Judge Info - Blake Hepler

Showdog.com Judge Since Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Retirement Announced 12/31/2008

Has a tendency to use dogs handled by certain handlers but isn't overt in it. Doesn't show a breed bias at all.

Traits

Each judge on ShowDog.Com gives a different amount of weight to each trait of the dogs that they judge in each show.  Below is a table of which traits Blake Hepler looks for.

Trait Importance
Head High
Forequarter High
Hindquarter Normal
Gait Normal
Top Neck and Back Normal
Coat Low
Size/Height Very Low
Feet High

Favorite Handlers

Each judge has a preference for certain handlers.  These preferences may be based on past experiences, showing style, or just plain old dirty politics.  This preference is completely separate from the quality of the exhibitor, which DOES come into play in the show ring.  Blake Hepler has been known to prefer the following handlers.

Rank Exhibitor
1 Keven Dowdle
2 Cliff Irwin
3 Erik Mitchell
4 Hen Kilburn
5 Bradie DiNapoli
6 Aly Dimaggio
7 Chuck Donaldson
8 Stephanie Scott
9 Terri Farnum
10 Listy Cousar
11 Huntert Dawe
12 Jene Moak
13 Kimberly Carson
14 Joandy Classen
15 Ben Marro
16 Maret Gentile
17 Rachero Fergus
18 Bre Strayhorn
19 Deborie Mejorado
20 Tod Brubaker
21 Julie Patton
22 Jos Harter
23 Antonio Hutchinson
24 Ron Boening
25 Parker Hart

Only the top 25 are listed for the sake of brevity.

Recent Judged Shows

Below is a list of the shows recently judged by this judge. 

Show Date Best in Show
Toy Poodle Parade 513 12/5/2025
December 2025 Shetland Sheepdog Nationals 12/4/2025
South Florida 444 11/24/2025
November 2025 Lowchen Nationals 11/12/2025
October 2025 Sussex Spaniel Nationals 10/27/2025
Indianas 23 10/15/2025
Indianas 22 10/14/2025
AE CC 178 10/13/2025
ZTSM 115 9/25/2025 TKs Theodosius
Matagi LT Follow Up 9/13/2025


Did you know?
The sit for exam is a modified version of the Stand for Exam. It is generally used in novice level classes and requires the handler to order the dog to sit and then to move away from the dog the length of the leash. The judge will then approach the dog and pet the dog's head.