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Contributor
59 published articles
As the founder of Dog Show Mentor, Lee Whittier helps owner handlers become more knowledgeable, confident, and competitive through education, mentorship, and a strategic approach to showing dogs. Her work encourages exhibitors to look beyond the ribbon, better understand their dogs and the judging process, and continually improve their skills both inside and outside the ring. Lee brings more than three decades of experience in purebred dogs to her mentoring, writing, and judging. An experienced Best in Show breeder and exhibitor, former AKC Executive Field Representative, and internationally respected judge, she now judges multiple Groups at prestigious dog shows throughout the United States and internationally. A regular contributor to SHOWSIGHT, Lee received the 2026 Dog Writers Association of America Award for Op-Ed or Commentary, taking top honors in the category for her SHOWSIGHT article. Lee lives in Vancouver, Washington, where she enjoys her Tibetan Terriers, gardening, and hiking. To learn more about expanding your dog show horizons, contact Lee at: Lee@DogShowMentor.com.
Owner Handler
Dog Show Community
Lee Whittier examines how mentorship preserves breeds, develops leaders, and passes essential knowledge to the next generation.
Meet the Owner Handlers
Lee Whittier explores the value of building a strong team, showing how trusted support and honest feedback contribute to success in the ring.
Dog Shows
Lee Whittier explains why knowing your Breed Standard matters, and how clear language helps exhibitors present dogs with confidence.
Dog Show Community
Lee Whittier explores how comparison shapes success in the ring, focusing on preparation, mindset, and using it as a tool for growth.
Meet the Owner Handlers
Lee Whittier explores how true progress in the show ring comes from intentional learning, clear goals, and personal responsibility.
All About Judging
An honest examination of fairness in Conformation, from judging and NOHS to Breed Standards, bias, and the realities of today’s ring.
Breed Conservation
Breed or buy your next show dog? Explore the practical, ethical, and personal factors shaping decisions in today’s dog show world.
All About Judging
Learn how Breed Standards change, who controls them, and why it matters. A clear guide for breeders, exhibitors, and judges today.
AKC National Championship (Orlando)
Orlando Week helps exhibitors measure progress, preparation, and mentorship leading into the AKC National Championship and the year ahead.
All About Judging
Clear guidance on AKC Rules and the Code of Sportsmanship, helping exhibitors handle conflicts, eligibility, and ethics in the show ring.
Dog Shows
Owner handlers show up for progress, connection, and community, not just wins. Learn what truly drives them to keep going. Read now!
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.