Gamekeepers Retrievers, Ltd., established by Mitch and Maria White, was born out of their commitment to breed top quality, dual purpose flat-coated retrievers.  It has grown into a professional retriever training service, specializing in training all breeds of retrievers for AKC/UKC hunt test programs, breed club field programs and as personal hunting companions.  The company motto is “Life is too short to shoot over an ugly dog!” and Gamekeepers commitment to this motto is demonstrated by the performance of their dogs in the show ring and in the field.  Gamekeepers dogs have advanced field titles and these same dogs are also top ranked conformation dogs including Westminster Best of Breed winners, Specialty winners and Group winners.

Mitch White – Head Field Trainer/Key Note Speaker

Mitch has been training field dogs since 1988 when he got his first retriever, Hershey.  He credits noted field trainers, John and Nancy Miner (High Times Goldens/Miners Kennels) as being his most important mentors as well as good friends.  Over the years, Mitch has also trained with Jim and Phyllis Dobbs and has attended Mike Lardy’s seminars. 

In addition to Flat-coated retrievers, Mitch has personally owned and trained both Labs and Goldens and now trains all retrievers breeds professionally. He has conducted seminars all across the United States and in Canada.  These seminars have received accolades from many other professional trainers.  Mitch is currently finishing a series of books on retriever training which will be published in the near future.  He has appeared on Outdoor television shows and well as at major sporting show venues.

• AKC Master/Senior/Junior Hunt Test Judge
• UKC Finished/Seasoned/Started Hunt Test Judge
• WC/WCI/WCX approved judge for Flat-coats, Tollers, Goldens, and Labs (also Airedales)
• Member of the FCRSA Field Committee (Education Sub-Committee)
• Former President of the Flat-coated Retriever Club of Illinois
• Former President of the Midwest Waterways Flat-coated Retriever Club
• Former Director of the Flat-coated Retriever Society of America

Maria White – Conformation

Maria has been showing dogs since 1994, when she sought the guidance and advice of top professional handler, Carlos Puig, who graciously mentored her and taught her the skills she needed to show her own dogs.  Over the years, Maria has honed her skills by showing dogs for other fanciers and by mentoring under several respected judges and other top handlers.  Maria shows all of the Gamekeepers dogs and will occasionally show dogs for friends and clients.  She has shown countless dogs to their Championships, has earned multiple group placements including Group 1’s and has ranked top specials.  Career highlights include:

• 2006 Westminster Kennel Club 1st JAM/Flat-coated Retrievers - Dugan
• 2006 Westminster Kennel Club 1st JAM/Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers - Schooner
• 2004 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed/Flat-coated Retrievers - Dugan
• 2003 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed/Flat-coated Retrievers - Dugan
• 2002 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Breed/Flat-coated Retrievers - Hawk
• #1 Flat-coated Retriever All-Systems for 2003 – Dugan – successfully campaigned by Maria White
• #5 Flat-coated Retriever All- Systems for 2001 – Hawk – successfully campaigned by Maria White
• Former Director of the Flat-Coated Retriever Club of Illinois
• Former Treasurer of the Golden Retriever Club of Illinois
• Served as Hunt Test Secretary for 10 years for the Golden Retriever Club of Illinois
• Judged Sweepstakes for the Western English Setter Club (Fall/2004)
• Judged Sweepstakes for the MidAtlantic Flat-coated Retriever Club (May/2006)