2026 Melbourne Royal All Breeds Championship Show and Action Dog Judges

CHRISTIAN JOUANCHICOT (FRANCE)​ ​

​​Group 1 (Toys) and Group Specials
Group 2 (Terriers) and Group Specials
Group 7A (Japanese Spitz, Keeshond)​

BEST IN SHOW

Christian was born in the sixties in Lyon, an area of France which is famous for its foods and wine. He currently resides in Villeparisis, France. Previously, Christian was a breeder of Dobermanns and was very involved in the breed club. Today he is involved with Basenjis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, having bred some excellent specimens who have done very well in the showrings of Europe, breeding under the “Out of Africa” affix.

Christian first became an FCI judge in 2000 for the Dobermann breed. Step by step, he attained his licences for other breeds and at the end of 2017, he became an all-rounder. Christian has judged in many countries across Europe, together with South Africa, North America, Russia, and Indonesia. Christian has judged at many prominent shows in Europe, including two World Dog Shows (France and Italy), Eurasia, EDS Hungary, and several Nordic Shows.

He has also judged at a number of breed specialties in Australia between 2009 and 2016 (Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Papillon, German Spitz, French Bulldog and Basenji) in NSW, and he judged at the 2022 Melbourne Royal.

Christian has the honour to be involved in the training of judges for many French Breed Clubs, being selected to be a trainer of judges by over 50 breed clubs. He has been involved with the French Dobermann and Basenji Clubs and is a past President of the French Rhodesian Ridgeback Club.

Melbourne Royal is delighted to welcome Christian back to judge breeds and Best in Show as he was so well received on his last visit, being a talented, enthusiastic and professional judge who worked so well with exhibitors and his breeds.​

ELINA HAAPANEIMI (FINLAND)

Group 5B (Working - Balance of Breeds) and Group Specials
Group 6B (Utility – Balance of Breeds) and Group Specials

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW

Elina has been involved in the world of dogs since age 12. Her journey began with the Rottweiler, but her breeding work focused upon the Pyrenean Mountain Dog under the kennel name ‘Aspenella’. Additionally, she has owned Shiba Inu. She has been an active member of the Finnish Rottweiler Club, founder and Chairperson on the Finnish Pyrenean Mountain Dog Club and currently Honorary President of the Finnish Pyrenean Breeds Club. Over her time as a breeder and exhibitor, Elina’s dogs have reached Best in Show level, with World and European Winners.

Elina’s judging journey began in 1978, gaining a license for her initial breed, Rottweilers, in 1979. Over the years, she has gained licenses for some or all breeds in FCI Groups 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, together with Best in Show.

Over many years, Elina has judged widely across the globe, with great admiration and positive comments from the exhibitors. Her judging has centred across Nordic and Europe countries, together with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Testament to Elina’s reputation is the large number of breeds in which she has awarded CCs in the UK and having judged at the famous Crufts on 6 occasions. She has judged groups at both large UK Championship Shows and Crufts and Best in Show at the National Working and Pastoral Breeds UK.

Elina has also had the honour to judge at World Dog Shows in Finland (2014 and 2025) and Sweden (2008) and she will judge at the Swedish European Dog Show (2026). Her list of Specialty appointments across numerous countries is large, covering breeds such as Rottweilers, Samoyeds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, Irish Wolfhounds, Australian Shepherds, Maremmas, Boxers, Schipperke, Briards and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

As an experienced judge, exhibitor and administrator, Elina has given a great deal back to Finnish Cynology. She has held positions as a member of the Finnish Judges’ Sub Committee, the Chairperson of the Finnish Kennel Club Breed Standards Committee and she was awarded the Silver Medal of Honour by the Finnish Kennel Club for her valued contribution.

In 2014 Elina adjudicated at Melbourne Royal. She was extremely well received by exhibitors, having a strong focus upon breed type in her judging, together with demonstrating a very respectful approach to both the exhibitors and their dogs.

Aside from dogs, Elina’s hobbies and interests include travelling, reading, classical music and especially collecting older dog books. Melbourne Royal looks forward to welcoming Elina back to the 2026 Show.​

ANDRZEJ STEPINSKI (POLAND)

Group 3 (Gundogs) and Group Specials
Group 5A (Australian Shepherd, Miniature American Shepherd)
Group 6A (Siberian Husky)

BEST BABY PUPPY IN SHOW

Andrzej has always had a deep interest in dogs, so the development of a passion for breeding, exhibiting and judging dogs was a natural progression.

Andrzej’s first show dog was a Polish Lowland Sheepdog in 1982. Whilst not breeding extensively, he produced 3 World Winners, 3 Specialty Winners, and successful dogs who were exported to other continents and countries. His most successful home bred dog was the sire of over 30 Champions in 7 countries.

