Jouko Leiviskä

Finland

I qualified as a conformation judge in 1982 and I am an FCI all-breeds international judge. I have extensive international judging experience not only in the Nordic countries but also in several European countries and Australia. In my judging, I put special emphasis on breed type, sound structure, and correct, breed-typical movement. After completing upper secondary school, I graduated from Oulu Business College with a degree in accounting. After my graduation, I worked as an entrepreneur. I have now retired from full-time work, which allows me more time to judging. My involvement with dogs began even before my teenage years. I acquired my first dog in 1973, and my kennel name Toyway was registered in 1976. I have bred Toy, Miniature, and Medium-sized Poodles as well as Tibetan Spaniels. I have also owned and successfully exhibited Standard Poodles and Afghan Hounds. My breeding work has been honored with three Lauri Vuolasvirta Awards (highest award of the Finnish Kennel Club).
I have been actively involved in dog organizations, having served as chairman of two breed clubs. In addition, I have worked as a show handling instructor and as an organizer of dog shows and working trials. Besides dogs, my interests include reading, traveling, theatre, and gardening.