Maritha Östlund-Holmsten

Sweden

I have became an “allrounder” in dog sports, and probably always have been. The dogs have been a central part of my life since childhood – the hunting dogs, my Poodle and from my early teens the breed to which I am still faithful – the Boxer. My husband has made about the same journey and we raised our first litter in 1976. There is also a Dandie Dinmont Terrier in our home. I have dedicated a large part of my life to association life – since my teens I have been active in breed club and am still active as vice president. Member of the Swedish Working Dog Club’s Federation Board for 11 years and founder of the committee of Breeding and Health, member and 2nd vice chairman of the Swedish Kennel Club’s central board, a total of 10 years. Recently worked on the development of the new BSI brochure together with the other Nordic countries. I have recently been elected to the ATIBOX health committee and will work together with knowledgeable and breed-dedicated people from Holland, Spain and Argentina. It will be a big challenge, perhaps my last in association life. I became a conformation judge in 1997, had Boxer as my only breed. Over time studied a few more breeds and today I judge FCI group2 1, 2, 8 and 9 and most in group 5 as well as breeds within groups 3, 6 and 10. Love learning about the breeds and listening to other people’s knowledge. I enjoy being in the middle of the ring and is very much looking forward to meeting many like-minded people in Helsinki in connection with the world exhibition.