Judge Michael Hegarty (Chantismere) –Â
National Specialty Judge
Having been involved with this charming breed for over 35 years—both in the ring and as a judge around the world—I’ve been privileged to share in many memorable moments.
To be nominated and elected by the membership to judge at the ACKCSC Cavalier National in Kingsport, Tennessee in 2026 is an honour I accept with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for this opportunity.
I look forward to judging with fairness and integrity, celebrating our wonderful breed in all its beautiful colours, and sharing this special occasion with both old friends and new.
(See Catalog for Full Bio!)
Heidi Mohn (Covington) – Ind. Spec. Dogs, BOB, Non-Regular, Jr Showmanship
Greg and I have bred, owned & shown Cavaliers under the Covington affix  since 1994. I have judgedCavaliers since 2011, in US, Canada, and the UK.
We have bred or owned 85 AKC CH. /3 ROMS, and 30 CKCSC-USA CH./2 ROMS. Our AKC, CKCSC-USA CH. Covington Paydirt  AKC ROM, was the #3 Cavalier- AKC Breed system in 2008 following his sire, AKC CH Rosscrea Flying High at Covington DUEL ROM, #7 in 2007 & was one of the AKC Top Producing Cavalier Stud Dogs in 2008.
I believe in the fight to protect the future of and the sport of pure bred dogs. Most importantly I believe in our breed standard which has proven worthy throughout history allowing for both the preservation and the improvement of our breed.Â
(See Catalog for Full Bio!)
Erica Venier (Orchard Hill) – Ind. Spec. Bitches/4-6 Mo. Puppies/Non Reg/Jr Showmanship
I began breeding and showing dogs while still in high school, developing into a serious exhibitor by 1974 with a Shetland Sheepdog bitch who was a Working Group winner. I bred Shelties on a limited basis, producing several champions under the kennel name Wits’ End. I purchased my first Cavalier in 1996.
My daughter Rachel Venier is my team mate, brainstorming breedings and training youngsters. Together we have finished well over 150 AKC Champions in three breeds, the majority of which have been home bred Cavaliers. More than 50 of these dogs also have also earned their CKCSC-USA Championships. Among our dogs are four AKC National Specialty winners. With the National win on the tricolor Charismatic, Orchard Hill retired the ACKCSC National Specialty Best of Breed trophy, an accomplishment of which we remain proud.
I find judging to be not only a great source of pleasure but also an opportunity to continue to educate myself as a breeder. Thank-you all very much for your kind invitation; I am looking forward to this assignment.
(See Catalog for Full Bio!)
(Brython)
I am honored and excited to judge Futurity at the 2026 ACKCSC National Specialty. Cavaliers became my passion in 2004 while on vacation in the UK. My affix of Brython was added in 2007.
As a board member of the Birmingham Kennel Club, I have judged B-matches, as well as the Bred By Exhibitor Toy Group at our annual show. I was honored to judge Sweepstakes for the Blue Ridge CKCSC in May 2025. It is always a pleasure to evaluate the next generation. Thank you for your trust, I look forward to giving your puppies an excellent experience.
(Fields Edge)
Leslie Slusher, Ph.D. received her doctoral degree in pharmacogenetics from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. After completely a postdoctoral fellowship she joined the Department of Biology at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She spent the next 26 years teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Dogs have always been part of her life. She got her first show Cavalier from Erica and Rachel Venier of Orchard Hill in 2010. For the last 15 years, Dr. Slusher and her husband Roger have pursued their passions of breeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels under the Fields Edge affix and the continuation of their family farm in Floyd, Virginia.
Â
Bev Hofschulte, Madee Cavaliers
My journey in Cavaliers started when I wanted a small house dog and thought a Cavalier would be perfect. My husband said no….and well here we are just about 2 decades into loving this wonderful breed. As time went on I realized I could give back to this breed that gave so much to myself and my family. Hence my journey started in showing and breeding along with my then young daughter Madelyn.
Throughout the years I have been blessed to have many amazing dogs on the end of my lead and in the whelping box. Highlights have been co-owning and loving the late GCH CH Milbu Hillary, ROM as well as all of her children and grandchildren, winning Best In Specialty Show with GCH CH Althof True Reflection as well as watching my daughter shine while she was into showing dogs. Each champion that I have owned or bred has a special place in my heart.
It is truly an honor to be asked to judge Junior Showmanship at the ACKCSC National Specialty. Juniors are the future of our breed, and it is so exciting to see their enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for the sport of dogs. Myself, along with the Junior Showmanship Committee, are dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where every participant feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Lamont Yoder, Woftam Cavaliers
I was raised with terriers, cockers and one of my best childhood memories with an amazing Old English Sheepdog.  When I finished college and started out on my own, I did research on all breeds to decide what breed I would add to my life and as a result I discovered Cavaliers in 1989 and began showing with my second Cavalier, a tricolor female named Holly. Â
Over the years I have served on many all breed and Cavalier specialty Clubs, and on the Board of Directors of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club.  I have taught many AKC Judges Seminars on the breed, judged over 20 Cavalier Specialty shows including in Australia, and have judged Sweepstake and Futurity at the American National Specialty, and our founding The Cavalier Club Open Show in the UK.
I am deeply honored and incredibly excited to be invited to judge the ACKCSC Independent Specialty, and look forward to seeing some lovely happy Cavaliers that give me goosebumps and melt my heart.  We truly have the most amazing loving breed in the world, and I am thrilled for this judging assignment!
(See Catalog for Full Bio!)
Cheryl Tisdale (both days)
Photo & Bio coming soon!
Paula Miloglav-Recco
Photo & Bio coming soon!
Jerold S. Bell, DVM
Dr. Jerold Bell is a prominent figure in the field of canine genetics and breeding. He is an Adjunct Professor of Genetics at the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and a member of several prestigious organizations. He also practices at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, Connecticut.Â
He earned his DVM from Cornell University and was trained in genetics and genetic counseling at Michigan State University and University of Missouri. Dr. Bell chairs the WSAVA hereditary diseases committee, is on the board of directors for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health & Welfare advisory panel.
Dr. Bell is also the author of “Veterinary Medical Guide to Dog & Cat Breeds” and has been involved in various genetic disease control programs for different dog breeds. His work focuses on preserving the health and future of dog breeds through genetic research and breeding practices.
He and his wife Candice are breeder/owners of Gordon Setters, with multiple Best in Show dogs, National Specialty winners, Master Hunters and Westminster breed winners