Nina Skjelbred

Norway

Dogs have always been an important part of my life. Today I combine my interest in dogs with a full-time job as a language teacher. I work at Sandefjord Videregående Skole, which is Norway’s largest upper secondary school.
Flatcoats have enriched my life since 1980, when my parents got their first Flatcoat. By then we already had a rehomed labrador in the family. My father used our three first dogs as drug detection dogs in the police. In 1987 I moved to England for a year. Our English breeder Sue May (then Wilmington) put me in touch with some lovely people in the breed community, who were willing to share their experience with an inquisitive and overeager teenager. I traveled around to exhibitions and visited flatcoat people all around. This gave me an important platform for further knowledge and learning.
My small kennel is named Covenstead and I have bred a moderate number of litters over the years.  Among my dogs you will find several national champions, rescue dogs, a drug detection dog, an international show champion, some dogs with field trial merits, and four exports to the UK. One of these became an English show champion and he was also a top stud dog three years running and sired the female breed record holder in the UK. I have competed at a modest level in hunting trials and in the show ring. I also follow the breed at home and abroad.  My principles include cooperation and truthfulness, and I do my best to promote the flatcoated retriever as a dual-purpose dog. This includes health, temperament, good looks and working ability.
I was authorized to judge Flatcoated retrievers in 2015, and now judge Group 8. I have judged in England, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Germany. I feel very privileged to be involved with the dog scene, and thank you for the trust you show me with this invitation. One of my main philosophies in the ring is to take good care of beginners. I look forward to meeting you and your dogs in Finland in August.