Since 1990, Andrzej has bred and exhibited Golden Retrievers. His breeding program again has been limited, but the Oligarchia Kennel has produced more than 50 Champions in 9 countries which is no mean feat! Andrzej has also owned and exhibited Boxers and was Secretary of the Polish Boxer Club for 4 years, and President of the Retriever Club of Poland for 15 years.

Andrzej began his judging career in 1996. He judges FCI Groups 1,2,5,6,7,8 and 9. He has judged extensively across the globe. This includes many European Countries, World Dog Shows, European Dog Shows, National Winner Shows and Breed Specialties including Golden Retrievers, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Australian Shepherds, American Akitas, Shiba Inu, Rottweilers, Schnauzers, Beagles and Pugs. Andrzej visited Australia once, some 7 years ago, to judge a Golden Retriever Specialty.

Testament to Andrzej’s commitment and standing, he is President of the Polish Kennel Club Judges Committee.

Andrzej is a passionate and experienced judge across many groups, with a deep passion for the sport of dogs. He is widely known for his excellent ring manner and consideration and respect for both exhibitors and the dogs who enter his ring.

Melbourne Royal is excited to welcome Andrzej back to Australia to judge at his first Australian All Breeds Show – Gundogs, his areas of passion and experience, and additional breeds. We are confident that exhibitors will enjoy showing under such a respected judge of his calibre.

TIJANA KONRAD (SERBIA)

Group 4 (Hounds) and Group Specials
Group 7B (Non Sporting – Balance of Breeds) and Group Specials

Tijana Konrad is an energetic, enthusiastic and talented young woman in the dog world. Tijana is a third generation “Dog Person”. She remembers all her life growing up with dogs around her and they remain her biggest love.

Tijana began to handle in the ring at 9 years of age, with a Basset Hound as her first show dog. Her parents bred German Wirehaired Pointers and Chihuahuas. Tijana is a long-time breeder of Labrador Retrievers and Chihuahuas and now focuses upon Standard Poodles. She has bred many Champions, together with World Winners under her own prefix, and in partnership with the “Jasenak” Poodle kennel.

Tijana is the daughter of the long-time President of the Serbian Kennel Club, Dusan Nesic. She is the President of the Kennel Club Kostolac, a board member of the Serbian Kennel Club and a founding member of the first Retriever Club in Serbia which runs a top Retriever Specialty Show. She is also involved with the Serbia (Belgrade) Kennel Club.

Tijana began her judging journey in 2003 and was recently elevated to All Rounder – something she is very proud of as she is a second generation All Rounder. She has judged widely in National, International and Specialty events. Her judging has taken her to many European, Scandinavian and Baltic countries, together with South Africa, Russia and several countries in Asia. Tijana judged at the 2023 World Show in Geneva – testament to the respect she has earned as a young All Rounder.

Tijana lives with her husband and daughter in Kostolac, a town on the Danube River. She has owned a pet shop business for many years. Melbourne Royal is delighted to welcome Tijana to the 2026 Judging Panel, which will be her first visit to Australia. 

KERIN HUTCHINGS (AUSTRALIA)

Sweepstakes Classes

Kerin has been involved in the dog world since 1973, when she purchased her first Afghan Hound. Since then, and now along with daughter Rachel, she has experienced much success with breeding and showing Afghans under the Suliman prefix. During this time Kerin has contributed to the development of her dogs, and the breed, by importing both dogs and semen to further enhance the Suliman Kennel.

Suliman has won two National Specialty BIS awards, along with numerous Specialty BIS and All Breeds BIS awards at many of Australia’s most prestigious and largest all breed shows. This includes twice winning BIS at Adelaide Royal, 8 Royal Best in Groups, and Puppy in Show at Sydney Royal.

Ten years ago, the Suliman Kennel also added Chinese Cresteds to the show team and they have also owned, shown and/or lived with Whippets, Beagles, Standard Long Haired Dachshunds and English Cocker Spaniels.

Kerin was a founding member for the Saluki Club of South Australia, serving in various positions on the Afghan Hound Club of SA and the Colomeke All Breeds Kennel Club.

Kerin’s judging journey began in 2000 and she became a Dogs Australia & FCI All Breeds Judge in 2018. Kerin believes she continues to learn and further develop her judging skills every time she enters the ring.

She has been very honoured to be invited to judge in Russia, Spain, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and all states of Australia. A highlight included the well-known Monografica circuit in Spain, including judging National Specialties for Afghans and Whippets and then overall BIS.

Testament to her recognition in our region, Kerin judged the NSW French Bulldog Specialty, Celebration of the Best in the West, Bathurst Royal, and the Tasmania Contest of Champions, together with judging in every Australian State and New Zealand.

Kerin’s other contributions to the dog world include having served as a Councillor on the Dog SA Board of Councillors, member of the Conformation Judges Training Scheme as Hound Group Leader and previously as Assistant Leader of the Toy Group. She also served on the Disciplinary Panel for Dogs SA.

