Arja Koskelo - almost 40 years life together with dogs
I was 8-years-old girl Arja Salmivalli from Helsinki, when my dream came true. I got a dog of my own. After my first dog Karelian Bear Dog Jaurun Miska, I got my first black English Cocker Spaniel Rottenrow Alexia. I was very proud of the blue ribbon Alexia won at her first dog show.
Alexia's parents were from English kennel Astrawin, where I had spent many summers as a school girl . English Cockerspaniel became my breed. The dogs I have imported during the years from England are seen in pedigrees of many cockers in Finland. The summers I spent in England brought me many friends from Great Britain - and I could not even imagine a spring without visiting Crufts.
Darlington Championship show 2002
The Club activities I found through different clubs such as Kennel Juniors in Helsinki where I was chairman before moving to Turku with new last name - Koskelo. I have been active also in South- Western Spaniel club as well as board member of the Spaniel Club of Finland, also member of the breeding committee.
In 1986 I started my career as a championship show judge. Today I am allowed to give CCs and CACIBs in the wholeFCI group 8 and 7 , also most of the group 6, also Norfolk and Norwich terriers. Today I work as the chairman of the Finnish Spaniel Clubs show judge training committee ( all 14 spaniel breeds).
Judging appointments have brought me to many interesting places and countries, England, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Estonia and South Africa. Most memorable judging appointments have been in Seattle Usa, Copenhagen Winner Show in Denmark, Oslo and Stockholm winner shows, Dublin International and not forgetting our own Helsinki Winner shows.
I had the most challenging and rewarding job when working
as vice-chairman of the Turku International TOP DOG SHOW
committee in 1991 – 1997 shows. There we tried to make a show,
which would be a memorable day for dogs, exhibitors, judges as
well as audience…..
I was also over 10 years working with the
Finnish Spaniel Club's shows and their Annual Show committee
chairman.
My breeding has always been very limited – approximately ten litters of English Cockers and a few more Norfolk terrier litters so far. Also my first Portuguese Waterdog litter was born 2005.
At home nowadays are playing the young PWD “Teemu” (Ch Tajmadoran Hooligan) and Norfolk lady “Tiina” (Ch Hooligan HuHuu) – both young and full of energy.