During the late 1970's Faulkner pursued his education earning his BFA, MS.ED, from Alfred University, Alfred, New York while maintaining a breeding program and actively showing his Golden Retrievers, Field Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Pointers.Upon the completion of his education Michael established a partnership with the late David White (Woodspoint Springer Spaniels).  For 12 years this team dominated the Sporting Group, completing championships in all of the Sporting breeds, along with numerous group and best in show winners in all seven groups.

Michael has owned, bred and or exhibited numerous multiple best in show winning Golden Retrievers along with owning and breeding champion - Field Spaniels, Pointers, English Springer Spaniels and Pugs. He owes his passion and knowledge for the sport to his "English Mum" Mrs. Peggy Grayson (judge/breeder/author) who unselfishly took him under her wing as a youngster, providing decades of mentoring.  As a student of the Gundog breeds, Michael spent countless hours with many of England's great breeders including the late Mary Roslin Williams, Rae Furness, Kay Holmes, Faith Gilham, Peter Chandler, Molly Thomson, and many more over a span of thirty-eight plus years.

Michael takes the role of judging extremely seriously and refuses to compromise when evaluating breeding stock. He often quotes his mentor Peggy Grayson: "It is the ability to understand the subtle nuances of each breed that makes for a truly great judge."

Faulkner retired as a professional handler in 1995 and immediately embarked on a judging career.Michael is approved to judge all Sporting breeds and numerous other breeds in five of the seven groups. He is proud of his numerous national specialty assignment, international judging experiences, and multiple Westminster Kennel Club & AKC  National Championship assignments. M

Michael continues his Golden Retriever breeding program with his partner: Dr. Anne Greenbank, under the "Verdoro and Woodspoint" prefixes and spends countless hours mentoring new judges on several of the Gundog breeds. 

When Michael is not judging dog shows he keeps busy with his artwork, kayaking, gardening, writing and serves as the Executive Director for a Health Clinic.