Välkomna till Årets Special 2023 i Degeberga, Skåne

Paula Steele, UK- Akmar Basenjis

I have been involved with the dog world since I was a young child, with an interest in Terriers and I owned my first UK champion at the age of 14 years.  Continuing for many years as a junior handler with Terriers I am probably better known for my success with Basenjis under the AKMAR affix since 1996.  I chose Akmar as my Affix (Kennel name) as it means Brilliant of Whiteness and anyone called Akmar is energetic, courageous and determined…this seemed to suit a Basenji rather well I thought.

Due to my keen interest in all things Egyptian and after looking for several years around the primitive breeds, I finally settled on the Basenji as a second breed.  For my 21st Birthday I was very lucky to be given my first Basenji, who was my most beloved Philae – Ch. Embeau Sequinn.  Philae proved to be far better than our expectations and was awarded Best of Breed at Crufts in 1998 and her champion title a little later. Philae was Top Brood Bitch 2003, 2004 & 2005. From Philae's only litter she produced the now famous 'Akmar boys' who between them gained two champion titles included UK Top Basenji and over 41 CC's.

Akmar Basenjis have been campaigned at National and International Championship shows achieving  BIS, Res BIS and many group wins and placing’s. This includes titles of World Winner, European Winner, International CH titles, National Champion titles (7 UK Champions), All Breeds championship shows, Crufts BOB's and Specialty/Breed Club BIS wins.

I also enjoy some successful partnerships where I am pleased to co-own several other Basenjis, who add a significant amount of pleasure and accomplishments to our Basenji adventures.

Over the years of campaigning my basenjis in the UK I have been lucky to have achieved all the National #1 awards several times over a number of years, including UK #1 Basenjis, #1 Puppy, #1 Brood Bitch and #1 Breeder.

I am qualified to judge Basenjis at General Championship Show level (awarding CC’s), FCI CAC, CACIB and all breed club Open shows via the English Kennel Club and I was honored to be invited to be a Full Member of the Kennel Club in 2016.  I am also the Breed Health Coordinator to the Kennel Club for Basenjis.

It is a real honor for me to Judge my breed in Sweden, where I know the standard will be extremely high.