Ladies Kennel Association 2010 Judge Biography – Tom Johnston
My first introduction to dogs was while still living at home and the family owned a Labrador Retriever. When I left home the Labrador came with me and I have never been without a dog since.
After owning two horses I moved into the world of dog showing.
Dobermann
I became associated with Dobermanns in December 1974 when I obtained one of the last daughters of Ch. Iceberg of Tavey which started me showing in 1975, my first litter was breed in 1977 and I started judging in 1983. I first awarded CC’s for the first time in 1994 at the North of England Dobermann Club.
Border Terrier
My second breed was Border Terriers , I obtained my first one in 1976, started to show in 1977 and breed my first litter in 1978. I awarded CC’s for the first time at The National Terrier in 1995.
Basenji
The third breed in which I have had an active interest in since 1981 when I obtained a bitch from the Tenki Kennels are Basenjis. I awarded CC’s in the breed for the first time in 1993
It has not always been possible to show to a large extent due to a hectic work and study programme but as more time has become available in recent years and I still enjoy showing I have moved back into the show ring.
This has included a Dobermann (7 reserve CC’s), a Rhodesian Ridgeback imported from Sweden (became a Champion in 2005) and I have just made up my 2nd Rhodesian Ridgeback Champion at 2 years (July 2008). I have also started showing a Hungarian Vizsla puppy this year and have owned one Fox Terrier (Smooth)
Judging Experience
I award CC’s in the following breeds: Dobermann, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Basenji, Border Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Irish Terrier, Manchester Terrier, Glen of Imaal Terrier and Bull Terrier..
I have been passed for the Terrier and Working Groups.
I award Green Stars in the following breeds : Elkhound, Irish Wolfhound, Whippet, Dobermann, St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog and Newfoundland.
I judge at Open Show level in all Groups. I am eligible to judge stakes classes in the UK.
I have judged abroad in Russia, Australia, South Africa, Malta, Sweden, Finland and Ireland. I have also judged in Jersey and Guernsey.
I am passed and have judged the following groups in South Africa, Terrier, Hound and Working. I also judged and awarded CC’s in American Staffordshire Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers breeds which not have CC’s in the UK.
I awarded CC’s in South Africa (May 2004) in Boxers and Bullmastiffs at the Highway Kennel Club
Committee Work
At present I am a Committee member of the Executive Council of The Scottish Kennel Club and serve on the Finance and Administration sub-committee and I am Vice-Chairman of the Show Scheduling Committee. I have served on the Liaison Committee of the Scottish Kennel Club for several years.
I serve as Chairman of The Caledonian Canine Society. and I am a member of The Kennel Club. I serve on the Disciplinary (Scotland) Kennel Club Committee.
I am Chief Steward at the Scottish Kennel Club and a Group Steward at Crufts
Education
I have attended the Kennel Club’s Judges Development Programme for Group Judges in the Terrier and Working Groups.
Profession
My profession is in the field of genetics working as a Cytogeneticist diagnosing chromosome disorders.
