Mentors in Judges’ Education

Mentors play a critical role in shaping the understanding and consistency of breed judging. The American Kennel Club (AKC) outlines clear expectations for mentors to ensure credibility, professionalism, and educational value.

Establishing Criteria

Parent clubs are encouraged to adopt transparent standards when selecting mentors. At a minimum, the AKC recognizes either a parent club–approved mentor or an individual with at least 12 years of experience exhibiting or judging the breed in conformation. Many clubs, however, choose to go further by requiring:

  • Years of active involvement in breeding, showing, or performance events
  • Longstanding club membership
  • Breeding achievements, such as producing champions or titled dogs
  • Geographic accessibility and availability to mentor

Some clubs may require mentors to pass breed exams, anatomy tests, or demonstrate knowledge of breed-specific disqualifications (e.g., height or weight checks). Workshops are often used to train mentors in their role, outlining expectations, mentoring opportunities, and AKC form procedures.

ESSFTA Judges’ Education Committee

The ESSFTA’s Judges’ Education Committee is comprised of four subcommittees: Seminar & Workshop, Virtual Breed Course, Breed Illustrated Standard & Educational Materials, and Ringside Mentoring & Tutoring. Together, they ensure that aspiring judges, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the English Springer Spaniel, have access to reliable resources, accurate instruction, and strong mentorship.

Mentoring & Tutoring Subcommittee

Mentorship plays a vital role in developing confident, knowledgeable judges. The Mentoring & Tutoring Subcommittee is dedicated to building a strong network of experienced mentors and providing tools to support effective mentor–mentee relationships. Current members of the subcommittee are Karen Carrico, Billie Kerfoot, Ann LaFernier, Kathy Lorentzen, and Henriette Schmidt.

The group recently met to review a proposed mentor application form. Once finalized, this application will be available on the ESSFTA website under the Judges’ Education section.

Applications will be reviewed by both the subcommittee and the Board of Governors. Approved mentors will be recognized and listed on the ESSFTA website as well as on the AKC Conformation Judges Resource Center site.

Who Can Be a Mentor?

Mentors are experienced English Springer Spaniel breeders, exhibitors, and owners who are deeply committed to the breed and to supporting judge education. To serve in this role, individuals must have at least 15 years of active involvement with Springers, including the whelping and raising of a minimum of five litters that produced at least four AKC champions. They are also expected to be long-standing ESSFTA members in good standing, attend national and regional specialties, and maintain firsthand knowledge of the breed through participation in field or hunt tests.

Equally important are the qualities that define a mentor’s approach. Mentors must be able to communicate clearly and positively, share knowledge using accurate canine terminology, and teach without bias toward specific kennels or pedigrees. They are expected to represent the Judges’ Education Committee faithfully, using only ESSFTA-approved materials. Above all, mentors embody sportsmanship, patience, and a passion for preserving the integrity and purpose of the English Springer Spaniel.

Together, mentors and mentees build a legacy of education, excellence, and love for the breed we all treasure.

Dr. Erin Kerfoot
ESSFTA Judges’ Education Coordinator