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 PAULA NYKIEL  Washington, Missouri Sporting Group  Paula Nykiel, involved in the sport of purebred dogs for 29 years, came to the judging world from the ranks of the breeder/owner-handler.
Under her Sydmar Kennel banner, Mrs. Nykiel bred more than 50 Pointer champions, including the breed's all-time top producer, Ch. Sydmar the Heartless Wench. She owner-handled her Pointers to the #1 ranking in 1978, 1979 and 1982, winning Best of Breed at the American Pointer Club's National Specialty and finishing as the #9 Sporting dog for 1982. She did not grow up with dogs but owned Quarter horses, which she showed in halter classes and western riding from the age of 13. Competing in the horse world taught her about movement, soundness, structure and conditioning, all of which would come to help her later become successful in dogs. As an accomplished horsewoman, Mrs. Nykiel spends time on horseback at dog field trials and retrieving trials. "I love watching sporting dogs work and I think all breeders, exhibitors, and judges should spend time at trials and see firsthand how form follows function." Mrs. Nykiel left breeding and showing to begin her judging career in 1990. She is approved to judge the Sporting Group, Working Group and German Shepherds. She has judged seven National Specialties involving sporting breeds and has judged internationally in Sweden, Ireland, Canada, United Kingdom, Newfoundland and Australia. She has judged at Westminster on two occasions previously, but this is her first Group assignment. She is a lifetime member and past director of the American Pointer Club, and is also a member of Missouri Rhineland Kennel Club, Gateway Sporting Dog Association, and Three Rivers Kennel Club. Paula and Frank, her husband of 31 years, have two daughters, Sydney and Lyndsey. The Nykiels live in historic downtown Washington, Missouri, where they converted an 1860 corn cob pipe factory into their home and gardens on the Missouri River. |
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