US, Italian judge AKCUPI shows

MANILA, Philippines - Terri Lyddon of the US and Nichi Wiederhofer of Italy, two of the world’s leading dog judges, who will be in town for the first time, will adjudicate the 39th and 40th International All-Breed Dog Shows of the Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines, Inc. (AKCUPI) today and tomorrow at Tiendesitas, Ortigas Ave. corner E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Pasig City.

Lyddon, an American Kennel Club International judge, has bred Chihuahuas, Fox Terriers Smooth, Fox Terriers, Maltese and Shi Tzus. She became a professional handler in 1976. Starting her judging career in 2000, she had judged in 30 states in the US, adjudicating the national specialties for Chihuahuas, Japanese Chins, Papillons, and Pekingese. Outside of her native country, Lyddon also judged in Jakarta, Indonesia, and in Shanghai, China. Wiederhofer belongs to an ancient noble European family and has been active in the canine world since 1972. She dedicated herself to the secrets of canine anatomy wherein she cooperated with different veterinary universities in her country. She has trained, prepared and shown dogs of several breeds, achieving champion titles with more than 70 breeds. During the early years, she bred German Shepherd Dogs and some Terrier breeds, but she is known worldwide for her Schnauzers and Brussels Griffons. Many of her dogs have either won in Best in Show or clinched World Champion titles. A Red Cross volunteer herself, Wiederhofer obtained the official Red Cross license for her personal dogs and is active in searching for missing people and rendering emergency assistance. 

 AKCUPI chairman and president Henry G. Babiera said both judges will have their own set of awards for the best baby puppy, best Philippine-born, and the best in show.

For details, call 3766597/9941544, e-mail admin@akcupi.com or visit www.akcupi.com.