & had an intricate part in the 2017 SBCA National in Bethlehem PA. I have had the honor of being a SBCA Weight Pull Judge for ten plus years. I am always amazed by the power & elegance of our breed.
In my professional life I am the NC Warehouse/Purchasing Coordinator for a leading manufacturer of air/oil separators for compressors. I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with my family, friends & of course spending down time with our Saints. I am also the Worship Leader of Boger City United Methodist Church here in Lincolnton NC.
I have been a member of the SBCA club for many, many years and I enjoy being a mentor to people interested in purchasing & potentially entering the show ring.
In closing, as I reflect on how much this wonderful breed has influenced me, I am truly blessed by the wonderful people this breed has brought into my life. I have memories that I will always cherish. I would like to Thank the 2023 SBCA National committee for the honor to be your Working Dog Chair at this amazing event.

Breed for the Future.
Jessica Kuster
Jbar Showdogs

National Rally & Obedience - Michele Illes

My obedience career started with my Dachshund Gretchen. It was challenging at times but we were able to obtain a UD title in 1994. (It was at that point I mentored under an AKC judge and obtained my judging approval) From there I went to Shetland Sheepdogs and competed in obedience, agility, herding and pet therapy work. At present I do have two Shelties and one Border Collie, and we are still doing obedience, agility and herding.

I have a son who is in college. I retired seven years ago, (with 20 years at the Federal Bureau of Prisons), so my “free-time” now is with the dogs, whether it is training, teaching, pet sitting and judging. I feel honored to be chosen to judge for the St Bernard Club of America, and I wish each exhibitor the best of luck.

Sincerely,
Michele Illes

Middle Atlantic Saint Bernard Club - Art Shook

I purchased my first St Bernard, CH Shook’s Sir Bacchus V Quint, from Frank & Doris Engler, Kent Ohio, in January of 1970. I Had always liked big dogs so in the summer of 1969 I attended a couple of dog shows with a friend from work who had St. Bernard’s. I got excited and wanted one for myself so through her contacts and mentoring I saved my money and she convinced Frank to sell me the pick male from one of his fall litters. “Bacchus” went on to win many Specialty shows including Reserve Winners Dog at the 1972 National Specialty Show. Not bad for my first dog! Needless to say I was hooked!! In my early years I was greatly influenced by Zwinghof, Sanctuary Wood and Von Mallen bloodlines.
I joined the SBCA in 1972, bred my first litter in 1973 and formed Trademark Kennels the same year. Trademark dogs have won many awards at previous SBCA Nationals including winner of the 2017 Top Twenty Award. Since joining the SBCA I have had the pleasure of attending 42 National Specialties. I am currently a member of the SBCA, Greater Detroit Saint Bernard Club, Heart of Ohio St. Bernard Fanciers, Central Indiana SBC, former Central Governor of the SBCA and AKC Judge. I still enjoy limited breeding and exhibiting my dogs.

Respect others, seek out wise breeders/mentors, spend time to get to know, help and encourage the “newbie” but above all – Love and strive always to better the breed.

Northern New Jersey Saint Bernard Club - Bob Sykora

Shortly after purchasing my first Saint Bernard I attended my first SBCA National Specialty in Lahaska Pennsylvania. Witnessing great dogs like Titan, Kleona and Damon Lingenfelter induced a lifetime passion and love for our Breed.
Following were countless hours of reading, asking questions and trying to fully understand our Breed and the Standard. On the other end of those questions were breeders like Mickey Alpert, David Forrest, Glenn Radcliffe and Horst Vogel. It was Horst who taught me that it truly doesn’t matter what “I like” The only thing that matters is the Breed Standard - our blueprint. I will be forever grateful to Horst who's love and unsurpassed knowledge of the Saint Bernard challenged me to learn more and always do what’s right by the Breed.
Like most breeders, my most cherished memories will always be the time spent actively breeding this noble and wonderful Breed of dogs. Watching those promising puppies grow and someday literally taking your breath away as only this Breed can.
I have been a member of the St Bernard Club of America for 50 years… serving in many capacities to include many times board member and three term President. I was most honored to serve on three different Illustrated Standard Committees being Chairman of two.
I truly appreciate and view it as an honor to judge our Breed at this Specialty show.

