Manuel, A Top Judge

Manuel is one of our most prestigious judges. He gives a regal presence when he is around. It is not a surprise as he is a long time breeder of New Zealand at the top of his game. His New Zealand are well known for winning the BOB and BOS and Group in the national conventions. For two years in 2001 and 2002, his New Zealand won the Group. The Group is one of the four finalists for the Best In Show in a national convention. In 2003 and 2004, the New Zealand breeders voted him to judge in the national convention. In 2005 he went back to competition and won both the BOB and BOS.

In the two photos today, Manuel is shown examining and making decision on the BOB. Two does are on the table, Manuel gives very careful visual examination and feel examination. It is important for the judges to do both, and Manuel certainly does it right. After careful consideration, Manuel gives Kim who writes the signal that the white doe is the winner of the BOB. As the readers also learned two days ago that the white doe Chu's Mercedes went on to win 2 Best In Show and 1 Reserve In Show. Manuel was one of the judges who picked Mercedes as the Best In Show.

Manuel is a professor at Sonoma State University in his "real" life, married to his best friend of over 30 years, Linda.