The committee and members of the Sale Maffra & Macalister Kennel Club’s warmly welcome the following judges to our 2026 panel.
I started my show career in the 1960’s, with Pembroke Welsh Corgis, then into Bearded Collies, Australian Terriers and now Standard Long-Hair Dachshund and this morphed into judging. Exhibiting and judging still remain a passion today.
My first judging appointment was early in 1988 and I worked through the judges’ scheme to become an International All Breed Judge in New Zealand, and now I am recognised as a FCI All Breed International Judge.
I have judged many appointments in Australia, USA, Thailand, & China. Other wonderful opportunities in Canada, South Africa, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, Hungary, Philippines, and Finland. Many of those in Europe, Thailand and South America have been FCI shows.
I have judged many Specialities over the years particularly in the Working, Toy & Terrier Groups.
My first judging appointment was early in 1988 and I worked through the judges’ scheme to become an International All Breed Judge in New Zealand, and now I am recognised as a FCI All Breed International Judge.
I have judged many appointments in Australia, USA, Thailand, & China. Other wonderful opportunities in Canada, South Africa, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, Hungary, Philippines, and Finland. Many of those in Europe, Thailand and South America have been FCI shows.
I have judged many Specialities over the years particularly in the Working, Toy & Terrier Groups.
Since childhood, I have had a strong passion for horses and dogs. I began breeding in 1979 with Maremma-Abruzzese shepherds, followed by Alaskan Malamutes in 1988 and Shetland Sheepdogs in 1990.
Under the "di Selvaspina' affix, I have achieved over 190 Champions of Beauty, including 22 World Champions and 26 European Champions, and I won the ENCI Breeding Trophy for ten years. My dogs have received accolades in prestigious rings.
Since 2008, I have been an ENCI judge and in 2024, I obtained the all-rounder judge qualification, judging in Europe, Great Britain, Australia and other continents.
I love judging the breeds I have bred, and I am currently the president of the Shetland Club of Italy.
Under the "di Selvaspina' affix, I have achieved over 190 Champions of Beauty, including 22 World Champions and 26 European Champions, and I won the ENCI Breeding Trophy for ten years. My dogs have received accolades in prestigious rings.
Since 2008, I have been an ENCI judge and in 2024, I obtained the all-rounder judge qualification, judging in Europe, Great Britain, Australia and other continents.
I love judging the breeds I have bred, and I am currently the president of the Shetland Club of Italy.
Nicholas Tan (Malaysia)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
Maria Heneke (South Africa)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
Ang Eng Keong (Malaysia)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
My name is Shamil Kurmaev and I am a dachshund specialist was involved in breeding ,handling ,showing , at any levels of shows and competitions .My dogs achieved tremendous results and became National Champions ,Supreme Champions both shows and working abilities. Multi-Champions ,BOB,BIG,CACIBS,CACITS ,CACTS,CACS ,they had highest titles especially as a working dogs . We could win CACIT competition one week and next week already been in Europe at CACIB shows and as well won .It was happiest and busiest part of my life with dogs .I started breeding dachies in 1995 ,in 2000 I have got my FCI judge license in Europe, Russian Federation. I was showing my dogs in many European countries , started my judging career in Russian Federation and former USSR republics. In 2008 my family moved to Western Australia, since that time I became a Dogs West member. Was judging shows around Australia and New-Zealand. I am currently a life member of Moscow dachshunds club .
Pam Douglas (New Zealand)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
Anna Albrigo (Italy)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
Shamil Kurmaev (WA)
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS JUDGE
Born in 1972, Ang Eng Keong has been involved with pedigree dogs since the 1980s, though he began showing seriously in the 1990s. Over the years, he has successfully exhibited several breeds including American Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Standard Smooth Dachshunds, and Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds.
Among his notable dogs is Asian, Mal. Gr. Ch. & Th. Ch. Kensann Little Tuc (“Sydney”), an American Cocker Spaniel who ranked in the MKA Top 5 Dog of the Year and Gundog of the Year in 2003. Sydney also made history as the first Malaysian-bred dog to win Reserve Best in Show in Thailand. Other achievements include winning Gundog of the Year with another American Cocker Spaniel, and BIS3 with a Standard Smooth Dachshund. Recently, his homebred American Cocker Spaniels have continued this success, taking Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, and BIS3 at MKA All-Breed Championship Shows.Under the Kindered Spirit prefiz, Ang has actively bred American Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus and Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, producing multiple Malaysian Champions and Group and In Show winners.
Beyond the show ring, Ang has played an active role in the Malaysian Kennel Association. He is the founding member the Toy Dog Club of Malaysia, which has successfully hosted a number of Toy Specialty Shows. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Grooming for the MKA, where he now oversees the MKA-FCI grooming competitions in Malayisa.
A passionate animal lover, Ang is also dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray dogs and cats. Many of those who cannot find permanent homes remain under his care at Kindered Spirit.
Ang Eng Keong is a licensed all-breed judge and has recently officiated at championship shows in Australia (2023), China (2025) and Australia (2026).
