DR. NATALIE HEATHCOTE
Natalie was born into a household of Deerhounds, the daughter of Sue Finnett & Hector Heathcote of the Hyndsight kennel.
She attend her first show aged 8 days, handled a Deerhound to win in the ring on her 7th birthday and passed the first stage of UK judging education just a few months later.
At her first appointment to judge Deerhounds Natalie was aged 11. Nine years later the Kennel Club first approved her to award Challenge Certificates. She now enjoys assisting with the education of future breed judges. She has now judged many othe breeds as well as the hound group and variety classes at open shows. She continues to broaden her knowledge across many breeds, especially hounds, whenever there is an opportunity.
Natalie cherishes her time with the hounds and loves nothing more than showcasing this special bond in the show ring. She was always involved in the Hyndsight kennel which she co-owns. The kennel has campaigned 22 home bred Deerhounds to the UK Champion title, and won more than 200 UK CCs. They have been top UK Deerhound breeders since 2016. Natalie has handled hounds to their titles and won Best in Show at the 2019 Deerhound Club Breed Show handling Ch. Hyndsight In Your Dreams.
Natalie like both her parents is a veterinarian. She graduated from University of Liverpool in 2020, then worked in the family veterinary practice for two years before moving towards a career in surgery. She is now undertaking speciality training at a referral hospital near London. As an undergraduate she collaborated with veterinary cardiologist Dr Emil Dutton in Deerhound dilated cardiomyopathy research. She also joins the veterinary team at Crufts each year.
From her passion for martial arts, Natalie holds a Black Belt, 1st Dan, in Wado Ryu Karate and has more recently completed and placed in senior national Jiu Jitsu competitions. She enjoys skiing, fitness & strength training and Crossfit.
Natalie was delighted to be invited to judge her breed for the first time outside the United Kingdom at the Deerhound Club Germany Open Show.
She hopes that everybody has a good day, both humans and hounds.
She is certain that she will enjoy the experience.
(Photo © Jan Scheer)