David’s involvement in the dog fancy began in 1973 as a breeder/owner/handler and then professional handler of Miniature Schnauzers.  In 1994, he applied to judge and retired from breeding and exhibiting Miniature Schnauzers after finishing many AKC champions including Group, Specialty and National Specialty winners. 

     In 1994, David and his partner Stephen fell in love with the Cavalier and they continue to share their home with this breed to the present. Under the affix of ROKIRK, David has owned and bred champions in Cavaliers, Japanese Chin and Tibetan Spaniels.

     David is approved to judge Best in Show, all Terriers, all Toys, all Non-Sporting breeds, all Herding breeds, the Working Group Schnauzers and Junior Showmanship.  He has enjoyed many interesting assignments including the national specialties of all three sizes of Schnauzers and several other Toy, Terrier and Non-Sporting breeds. Other judging highlights include assignments in Ireland, England, Canada, Denmark, Sweden and at the AKC and Westminster Kennel Club shows multiple times.

     David is an honorary member of the New Brunswick KC, a member of American Miniature Schnauzer Club, American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Central Carolina Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Tibetan Spaniel Club of America, Moore County Kennel Club, and Cary Kennel Club.  He has served as the chairman of Judges Education for the American Miniature Schnauzer Club and is currently a member of the Judges Education Committee for the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club.

     Professionally, David worked for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals for twenty-seven years before taking early retirement and now works part- time coordinating the music for his local church.