Mr. Walter J. Sommerfelt

Walter J. Sommerfelt has been involved in the sport of purebred dogs since acquiring his first Old English Sheepdog in 1972. Over the past 50-plus years, he has been an exhibitor, breeder, Professional Handler, and Judge.

His judging career began in 1985, and he is currently approved to judge the Sporting, Working, Herding, and Non-Sporting Groups, Junior Showmanship, and Best in Show.

He has had the privilege to judge many of the most prestigious shows in the United States, including the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where he has judged three times, including the 2014 Herding Group.

Along with many National and Regional Specialties, he has also had the honor of judging in many countries across five different continents.

Along with my wife, Carol (also an AKC-approved judge), he has owned and bred dogs in all seven Groups. They have been involved in the Vizsla breed since 1976 and still actively breed and show their Vizslas. They are proud AKC Breeders of Merit and owners/breeders of over 100 Champions, Grand Champions, Specialty and Best in Show winners, Dual Champions, and numerous performance-titled dogs.

Walter is in his 18th term as President of the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club and also serves as the AKC Delegate. He has received the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award, and he is also a columnist and contributor for SHOWSIGHT magazine.