The CKC, along with its Chair of the Board of Directors, Past-Chair, and Honorary Chair, is very pleased to recognize three exceptional CKC members for their invaluable contributions to our dogs, community, and sports. The CKC is deeply grateful and celebrates the many exceptional CKC members who were nominated for an award in 2025.
CKC National Breeder of the Year Award: Brenda Brown – Edmonton, AB
The Canadian Kennel Club is proud to announce that Brenda Brown, of Baywood Portuguese Water Dogs in Edmonton, Alberta, has been awarded the prestigious CKC National Breeder of the Year Award. With over 35 years of dedication to the Portuguese Water Dog breed, Brenda has built the most titled Portuguese Water Dog breeding program in CKC history. Her influence extends far beyond conformation, having bred dogs that excel in multiple disciplines, including agility, water work, and obedience. Notably, in 2024, she celebrated her 91st CKC Conformation Champion, a testament to the success and consistency of her breeding program. Brenda’s dogs have earned hundreds of titles across multiple associations, with her dogs securing 711 titles from the CKC and 130 titles from the AKC. Her commitment to the breed is also reflected in her active participation in health initiatives, including contributing to the discovery of the FGF4 gene linked to Addison's Disease.
Brenda's journey has been marked by numerous highlights, from breeding Canada’s first Portuguese Water Dog to earn a Schutzhund title, to winning the coveted "Super Dog" title at the 2023 Portuguese Water Dog Club of America National Specialty with a dog she bred, owned, and trained. Her program has produced exceptional dogs that are not only top competitors but beloved companions. Brenda has also been a key leader in the Portuguese Water Dog community, having served as president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Canada and as vice president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of Alberta. She attributes her success to the dedicated Baywood dog owners, who she credits with making her achievements possible. Brenda's breeding philosophy prioritizes health, temperament, and genetic diversity, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come. Congratulations, Brenda!
CKC National Heritage Canine Performance Award: Randy Doan – Aylmer, ON
The Canadian Kennel Club is pleased to announce Randy Doan as the recipient of the CKC National Heritage Canine Performance Award. With over 40 years of involvement in the dog world, Randy has made a significant impact on the performance sports community. A dedicated breeder, handler, and judge, Randy has spent more than 15 years judging CKC events before an injury prevented him from continuing. As the owner of Goldoan Kennels in Aylmer, Ontario, Randy has bred and titled two dogs to the prestigious International Field Champion status and has been an advocate for the sport, having 10 dogs achieve CKC Field Champion titles. His long-standing involvement with the Elgin County Beagle Club, where he serves as president, further highlights his commitment to the advancement of the field trial community.
The Canadian Kennel Club is thrilled to announce Janice Gunn as the recipient of the CKC National Obedience Competitor of the Year Award. With over 52 years of dedication to the sport, Janice has earned an impressive array of titles in obedience, tracking, agility, hunt tests, retriever field trials, and conformation. She is a true pioneer in the obedience world, having earned 12 CKC Obedience Trial Champion (OTCH) titles and eight AKC OTCH titles, with multiple perfect 200 scores across various obedience classes. Her unparalleled success has made her a respected figure in both Canada and the United States, where she has earned numerous High in Trial awards and represented her breeds at national events like the AKC National Obedience Competition and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Janice’s influence extends far beyond her own accomplishments. As the founder of TNT Kennels & Training Center in Abbotsford, British Columbia, she has dedicated her life to teaching others, offering over 200 free training videos on her popular YouTube channel, which has attracted more than 9,000 subscribers. She has also conducted countless seminars across the country, helping dog owners and competitors improve their skills. Her commitment to the Obedience sport is further demonstrated through her mentorship of other handlers and her extensive involvement with the Dumbbell Obedience Club, where she has played a key role in organizing events and providing resources to support the community. Janice’s journey is a testament to her passion for obedience, her love of teaching, and her dedication to growing the sport for future generations. Congratulations, Janice!