Kerin Hutchings is an astute breeder together with being an experienced judge both internationally and nationally and Melbourne Royal is delighted to welcome her to the 2026 Judging Panel.

Charlie Giles (ACT)

Rally 1, Obedience and Best In Trial (Obedience)

Charlie started trialing in 1995 and has competed with four Tibetan Terriers, Morgan, Tyler, Ruffy and Otis.

Charlie became a full-panel Obedience judge in 2009 and has judged extensively in NSW, Qld, Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT and, to a lesser extent, in SA and the NT. He has also judged numerous Rally Trials around Australia since the introduction of the sport in 2012. For the past 3 years he has organised the training of Obedience and Rally Judges in the ACT.

Charlie has judged Obedience and/or Rally at the Sydney Royal, the ACT, NSW, Queensland and Victorian Titles, the 2008 and 2017 National Titles and the Poodle, Border Collie and German Shepherd Dog Nationals.

He is a Life Member of the Belconnen Dog Obedience Club and a Member of the ACT Companion Dog Club.  He is also an active Obedience Trial instructor at CDC.

Charlie has enjoyed judging Obedience and Rally at the Royal, National and State levels and he is looking forward to judging Rally and Obedience at the Melbourne Royal for the first time. He would like to wish all competitors success at the Melbourne Royal in 2026.

Amy Butler (VIC)

Rally Trial 2

 Amy’s love of dogs and the dog world was fostered by a long term family involvement. Her family have been involved with showing and breeding Labradors since the 1950s and Amy began showing in her teens. A short time later she progressed into the Obedience rings as a bit of fun with a couple of semi-retired show dogs. Agility followed and became a passion which involved trips to multiple Agility Nationals with various dogs.

A move to central Queensland in her early 20s led to the addition of an Australian Kelpie, Zorion, to the family who later became well known in both the Agility and Rally rings.

Moving back to suburban Brisbane allowed a return to the Obedience and Agility rings and a chance to dabble in Herding. When Rally was introduced, Amy added that to her interests. She has also competed and titled dogs in Tracking, Endurance, Lure Coursing and Sprint Dog.

The addition of a Collie (Smooth) and a move to Melbourne encouraged a deeper involvement that led to two Rally Champions and qualifying for Top Rally Dog of the Year in 2025. Her enjoyment competing in Rally ultimately led to her decision to become a judge.

Amy completed her Rally licence in 2024. She has judged at multiple Breed Club Trials including Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and German Shepherd Dog Clubs and also at other Victorian Trials including Moorabbin & Districts Obedience Dog Training Club, Berwick Obedience Dog Club and Northern Obedience Dog Club 2025.

Amy is excited to judge Rally at Melbourne Royal 2026 and looks forward to seeing everyone have fun on her courses.

Geoff Taylor (VIC)

Agility and Jumping

Geoff has been involved with dogs all his life and has been involved in Action Dog sports for 17 years. He has titled dogs from Novice to Masters. His current Agility dog is a 2 and a half year old Kelpie who has just gained her JD title.

Geoff is well known to the Victorian Agility community and his courses are popular with competitors. He has been judging Agility since 2017 and is currently training for his Agility Games licence. He has not previously judged at Melbourne Royal but he has been a Steward for Agility and Agility Games at Melbourne Royal since 2016.

Geoff has judged at the 2018 Agility Nationals in Victoria and 2021 Top Dog (Jumping) in Victoria and has also judged Agility at the 2024 Sydney Royal Show. He has had multiple appointments in VIC, NSW, SA, QLD, TAS and ACT for various Trials. He has also judged at the Victorian State Trial in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Geoff is looking forward to judging Agility at Melbourne Royal 2026 and wishes everyone good luck on his courses.

Roger Padfield (VIC)

Agility Games

Roger has been involved in the dog world for over 40 years and has been competing in Obedience and Agility for over 30 years. He joined Moorabbin Obedience Dog Club when his first dog, a German Shepherd, was 6 months old and he is now a Life Member at that club. Roger has trained 6 dogs in Obedience and Agility and over time he took up instructing at Moorabbin and continues to do so as well as instructing at Frankston and Action Dog clubs. He is very proud of his Border Collies who have both won their classes at Melbourne Royal.

He started judging Agility in 2003 and judged Agility at Melbourne Royal in 2011. He has also judged at Adelaide Royal in 2007, Victorian National Agility Trials in 2008 and 2018 as well as National Trials in Queensland in 2014 and South Australia in 2016. He judged Victorian Top Dog (Jumping) in 2009 and Victorian Top Dog (Agility) in 2012. Roger regularly judges at Club Trials around Victoria and Interstate.

Roger has been a valued Member of the Stewarding Team for Agility and Agility Games at Melbourne Royal since 2013.

Roger is very grateful for the opportunity to judge at Melbourne Royal 2026 and wishes all competitors every success.