About the Colorado Kennel Club

The Colorado Kennel Club was established in 1901 and is the oldest kennel club in Colorado. As an all breed dog club, the CKC welcomes members of all purebred dog breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. Every year, we host one of the largest conformation shows in the country with the goal of aiding purebred dog owners to achieve and maintain a high standard of excellence. During this show, we also offer both agility and obedience performance trials, as well as barn hunt and dock diving. In addition we are strong advocates for dogs and their owners in our community and are members of the Federation of Dog Clubs, the organization dedicated to protecting these rights. Our Mission Statement was written in 1901, when the club was formed.

The objects of the Club shall be:

A. To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of purebred dogs.

B. To conduct sanctioned matches, dog shows, obedience trials and performance events for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.

Meet the Board

Louise Leone, Preident
Louise began her journey in dogs with a Miniature Schnauzer in 1974. Since that time she has owned , bred and exhibited Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers and Border Terriers. She is best known for her owner handled multiple Best in Show Norfolk Terriers and multiple Best in Show Border Terriers.
Louise is very proud to be the President of Colorado Kennel Club, Show Chair, American Kennel Club Delegate. She has been a member of. Colorado Kennel Club since 1974 and has served as Secretary, Board Member and sat on the Show Committee holding several positions.
Louise is approved to judge Best in Show, the Terrier Group, Miscellaneous Group and Junior Showmanship.

Melinda Shaffer,Vice President
My breeds are the Bullmastiff and French Bulldogs. I gave been involved with AKC purebred dogs since the mid 1980s.  I participate in all facets of AKC dog shows, including card kennel clubs, conformation and breed showcases.  I love the Bullmastiff breed and enjoy teaching people about this wonderful breed.  They are loyal, easy going and, with training, they make a great family dog.  My husband and I are involved in our community, volunteering as we are able.  We enjoy dog shows, square dancing and craft fairs.

Carol Zemperini, Secretary
I have had dogs since the time I could walk, beginning with a Nonna’s hunting dog. Eventually I grew to love Hungarian Pulis, and they have become my breed of choice. My original Hungarian-born sire Maci (pronounced Motsy in Hungarian and means teddy bear) sired a litter in England by artificial insemination. That litter and its offspring resulted in Maci earning the Royal Canin Puli Stud dog of the year in England. He was 10 years old at the time. Two years later, I was blessed with one of Maci's grandson's Pahli, who turned 14 on May 22, 2021.
I also have a beautiful young girl named, Maci ( pronounced Macey in English) also sired from Maci (Motsy) by artificial insemination. I show her and after three weekends she is on her way to being a confirmation championship like her father. He, however had obedience and herding titles, but she is a bit smarter and I have every reason to believe an even better herder. This younger generation, You know.

Jim Jehn, Treasurer
My wife Mary Carol and I co-own (with Carol Zamperini) 3 pure-bread, white Pulis, Muffin, who is 12 years old and her two off-spring, Noro and Casey, who are both 9. Up until about 3 years ago when he retired, Noro was handled and shown by Carol Zamperini.
Our first white Puli, “Andy,” (AKC name Casablanca Rick’s Café) was purchased from breeder Carol Zamperini. Andy, Noro and Casey’s father, was quite well-known. He participated in both Eukanuba in 2008 and Westminster in 2009, and graces the cover of the coffee-table book “Dogs” by noted photographer Tim Flach.
They are great companion dogs, friendly towards people and especially kids.

Dr. Sylvia J. Kerr, Board Member
I have owned, bred and shown Vizslas in conformation, as well as titling dogs in obedience, agility and hunt tests, since 1970. I am an AKC Gold Breeder of Merit and bred and exhibited the first AKC Platinum Grand Champion Vizsla female. I was approved by AKC to judge Vizslas in1992 and I am currently approved to judge the AKC Sporting Group, as well as several working breeds. I have been a member of the Colorado Kennel Club since 1990 and I am active in a number of AKC all breed clubs, as well as specialty clubs.
  I enjoy and appreciate my Vizslas because of their elegance, exuberance and joie de vivre.

Troy Jensen, Board Member
I have been a dog lover all of my life. I believe having a canine companion brings not only joy and security to life, it is good for our health and our souls. Nearly 30 years ago, I was introduced to the Xoloitzcuintli and in 2014, I acquired my first Purebred Xolo from a breeder in Mexico. He is a standard size and one of the most amazing creatures I’ve ever cohabitated with. Two years later, I got my next one. And now I have five Xolos. My current goals are to breed responsibly and put quality Xolos with good temperaments out into both the pet and show world.
I am a member of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, a sitting board member of The Colorado Kennel Club and a member of the newly organized Rocky Mountain Non-Sporting Club here in Colorado.

Susan Stekoll, Board Member
I have owned and bred Polish Lowland Sheepdogs since 1992. Through the years, My PONs (nicknamed after their Polish name, Polish Owczarek Nizinny) have participated in conformation, obedience, and fast cat and have been National Specialty winners.
  Their active playfulness, and I admit sometimes stubbornness keeps me 'on my toes'!

Johanna Davis, Board Member
I've had dogs for as long as I can remember, and have been going to the Colorado Kennel Club dog shows since 1990. I have owned Doberman Pinchers since 1988 and participate in conformation, obedience, shutzhund-I.G.P., nosework and barnhunt.