• AKC:

  All Breeds

Helen began exhibiting Dalmatians in 1952 but is best known for her long association with Poodles. With her husband, Howard, she has bred, owned, and handled several champions, including Ch. Alee What Price a Dream, one of the most influential sires in recent Poodle history. She has been an officer for several dogs clubs and is currently president of the Evergreen Colorado Kennel Club. Began judging obedience in 1958. By 1974 she was approved to judge all obedience classes, the Non-Sporting Group, the Toy Group, and several working breeds. That same year, she resigned from judging to join the AKC field staff, becoming one of only two woman field representatives at the time. Mrs. James retired from the field staff in 1991 and resumed judging, eventually becoming an all-breed judge. Career highlights include judging the Toy Group at the 2002 Westminster show, Best in Show assignments at the International and Golden Gates shows, and judging Standard Poodles at the Poodle Club of America specialty show in 1972.