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Atsuko Ishihiro is a well known Poodle breeder in Japan and an FCI All Breeds Judge, with extensive experience in the international dog show and grooming scenes. Over the years, Atsuko has officiated in countries such as Japan, Korea, China, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more, gaining a reputation as both a dog show and grooming judge.
Atsuko's journey began with a deep passion for dog shows, particularly in handling Standard Poodles. She earned her first Best in Show (BIS) as an owner-handler with her Standard Poodle, an achievement that fueled her enthusiasm and led her to pursue a professional career as an all-breed handler. Over the course of more than 30 years, Atsuko successfully finished numerous champions in various breeds.
Her professional qualifications and contributions to the dog community are remarkable:
• 1997: Certified as a JKC (Japan Kennel Club) Handler Certificate Examiner, a prestigious role that involves evaluating and certifying handlers in Japan.
• 1999: Appointed as a JKC Trimmer Certificate Examiner, reflecting her expertise in grooming and her commitment to upholding high standards in the grooming profession.
• 2010: Became an FCI All Breeds Judge, allowing her to officiate at competitions across the globe, including countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, and India.
As a Grooming Judge, Atsuko has presided over numerous competitions in China, Japan, and other countries, providing valuable insights and fair assessments to competitors. Her dual expertise in both conformation and grooming has made her a respected figure in the grooming and dog show communities internationally.
Micky Sung is an accomplished figure in the world of canine grooming and dog shows. In 1989, she founded the Snow Castle Canine Grooming Academy in Taipei, which has since become a renowned institution for producing top-tier canine groomers. Micky has not only excelled as a breeder and handler of Poodles, winning numerous Best in Show (BIS) awards across Taiwan and Asia, but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of thousands of canine groomers across the region.
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Career Achievements and Contributions:
• Established the Snow Castle Canine Grooming Academy (1989): Over three decades, Micky has trained and mentored thousands of groomers. Many of her students have gone on to achieve top placements at prestigious grooming competitions in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea, furthering her influence in the grooming world.
• Poodle Breeder and Handler: Micky has owned, bred, and handled Poodles to victory at major shows across Asia, consistently earning top honors, including BIS awards, and elevating the standard of Poodles in the region.
• International Grooming Judge: Since 2014, Micky has been an invited judge at grooming competitions in Taiwan, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. Her expertise and fair judgment have earned her respect globally.
• Championship Dog Show Judge: Micky has also officiated at championship-level dog shows across numerous countries, including Taiwan, China, India, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea. Her vast experience in the show ring has made her a highly sought-after judge in the international dog show circuit.
Professional Qualifications:
• FCI/A2O/KCT All Breeds Judge: Micky is approved as an All Breeds Judge by FCI and KCT, certifying her expertise across a wide range of breeds.
• KCT Approved Groomer in Master Grade: In 2014, Micky was certified as a Master Grade Groomer by the Kennel Club of Taiwan (KCT), a prestigious title in the grooming industry.
• KCT Approved Handler in A-Grade: Recognized as an elite handler by KCT, she holds an A-Grade qualification.
• KCT Grooming Chief Operating Officer: In addition to her judging and grooming qualifications, Micky also serves as the KCT Grooming Chief Operating Officer, playing a significant role in overseeing grooming operations and standards within the organization.
Micky Sung’s dedication and contributions to both canine grooming and the dog show world have made her a respected leader and mentor, impacting the industry across multiple countries and disciplines