Among his notable dogs is Asian, Mal. Gr. Ch. & Th. Ch. Kensann Little Tuc (“Sydney”), an American Cocker Spaniel who ranked in the MKA Top 5 Dog of the Year and Gundog of the Year in 2003. Sydney also made history as the first Malaysian-bred dog to win Reserve Best in Show in Thailand. Other achievements include winning Gundog of the Year with another American Cocker Spaniel, and BIS3 with a Standard Smooth Dachshund. Recently, his homebred American Cocker Spaniels have continued this success, taking Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, and BIS3 at MKA All-Breed Championship Shows.Under the Kindered Spirit prefiz, Ang has actively bred American Cocker Spaniels, Shih Tzus and Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, producing multiple Malaysian Champions and Group and In Show winners.
Beyond the show ring, Ang has played an active role in the Malaysian Kennel Association. He is the founding member the Toy Dog Club of Malaysia, which has successfully hosted a number of Toy Specialty Shows. In 2023, he was appointed Director of Grooming for the MKA, where he now oversees the MKA-FCI grooming competitions in Malayisa.
A passionate animal lover, Ang is also dedicated to rescuing and rehoming stray dogs and cats. Many of those who cannot find permanent homes remain under his care at Kindered Spirit.
Ang Eng Keong is a licensed all-breed judge and has recently officiated at championship shows in Australia (2023), China (2025) and Australia (2026).
Nicholas Tan (Malaysia) has been an active member of the Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) since 1999 and is the founder of the renowned ‘TRUE ICONIC’ and ‘ICONIC’ kennel prefixes established in 2004. Over the years, he has successfully bred, exhibited, and handled numerous distinguished breeds including Toy Poodles, Bichon Frises, Chinese Cresteds, Chihuahuas (LC), Maltese, Pugs, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, Golden Retrievers, and Siberian Huskies.
Driven by a passion for breed excellence, Nicholas has imported and developed top-quality bloodlines from internationally respected kennels across Russia, the USA, Australia, Europe, China, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan. Under the ‘TRUE ICONIC’ prefix, he has produced and campaigned many Multiple Champion dogs, particularly in Toy Poodles, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, and Miniature Schnauzers, earning prestigious achievements including Multiple All Breed Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show, FCI International Champion, APAC Champion, Asian Champion, and numerous Group placements and specialty wins. His Toy Poodles and Bichon Frises have also achieved outstanding recognition in Malaysia’s competitive dog show scene, including Malaysia Dog of the Year titles and consistent top-winning results over consecutive years.
Nicholas is also the CEO of True Iconic, a globally recognized grooming brand specializing in professional show grooming care, premium coat solutions, and precision grooming tools trusted by groomers, handlers, breeders, and professionals worldwide.
Highly respected internationally as an all-breed and specialty judge, Nicholas has been invited to officiate in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, China, Singapore,Vietnam and India, judging numerous prestigious all-breed and specialty championship shows. His expanding international judging portfolio reflects his respected expertise and strong reputation within the global dog show community.
Despite graduating with a BA (Hons) in Marketing Advertising from the UK, Nicholas dedicated his career to the pet industry and established Pets Icon International Grooming Academy in 2006. As Vice Principal and Master Grooming Instructor, he has trained and mentored groomers from around the world while actively conducting grooming seminars, show handling workshops, and professional education programs internationally.
With decades of experience in breeding, grooming, show presentation, and education, Nicholas Tan continues to inspire aspiring professionals worldwide through his commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the advancement of the grooming and dog show industry.
Driven by a passion for breed excellence, Nicholas has imported and developed top-quality bloodlines from internationally respected kennels across Russia, the USA, Australia, Europe, China, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan. Under the ‘TRUE ICONIC’ prefix, he has produced and campaigned many Multiple Champion dogs, particularly in Toy Poodles, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, and Miniature Schnauzers, earning prestigious achievements including Multiple All Breed Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show, FCI International Champion, APAC Champion, Asian Champion, and numerous Group placements and specialty wins. His Toy Poodles and Bichon Frises have also achieved outstanding recognition in Malaysia’s competitive dog show scene, including Malaysia Dog of the Year titles and consistent top-winning results over consecutive years.
Nicholas is also the CEO of True Iconic, a globally recognized grooming brand specializing in professional show grooming care, premium coat solutions, and precision grooming tools trusted by groomers, handlers, breeders, and professionals worldwide.
Highly respected internationally as an all-breed and specialty judge, Nicholas has been invited to officiate in Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, China, Singapore,Vietnam and India, judging numerous prestigious all-breed and specialty championship shows. His expanding international judging portfolio reflects his respected expertise and strong reputation within the global dog show community.
Despite graduating with a BA (Hons) in Marketing Advertising from the UK, Nicholas dedicated his career to the pet industry and established Pets Icon International Grooming Academy in 2006. As Vice Principal and Master Grooming Instructor, he has trained and mentored groomers from around the world while actively conducting grooming seminars, show handling workshops, and professional education programs internationally.
With decades of experience in breeding, grooming, show presentation, and education, Nicholas Tan continues to inspire aspiring professionals worldwide through his commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the advancement of the grooming and dog show industry.