Bob Sykora

Northern New Jersey Saint Bernard Club - Glenn Radcliffe

First allow me to offer a very heart felt thank you to the members of the Saint Bernard Club of Northern New Jersey. I believe your Club has supported my judging career more than any other in the United States including having Bob Sykora and I jointly officiate at one of your shows in the past. Bob and I look forward to this reunion at your event.

For those Fanciers a little newer to the Breed:
Co-owner of Opdyke Kennel since 1970, having bred over 200 AKC Champions. Recipient of Breeder’s Achievement Award of the SBCA. Owner of Top Stud Dog and Brood Bitch awards for the SBCA. Also having served the SBCA as Board member, Educational Chairman, Fancier Editor, multiple times National Show Chairman.

Exhibitor-Owner-Handler:
Handled Best of Breed at the SBCA National Speciality show three years in a row with two different home-bred dogs. Also, our kennel has won Best of Breed at the SBCA National Speciality 14 times, including defeating an entry of 334 Saint at the largest entry in the history of American Shows. Judging:
Due to my commitment to breeding and exhibiting the Saints for over 40 years, I chose to remain a Saint Bernard Specialty judge after being licensed in 1977 by the American Kennel Club.
The membership of the Saint Bernard Club of America has elected me to judge the SBCA National Show three times. Assignments have taken me around the world including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Europe.

I look forward to a great show at Oglebay Resort.

Glenn A. Radcliffe - Tucson, AZ

Greater Washington Saint Bernard Club - Susan Bond

Fistly, I'd like to thank you for inviting me to judge, it is indeed an honour.
In 1984 the first Saint joined our family. Looking back, she was the worst Saint ever bred! Bad temperament, bad structure and unsound. I was determined to get in the ring and after much research in 1986 my first show dog arrived and I was hooked. Some of the Saints I have bred since went on to be Specialty winners. Learning to groom then became my life occupation and Toy Poodles were also added to the family.
In 2002 I gained my ANKC judges license for the Utility Breeds (Gr6) and have judged in several States of Australia and also in New Zealand. I thoroughly enjoy being on both sides of the dog. My grooming business and my family have taken priority over the last 10 years and I have not shown or bred as much, but attending several Nationals during that period certainly made up for it, the friendships I've made have been invaluable and the memories will last a lifetime. I’ve been a member of the SBCA for more than 15 years. We lost our only Saint this year and it is certainly quiet without one, we currently have a few crazy Toy Poodles keeping us company. Ian and I live in a small country town in Western Australia, we have a combined family of 4 children and 6 grandchildren who bring us lots of joy. I look forward to seeing the beautiful Saints at West Virginia.

