Satu Ylä-Mononen

Finland

I have been involved with dogs my entire life. Our family has had Bernese Mountain Dogs since 1982, and we have successfully bred them under the Riccarron kennel name. In addition to Bernese Mountain Dogs, we have also had Newfoundlands and Border Terriers. I qualified as a conformation judge in 1999, and I am authorized to judge breeds in FCI Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. I have judged dogs around the world, including throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia. I have always been active in club work. I served for many years as the chair of the Finnish Dog Show Judges Association and as a member of the Finnish Kennel Club’s Show and Conformation Judges Committee. I hold a Master of Health Sciences degree, and the health of pedigree dogs is close to my heart. I take my judging responsibilities seriously and ensure that the original purpose of dog shows—to support and guide breeding—is fulfilled.