Meet the Judges
National Specialty Judge – Mr. George Milutinovich
of Fresno, California has been involved in the sport of pure-bred dogs since he was 16 years old. He and his wife Cathy have owned and shown in conformation and obedience many breeds including Pugs, Italian Greyhounds, Cocker Spaniel, Smooth Fox Terrier, Boxer, English Toy Spaniel, Bichon Frise, and Russell Terriers.
Their limited breeding programs have produced Group and Best in Show winners in several breeds; most notably for their Pugs and Bichon Frise. Mr. Milutinovich began judging AKC dog shows in 1999. He is approved to judge the Toy and Non-Sporting groups, Whippets, Norwegian Elkhounds, Manchester Terriers, Misc. Breeds, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show. He has judged dogs in Canada, Mexico, Sweden, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and throughout the United States. Mr. Milutinovich is a past president of the Sun Maid Kennel Club of Fresno. He and his wife Cathy, were among the original creators of the SMKC Junior Handler of the Year Scholarship Program, which to date has awarded over$50,000.00 in scholarships! He has chaired this program since its inception in 2004! He also serves on the Board of Directors of Take The Lead, and the Dog Judges Association of America! He is also a proud member of Morris and Essex Kennel Club, Oakland Kennel Club, San Mateo Kennel Club, Santa Barbara Kennel Club, and Moorpark Kennel Club! He is a lifetime member of the CCSPCA!
Sweepstakes Judge – Ms. Kathy Ambler
I got my first Havanese from Pamm and Jeanne Tapscott in 2002. Cupid (Am/Can Group Winning Tapscott’s Valentine Cupid) was a great little dog who loved to show. He got me hooked on this wonderful breed. Since then I have been lucky enough to breed and buy selectively and build what I think is a great line of dogs. Over the years I have bred about 40 champions, many of them also Canadian Champions as well as being Grand Champions. All but one of these dogs was totally Owner Handled (mostly novice Owner handlers) to their championships. I have several group winners, placers and Best In Specialty winners. Both in the USA and Canada. I also have had a few dogs in the top ten in breed points and all breed points, All Owner Handled. I have mentored many new owner/breeder/exhibitors and started them with dogs that have helped them create their own line of healthy and correct Havanese. I have several dogs in therapy situations, agility and obedience titled dogs, and many that live
as wonderful, loved and spoiled family members. Most of whom I hear from at least once a year to this day, even
if it is just at Christmas or their pups birthday. I love getting updates. Many of my families have multiple Ambler Havanese in their households now. That gives me the greatest pleasure of all, knowing my pups are great pets and live long lives.
Regional Specialty Judge – Mr. Eugene Blake 
I began showing dogs in 1957 and handled many dogs to the #1 spot for their breed, and handled a Top Ten All Breed dog in 1982, along with winning the Hound Group at Westminster Kennel Club in 1973. I travel worldwide as a judge, and I pride myself on finding the best dog in the ring, accordingly and judged by the AKC breed standard. My belief is that the first most important factor is breed type. I began my career in dogs when segregation was common, and I have strived to set an example of integrity and professionalism. I was Judge of The Year in 2023 at the Show Dogs of The Year award ceremony held in New York with Westminster Kennel Club. I am honored to judge The Havanese Club of America. Sincerely and thank you, Eugene Blake
Regional Specialty Judge – Ms. Nancy Smith Hafner
Nancy began her dog-show life in 1972 and has always shown/finished her dogs as a Breeder-Owner handler. She applied to judge and was approved as an AKC judge in 1998. She has many National Specialties and has always felt honored to be invited to judge. She was elected to serve on the Poodle Club of America, serving five terms. Appointed by the PCA to Judges’ Education and now serves as the lead for this program.
Nancy is currently licensed to judge the Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting breeds and Groups, plus breeds in the Working Group. She is licensed to judge Best in Show and limited Junior. She has served on several Show Committees and has been Show Chairman for all-breed clubs. She has judged in many countries around the world, including England, Denmark, Japan, China, Sweden, and Hong Kong. As Nancy says, LIFE IS GOOD!
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