Paula Heikkinen-Lehkonen

Finland

Paula’s judging career began in 1976, and she is currently an all-breed judge. In addition, she has been an earthdog test judge for 30 years. She has judged in more than 50 countries around the world. Paula has served in many associations in various trusted positions, including as the chairperson and board member of the Finnish Terrier Organization. She worked on the editorial staff of Koiramme magazine for five years and has written articles and taken photographs for several international dog magazines.
At present, she is the Honorary Chairperson of the Finnish Dog Show Judges Association, Chairperson of the Finnish Kennel Club’s breed standard working group, and a member of the Salpausselkä Kennel District and the show committee of the Lahti International Dog Show. She has been involved with the Lahti show for 50 years—about twenty years as chairperson and nearly 30 years as secretary. In addition, Paula has served for many years as the chairperson of the Finnish Fox Terrier Club. She worked five years for the editorial staff of Koiramme magazine and continues as one of the magazine’s regular contributors, both as a photographer and writer. She has also received numerous honors, such as the Finnish Kennel Club’s Gold Badge, and she is an honorary member of the Finnish Kennel Club. Paula’s other hobbies include collecting teddy bears, of which she has gathered a large number not only from Finland but also from her travels abroad.