Barbara Shaw
Sunday Concurrent Judge
Barbara A. Shaw is an American Kennel Club multi-breed judge. She hails from Denison, Texas. Barbara began her odyssey in pure-bred dogs along with her husband, Clyde, in 1977 with their first Cocker Spaniel, Spanky, followed by Darla. Two endearing pet cockers found in a newspaper and on the wall at a vet’s office. Together, they have titled Cockers in all 3 varieties. Their journey with Sussex Spaniels began one fateful Westminster Kennel Club trip to “The Garden”, where her husband spied the Sussex in the ring. They stayed to watch the judging and out of the blue Clyde said he wanted a Sussex Spaniel! This trip was the memorable win by Stump!! Timing!! The “net” was cast to 3 breeders of note and the waiting began. Sam and Brenda Folsom called with news of a litter. There, they sat on the floor with these happy brown puppies and selected a boy. Hiland’s Blackwatch at Our Gang was folded into our home and “zoo.” Jack (the Wonder Dog) taught them a bit about the patience needed by breeders to get from conception, to whelping, to raising a Sussex to adulthood! In this process, Barbara discovered Sussex folks have some nerves of steel! A peak moment in their life with Jack was the moment Clyde showed him at ASC’s Flushing Spaniel Show and was selected winner’s dog making Jack a new Champion! All his Cocker friends were ringside to see this pair have such a wonderful moment! Jack is now 14 and goofy as the first time they met him. He reminds Barbara how basic a Sussex Spaniel is. Unnerved by any weather, rolls happily along with the menagerie of Cockers and a Bulldog, welcomes kisses from everyone. A great companion that still “gives tongue!!!” Lastly, it never occurred to her in the beginning that their passion for Spaniels would send them on this life-long journey. Barbara says, “I am profoundly grateful for all that passion has given to us: friends both here and around the world. Everyone everywhere loves sharing stories about their dogs! I am glad to be a part. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”