The Summit Award for Breeder of the Year recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of breeding experience that is compliant with recognized codes of ethical conduct or the Urban Animal Certified Quality Mark and demonstrates an exemplary level of professionalism. Our winner this year, with 73% of the vote, is...
Dawne Deeley, TsarShadow Karelian Bear Dogs
Dawn acquired her first Karelian Bear Dog in 1991 and by 1997, her Danish import had attained the position of No. 6 all-breed dog in Canada. Since then, dogs bred under Dawne’s ‘TsarShadow’ have won numerous World, European and Nordic titles.
Today, Dawne occupies her time working for various all-breed magazines and shaping the futures of the up-and-comers in her kennel. The recipient of a 2009 Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, she provides regular columns and international features for Dogs in Review. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Dog Legislative Council of Canada, World Dog Press Association and Canadian Kennel Club Foundation.
In 2005 Finland’s President Tarja Halonen awarded Dawne one of Finland’s highest civic honors, the Cross of Merit of The Order Of The Lion, for “devoted service ... through the promotion and advancement of Finno-Canadian relations through journalism, and for the protection and preservation of the Carelian Bear Dog.”
