I acquired my first dog in 1964, a Shetland Sheepdog called Tint and in 1966 went to work for the famous Hardacre kennels with Basset Hounds, the then rare Lhasa Apsos, and Tibetan Terriers. In 1969 I acquired my first Lhasa and have had them ever since. My first Tibetan Terrier, UK Ch Dokham Cavarodossi of Tintavon became the first Tibetan Terrier in the world to win BIS at an all breeds Championship show (1974) and have owned or bred 10 Lhasa Apsos who have won All Breeds BIS
I moved to Sweden in 1977 and have had Miniature Poodles and Whippets. Due to many judging engagements breeding and showing is now curtailed but we still keep seven dogs, four Lhasas, two Whippets and a Tibetan Terrier.
I awarded C.C.s in England in Lhasas (1974) and Tibetan Terriers (1975) and then in Sweden became an FCI All Rounder in 1996. I have judged in 51 countries including Crufts 1981 (Lhasa Apsos), Canadian English Springer National specialty. Sydney Royal 2002, Perth Royal 2003, the Hobart Royal, and your NZKC National 1997. I have judged BIS many times in countries France, Japan, Canada and Australia.

My first dog show was Aug.1956.That started it all. I have worked (years ago) for three of America’s great dog handlers, Mrs James E. Clark, Richard Bauer and W M Trainor. My first homebred Ch was a Shetland Sheepdog and while working for Richard Bauer was allowed to have and breed a few litters of Pembroke Welsh Corgis that came from the famous Cote De Neige kennels of Marjorie Butcher. During the past decades I have owned and shown Pekingese,Griffons Bruxellois and Chinese Cresteds. I started judging in 1987 and am approved for English Cockers, all Hounds, Toys and Herding Dogs. I have judged all over the U.S and Westminster on more than one occasion also in Canada, South America, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and Sweden. This is my first trip to New Zealand. I now work for the AKC and one of my main jobs is observe judges and see that exhibitors are taken care of and have a good time. A few weeks ago a group of judges was asked to name 10 of the top Toy judges and although not active I was considered one of them.

FCI all breeds judge. Mr Sinko started breeding and showing Bulldogs in 1979 and established the Jubilee Bulldog kennel. He has raised many national and international champions including FCI, European, and world winner bulldogs. He has owned: Great Danes, Airedale terriers, basset hounds, dogo argentine. Mr Sinko has judged at championship show level since 1986 on all continents, in total in 65 countries. He has judged prestigious shows including FCI European and World shows. In 2004 he judged Bulldogs at Crufts with a total entry of 210 exhibits, and has judged at the Brisbane Royal, and in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. From 1992 until 1997 he was the first democratically elected President of the Slovenian Kennel Club, foundation president of the Slovenian Molosser and big sized Breeds Club and the Slovenian Terrier Club. In the FCI from 1994 until 1996 he was vice president of the FCI judges committee, and at present is honorary president of several clubs.

Marjorie Martorella (USA)