Tuomari/Judge:

Bitta Wöhliche, Tanska, kennel Leading Angel’s 

I am 48 years old and live in the Danish countryside, where my dogs have plenty of space to run and enjoy life. Despite our busy show schedule, all of my dogs are first and foremost beloved family members, living happy and active lives as ordinary family dogs.

My journey with Australian Shepherds began in 2002 when I purchased my first Aussie. Since then, the breed has become both my passion and my profession, and I have been breeding under the kennel name Leading Angel’s ever since. Alongside my breeding and judging activities, I work full-time with dogs as a certified dog trainer, canine behavior consultant, canine osteopath and professional dog groomer. Throughout the years, I have continually expanded my knowledge by attending numerous seminars and educational courses focusing on canine structure evaluation, movement, nutrition, breeding and genetics.

Before becoming an FCI conformation judge, I had the privilege of handling and exhibiting many different breeds, giving me broad experience with structure, movement and breed type. As both an exhibitor and competitor, I have enjoyed working with my dogs in several disciplines. Together with my Multi Ch. Leading Angel’s Sweet Magnolia, I achieved 3rd place at the Danish National Obedience Championships. As both a breeder and exhibitor, I have had the privilege of breeding, owning and exhibiting numerous successful Australian Shepherds, including winners at Crufts, the World Dog Show, the European Dog Show, and many national specialty and all-breed shows throughout Europe. To date, I have bred 34 Conformation Champions, several of which have earned International Champion titles. Beyond success in the show ring, I have also bred numerous Obedience Champions, Rally Obedience Champions and HLT Champions (the Danish Canine Good Citizen program). In addition, I have campaigned 14 imported Australian Shepherds to their championship titles.

My breeding program has always focused on preserving correct breed type, sound temperament, functional structure and versatility. Since 2006, Australian Shepherds bred or owned by me have achieved the title of Denmark’s Number One Australian Shepherd on 17 occasions. In recognition of my breeding achievements, I was awarded Danish Kennel Club All Breed Breeder of the Year 2017, and I have also received the Danish Kennel Club Gold Pin of Honour. As a breed specialist judge, I value dogs that combine correct breed type, balance, sound movement and the temperament described in the breed standard. I believe the ideal Australian Shepherd is a versatile dog that combines correct breed type, sound structure, a willing temperament and the ability to perform the work it was originally bred for, while remaining a devoted family companion.

For me, judging is about evaluating the complete dog—rewarding quality, soundness, breed type and overall harmony while always respecting the breed standard. I look forward to meeting exhibitors, seeing their beautiful dogs and having the privilege of judging this wonderful breed.