08/27/2026
IronNewf- Meet Our Judges - Keith Mallinson has been an active member of the NCA and multiple Regional Clubs for over 27 years. He purchased his first Newfoundland in October 1997. Early the next spring he began working with his dog and was immediately hooked. Since those first years he has immersed himself in Water, Draft, Obedience and Conformation; earning multiple titles on his dogs and becoming a
skilled and knowledgeable handler/trainer, instructor and judge. Keith teaches water and draft seminars. His training philosophy is no two dogs (or people) are alike
and the training needs to fit each individual. He coaches people on how to provide quality interactions and teamwork with their dog, resulting in a strong working relationship. Best of all, he makes learning fun for both the handler and pup.
Understanding the importance of education and respecting the history and purpose behind the Newfoundland breed, Keith along with his wife, Sheila Mallinson, and their good friends Steve & Dejah Petsch founded the Land & Sea Training Group, Inc. The Land & Sea Training Group is a non-profit group of Newfoundland dog enthusiasts that get together for draft work, water work, AKC Fit Dog hikes, and other fun and educational events. One of their goals is to encourage people to work with their dogs and make training accessible to all. Additionally, the group performs demonstrations showcasing how the breed historically functioned as a ‘ship’s dog’ both in the water
and on land.
Keith is also involved in breeding and showing Newfoundlands with his wife, under the kennel name of Kodiak Acres. They have produced multiple Top Twenty Newfoundlands, received awards at National Specialties (including BOS, People’s Choice, AOM/Select, Winner’s Bitch, Best in Sweeps), MBIS, MBISS, Group Winning & Group Placing.
Keith is the current President of the Newfoundland Club of New England. He previously served on the NCNE board of directors for 13 years and was Working Dog Secretary for 9 years. He is a NCA mentor level Water and Draft Test Judge. Keith lives in Bethany, Connecticut.
