from USA: Dr. James Sillers, Seabury Borzoi

I purchased my first Borzoi in 1970, started showing in 1976 and judging in 1992.  Today I judge all Hounds, IG, GWHP and seven working breeds.  I have judged the Borzoi national in 8 countries.  I have bred the number one ranking Borzoi in the U.S. plus a Best in Show winner in Russia, Crufts group placer, a Group one winner at the World Show, the only AKC Best in Show winner that has all of his coursing titles and one of only three Borzoi in the history of the AKC to earn an English Championship.  I practiced veterinary medicine for 40 yea rs and have many hobbies outside of the dog world.  Trekking to the base camp of Mt. Everest was one of the trills I have had in my live.

Dr. James Sillers, Seabury Borzoi

from AUS: Mr David Smith, Mistraka Borzoi

I purchased my first Borzoi in 1982 and was breeding and exhibiting them under the prefix Ricanova in the UK and subsequently under the Mistraka prefix in Australia since taking up residence in 2005. Chihuahuas joined the household in 1984 and i have bred and exhibited both long and smoothcoat until my departure from the UK in 2005. My greatest success in the UK was to breed 3 English Champion Borzoi in one litter, the bitch i owned came with me to Australia and titled here too, Ch & Eng Ch Ricanova Rose Royce.

I was heavily involved with the administration side of the dog scene in the UK, committee member of The Borzoi Club, including a period as Chairman and Judges Training Scheme organiser. I was a committee member of The Midland Chihuahua Club including a period of 5 years as Secretary. I became involved in the Birmingham & District Toy Dog Society as early as 1988, spending many years raising the profile of the shows and undertaking the role as Secretary for a period of 12 years. I was also a committee member of Birmingham National Championship Show for 5 years. All the committees i resigned from due to my departure to Australia. I have also been a member of The Kennel Club in the UK since 2003 and remain a member to this day.

I began judging in 1990 at Open Show level in the UK and achieved CC status in Borzoi in 2000, followed shortly after in both coats of Chihuahua in 2001. I have judge a number of breed club open shows in the UK, including The Borzoi Club, The Midland Dachshound Club and a Papillon Open Show for The Northern & Eastern Papillon Club. I have also had the pleasure of Judging The Borzoi Club of NSW Championship Show in 2004. I know have my Toy Group licence in Australia and currently undertaking my hound group licence, this year i have had the pleasure of judging a Basenji Open show and L-Z Hounds plus group specials at an All-Breeds Open show. I deem it a great honour to be invited to judge at 2011 IBC show held under the auspices of the Swiss Borzoi Club and look forward to the experience, my thanks to all those involved in my invitation.