Greater Washington Saint Bernard Club - Karen Fitzsimmons

LANLEADANE SAINT BERNARDS, UK I was not born into a dog owning family and my passion from a very young age was anything to do with ponies and spent all my spare time at the local riding stables. It was, therefore no big surprise that as soon as I could own my own dogs, I was drawn to the Giant Breeds!!
I started showing a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in 1985 mostly at Companion Shows and the occasional Limit and Open Shows. My exhibiting started more seriously in 1995 with my first Great Dane and then started showing Saint Bernards in 2000 and started judging in 2001. I awarded my first set of CCs in Saint Bernards in the UK in 2011. I judge all the Working and Pastoral Breeds and Groups at Open Show level. I have been honoured to judge the prestigious Saint Bernard of the Year Event and also the first Newfoundland of the Year event in the UK. I am a keen and experienced steward. I was recently Chairman of the Eastern Saint Bernard Club and am a mentor and assessor for up and coming judges. I am currently working towards being able to award CCs in Newfoundlands and Briards. I was approved by the AKC in 2013 to judge Saint Bernards in the USA and I have been extremely honoured to have judged at 5 Saint Bernard Speciality Shows on both the East and West Coast and have been very lucky to have attended The National on 2 occasions at Peek ‘n Peek Resort and Chinook Winds Resort in Oregon ( where I had my first experience of being an Assistant Steward at one of the Pre Shows). I have attended as many educational events that have run alongside the National as possible and have learnt so much from these and spending time with so many long standing knowledgeable breed owners in the USA. I also am extremely fortunate to have been able to judge some of the top winning Saint Bernards in the USA over the last 10 years, which has been such a privilege and honour. I have also had the experience of attending the Westminster Dog Show on 3 occasions over the years.
I have owned and bred some very special Saint Bernards including Hamish aka Lanleadane Eyes on the Prize JW, ShCM who we bred in 2003. He won 7 RCCs behind the top winning male at the time. He was a Junior Warrant finalist and won the Junior Stakes at Leeds Championship Show. He won 10 Best in Shows at Breed and General Open Shows and was a great ambassador for the breed. My first home bred Champion was born in 2005 and was Callum aka Ch. Lanleadane Caught Ya Lookin, who had 6 Best in Shows at Open Shows. I have owned and shown multiple CC winners, all of whom I am very proud of. McKenzie aka Ch. Lanleadane Call Me Maybe at Chandlimore from our last litter we bred in 2012 won multiple CCs and is the youngest Saint Bernard ever to win the Working Group at a General Championship Show at Paington in 2013. More recently, I was very proud to own Faith aka Ch. Chandlimore Leap of Faith who won multiple CCs and Best of Breeds and won two Working Groups at Championship Shows and multiple group placements. She finished 2016 as Joint Top Saint Bernard. I have owned dogs that were awarded Top Sire and Top Brood Bitch over the years. Working alongside top Breeders in Europe and the UK gave me the opportunity to own some wonderful dogs and improve the quality of the dogs we were producing. Although we are no longer breeding and now share our lives with 2 Dandie Dinmont Terriers as well as the Saint Bernards, my passion for our breed continues.
I cannot express how deeply honoured I am, to have been invited by the Greater Washington SBC to join their judging panel for their Independent Speciality Show during the 2023 SBCA National.

Saint Bernard Club Of The Finger Lakes - Jack Terrio

It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected to judge the St. Bernard Club of the Finger Lakes Regional Specialty Show before the 2023 National. Looking forward to this assignment has made me reflect on how I got to this point.
I’ve been a member of the St. Bernard Club of America since 1977 and was active for many years in our local club, the St. Bernard Club of Greater Phoenix. I’ve been judging Saints since 2004.
I bought my first Saint puppy in 1971 in Saranac Lake, NY. “Chad” was Carol’s Christmas present the first year of our marriage, and he moved to Arizona with us 2 years later. One’s first Saint is special, and we named our kennel and all our future puppies after him.
Our first “show” puppy came from Pam Waugh (Phoenix) and first bitch from Joan Grimm (Fairy Tale’s Saints) in New Jersey. Pam’s puppy became our first and her first bred champion (CH Waughmar’s Bo- Chancellor). We were “hooked”! Pam’s and Joan’s influence proved to be invaluable in our search for typey upstanding powerful stud dogs. The dog had to be better than our bitch. Joan introduced us to Horst Vogel – we spent many hours at his kennel and soaked up as much knowledge as we could. The breeding of our CH Fairy Tale’s Oh Susanah (SH) to CH High Chateau’s Kris (LH) turned out to be the foundation of our small kennel. Most of our future champions came from this breeding.
Best of luck to all the breeders and exhibitors during National week! I am looking forward to judging many outstanding St. Bernards!