JUDGES
Dan Murray
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Growing up in Bismarck ND, I started hunting at the age of 10 with my hard headed Springer named Spencer. Out of necessity, I soon learned how to read subtle and not so subtle cues given by Spencer that there were birds in the vicinity. If I didnt react, and shoot the bird, spencer would be gone for hours.
Since then I've had a love for the outdoors and a love for the dogs. I'm blessed enough to find myself in a position when I can enjoy both of these things every day. I started working for Tom Ness at the age 13. My wife and I own Absolute Gun Dogs, a training and boarding facility in Bismarck.
Throughout my years I've found success as a family man, a business man, and a dog guy. Some of the accomplishments we are most proud of are the 2009 U.S. high point Springer with Millie, the 2010 North American high point Cocker with Emma (pictured here), won the 2016 U.S. Cocker National with Whinnie, and recieved the Hogan Award in 2015 with a great team of Springers.
Judging the Canadian Open National is truly an honor and will add to my list of most memorable dog adventures.
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Cosimo Cristo
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I grew up in Sudbury and presently my family and I live on Manitoulin Island. I purchased my first English Springer Spaniel in 1989 looking for a hunting dog and I ended up with a lot more than I have ever imagined. A love for the breed, a passion for the sport and the many many friends I have made on both sides of the border.
I joined the Sudbury Kennel Club to learn how to train my dog for hunting. I ran my first limit in 1991 and first Open All Age in 1996. With some talented dogs, hard work, luck and good coaches I managed to CFC 4 dogs.
Having completed two nationals with 2 different dogs I understand the quality, performance and perfection needed to compete. I am honoured and humbled to be picked to judge the Canadian National! I never thought that purchasing my first spaniel would lead to a 30 year journey of training, competing and judging on both sides of the boarder. I thank all competitors for letting me judge your dogs and wish you all Good Luck!
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