Mrs. Joanne Fernall

Joanne Fernall (Judges Number 654) has been breeding Labrador Retrievers and Pugs for over thirty-five years. Her kennel name, Devonsleigh, was registered in 1993 and is permanently registered.

Joanne has bred and owned over seventy Champions, including a Best in Show, Best Puppy in Show, Best Puppy in Specialty Show, and Best Baby Puppy in Show. She has had Labradors and Pugs place in the top Conformation standings and also has achieved multiple placements at Specialty Shows. She has produced dogs that have achieved High in Trial in Obedience and dogs that have won Retriever Trials.

Over the years, Joanne has served in many capacities in several Breed Clubs. She has organized Handling Seminars, Educational Seminars, Specialty Shows, Sanction Matches, and CERF eye clinics.

Joanne started judging 18 years ago because she is a passionate breeder who wants to preserve the history, function, and unique physical traits of her breed. To her, the adage “Form Follows Function” is one of the most important aspects of breeding and judging. Every dog should be built to enable it to perform what it is intended to do. Equally important is breed type, which is the essential quality of the breed.

Joanne has judged Labrador Retriever Specialty shows in both Canada and the United States. In 2014, she was accorded the supreme honor of being asked to judge the Canadian Pug National.

On a personal note, Joanne really enjoys meeting new people, and judging has allowed her to connect with people from around the globe who share the same passion that she has for purebred dogs.