Judge Michael Hegarty (Chantismere) –
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.
(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.
Dr. Tracie Laliberte, Infindad Cavaliers
Tracie Laliberte, Ph.D. has extensive knowledge and a lifetime of love and experience in the professional field of dogs. She is a Breeder of Merit for Lhasa Apsos and CKCS, winner of Best Junior Handler at Westminster Kennel Club and Crufts Dog Show. She completed a Doctor of Philosophy about “dogs” at Salve Regina University.
Tracie has instructed classes in Canine Communication, Holistic Approaches to the bond, and basic dog care for public and professional groups. In addition, she is CPDT-KA, an active AKC judge, a speaker for civic and community groups, and is a multiple award-winning writer.
Heidi Mohn, Covington Cavaliers
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.
(See Catalog for Full Bio!)
Rick L. Garvin (both days)
I started training and showing dogs in the mid 1970’s with my first Golden Retriever Brett (Amberac’s Boisterous Brett), who went on to finish his OTCH and was a wonderful companion in our household. From the moment I first stepped into the obedience ring I was hooked on this wonderful sport. Since that time, I have put numerous obedience titles on dogs ranging from the CD to the UDX. In the Spring of 2009, I completed a UDX title on my Border Collie. In December of 2012 we added to the family a new Golden puppy (Surefire’s Mr. Max UD GN RN). In the fall of 2019, I showed Max in the Utility class and completed the requirements for his UD. In March of 2019 we added another Golden to the family (Wakemup Easy Rising Riptide CD BN RN) and he is now training for his CDX and UD. I have been a member of the Manhattan Kansas Kennel Club since 1976 and have been privileged to join the GRCA and the Kansas City GRC. I am approved by the American Kennel Club to judge the Novice, Open, Utility, Alternative and Optional Titling Obedience classes, all AKC Rally classes, and all AKC Non-Regular Obedience and Rally classes. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years of training, judging, and showing dogs along with the many friendships that have been made throughout the years.
I hope every exhibitor at the 2026 Cavalier National Specialty enjoys their time in Tennessee and that your every dog wish comes true!!!! It truly is an honor to be asked to judge at this year’s event and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the selection committee for inviting me to be a member of the judging panel. I am sure it will be an exciting and fun-filled event for everyone attending.
Good luck to everyone and please enjoy your day in the sun. To exhibit at this event is a tremendous accomplishment for both you and your team member. A special thanks to the National Club for hosting this event and a very big thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this exciting event a success.
Paula Miloglav-Recco
My life went from being brought up in the horse show world and transitioning to the dog show world. I first began in Conformation and Obedience, later adding Rally when it was introduced. In the mid-1980s, I started playing Agility with my Rottweilers, competing in NADAC and USDAA. When AKC Agility launched, I joined that venue as well and have also competed in CPE.
Over the years, I’ve competed with and titled multiple breeds for friends, though my breeds of choice remain Rottweilers and Miniature Dachshunds. My Novice A AKC Agility dog earned Reserve High in Trial at our Rottweiler National Specialty in 1999 during her very first weekend competing. Since then, I’ve earned multiple High in Trial Agility awards with several dogs, and my dogs have been ranked in the top ten for year-end awards across multiple venues in Rally, Agility, and Dock Diving.
My current Rottweiler “Garnet” (AGCH MACH 5 PACH 7 ADCH PDCH GOLD LAA GOLD CATCH 3 Woodrotts Love At First Site) achievements have included #1 MACH and #1 PACH Rottweiler for multiple years, the #1 Working Group MACH dog of the year in AKC (2020), placed 5th at the AKC Invitational in 2021, and was the #1 16” Performance dog in USDAA in 2022.
I am truly honored and excited to be judging the ACKCSC Agility National Specialty.
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.
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