Karen Pratt has been an official water trial judge since 2016, but was judging mock trials and was the Water Committee chair for the PWDC of Northern California from 2008-2014. She served on the Water Trial Committee for the PWDCA from 2014-2018 and from 2020-present, currently serving as the Judge Liaison. Karen has also chaired or been Trial Secretary for numerous water trials, including 4 PWDCA National Specialties.

“I have had dogs all of my life and started showing and training dogs at the age of 7, when my mom started breeding Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. My first PWD was added to our household in 2002, “Splash.” He taught me a lot about living with the breed – mainly that they all need a job to do – but also that they are very smart, funny, and versatile. I have participated in Conformation, Obedience, Rally, Water, Agility, as well as trained for Therapy and Scentwork.

I got “hooked” into water at the 2004 National Specialty; watching these dogs execute tasks that they were historically bred to do still thrills me! It is my honor to be able to serve as a Water Trial Judge for our club, and I truly enjoy every minute of not only watching the dogs work in the water, but also assisting people in their training.

I am married to a very patient man who allows me to have fun with our dogs! We currently live with 2 PWD’s – 14 year old Ruby and 6 year old Lottie – and we have two adult children.

I’ve been a member of the PWDCA since 2003, and I look forward to being able to continue to work for the betterment of the breed as a whole.”

Karen is looking forward to coming up with her little teardrop trailer for both camp and the trial on a 6-week long journey!