12/06/2026
Meet our judges.
Steve Dainard (Canada) Gundogs & Best in Show Saturday, Terriers & Working Dogs Sunday
Steve Dainard’s roots in the dog show world run deep. As a second-generation dog enthusiast, he entered the ring in the late 1970s, following in the footsteps of a family passionate about purebred dogs. While his early years began with flat- coated retrievers, the English Springer Spaniel truly captured the family’s heart— and became their breed of choice.
Alongside his wife, Kelly, Steve bred under the KAS prefix, a name recognised for excellence in the Springer community. Their legacy includes campaigning the top-winning Springer in Canadian history, achieving an impressive all-breed #1 ranking, and breeding the top-winning Springer female. His judging career has seen remarkable highlights, including the ESSFTA National Specialty in 2014 and the flushing spaniel breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club in 2018.
A skilled all-breed handler in his prime, Steve had a particular talent for Sporting and Herding dogs. His kennel experience extends beyond Springers—he has also bred and owned group-winning Australian Shepherds and is currently active in the ring with his beloved Russell Terriers.
Steve is a strong advocate for education within the sport. He serves on the Executive of the Canadian Dog Judges Association and currently holds the role of Vice President of Administration. In addition to his hands-on experience, Steve brings academic credentials with a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management.
Since earning his judging license in 2004, Steve has become an All-Breed Judge with the Canadian Kennel Club, judging across Canada and internationally in the U.S.A., Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Steve’s professional background outside the ring includes a successful career with the Toronto Transit Commission, where he managed administrative and financial operations. 2014 he launched a second career as a Mortgage Broker, earning his Accredited Mortgage Professional designation.
Steve and Kelly live in Niagara Falls, Canada, where they enjoy life with their three grown children and four energetic grandsons.
