Messukeskus Helsinki 16–17 Dec 2023

Finland's biggest dog event

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Judge

Virtanen Tiia

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Tiia Virtanen

It is a great honor to judge the last qualifying competition for the Finnish Championship Final in Messukeskus! I´m looking forward to it with excitement and nervousness.

I´ve been competing in Junior Handling since I was 12 years old. Since my own Miniature Poodle couldn't participate in the official competitions I borrowed a lot of different dogs from every FCI group. This lovely hobby took me all around Finland and I made a bunch of new friends that are still my best friends today. I also fell in love with the dogs I got to compete and travel with and some of the best memories are from these trips. My favourites at the time were Afghan Hounds, English Setters and Poodles.  

After my junior handling years, I focused on handling for friends until the fall 2019 when I brought home my long awaited own Toy Poodle puppy. Since then we have attended a lot of shows with nice results. He has gained many Champion and Winner titles. One of the greatest being the European Winner 2021 title from Budapest.  
  I think the most important thing in showing is that both the handler and the dog enjoy working together. I like handling where the dog is made to be the star. The handler's personality can of course show but to me it's important that the handler does everything to make the day the best and most fun for the dog. I also appreciate a wide knowledge of breeds that shows on the handler’s adaptation to different dogs. An excellent handler knows how to adapt to different breeds and temperaments and bring out the best from each one – and of course to know how to hide the faults.     

I´m so honored that I get to judge this Finnish Championship qualifying competition at the Winner Shows. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced handler I hope I´ll see you at Messari!

Judges following breeds

Helsinki Winner 2023 - LA 16.12.

Junior Handling