AKC Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Hounds Judge
Loves the Exhibitors! Loves the Dogs!
Lee Whittier AKC Judge
Experienced Purebred Dog Expert
Lee Whittier is a renowned expert in the world of purebred dogs, with over three decades of experience as a breeder, exhibitor, and internationally recognized judge. As a former AKC Executive Field Representative, she now judges multiple groups at prestigious shows worldwide. Lee is the founder of the Dog Show Mentor program, where she empowers owner handlers globally with strategic approaches to showing dogs. Based in Vancouver, Washington, Lee enjoys spending time with her Tibetan Terriers, gardening, and hiking.
Who is Lee Whittier AKC Judge?
Background
Ms. Lee Whittier has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs for over three decades. Her involvement began as owner, exhibitor and subsequently a breeder of Rottweilers. She has also owned Akitas, Bullmastiffs and a Sussex Spaniel. She currently owns, breeds, and exhibits Tibetan Terriers. She is the co-breeder of the 2022 Tibetan Terrier Club of American National Specialty Best of Breed, Select Dog and former co-owner of their Best In Show dam. Whittier is approved to give breed seminars on the Rottweiler and the Tibetan Terrier.
Judging Around the World
Ms. Whittier began judging in 2000, and is one of the foremost judges in the United States. She holds the rank of former Executive Field Representative for the American Kennel Club. Ms. Whittier judges the Working, Terrier, Toy and Non-Sporting groups with the balance of the Hound group pending; ten Sporting breeds, the Bouvier des Flandres and Best In Show. Ms. Whittier has judged dog shows around the world, from the United States to Asia to South and Central America, at small shows and large, all of great importance to each and every exhibitor. Some of the larger shows are Westminster Kennel Club, Montgomery County Kennel Club, Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Del Valle, Great Western Terrier Association, Northern California Terrier Association, Hatboro, Malibu Kennel Club and Kennel Club of Palm Springs.
Advocate for Exhibitors
In addition to judging, Ms. Whittier is an advocate for the owner handler. She “walks the walk.” In 2016 she developed the Dog Show Mentor program, exclusively for owner handlers. This is an online program where owner handlers of all stages and levels learn to develop an individual, strategic approach to showing dogs. She also travels to speak to owner handlers all over the world. She currently lives in Vancouver, Washington with her husband, Wayne and their four Tibetan Terriers. Her other interests include gardening and hiking with the dogs.
Giving Back
Ms. Whittier is a standing member of Dog Fanciers of Oregon and the Tibetan Terrier Club of America. She is Alternating Show Chair for Vancouver Kennel Club As an active member in numerous clubs, she has worked in the capacity of show chair, president, vice-president, secretary, board member and Constitution & By-laws Revision Committee member.
What Exhibitors Are Saying
She is favored as always judging fairly, giving adequate time to all exhibits, no matter the status of the handler. Here are some quotes from exhibitors.
“Lee Whittier is amazing. Watched her with my breed and several other breeds. She is methodical and consistent in finding sound structure and movement.”
“Lee Whittier likes you to present a dog to the best of your ability. She likes a dog in very good condition and is very thorough in her exam. She judges the dogs and not who is handling them.”
“Lee Whittier is wonderful!”