LILA LEVENTAKI
FCI INTERNATIONAL JUDGE

Athens - Greece
Tel: +30 6951000273
- www.sharpei.gr

FCI JUDGE   |  AKC JUDGE

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Award-Winning Shar Pei Breeder & Graphic Designer

Born on July 28,
I am a professional, award-winning graphic designer and lifelong dog lover,
with a special passion for the Shar Pei breed.
My journey with Shar Peis began 25 years ago
when I saw my first one — it was truly love at first sight.

Growing up surrounded by dogs and cats, my father owned a skilled gundog,
but our family’s biggest love was Hector, a loyal German Shepherd.
From a young age, I was fascinated by animals of all kinds
— birds, chickens, horses — and dreamed of having my own zoo.
My first experience with breeding came at age seven,
raising and studying a litter of kittens in detail,
even keeping weekly growth records and interviewing new owners.

The Beginning
of Precious Hug Kennel

In 2002, I married George Kaninias, and together we founded Precious Hug Kennel,
dedicated to breeding healthy, champion-quality Shar Peis.

Our first show-quality Shar Pei,
Fibi (JMEDW’07, INT, GR, CY CH. PRECIOUS HUG TRUE SECRET OF LIFE),
became a legend in Greece:

• No. 1 Shar Pei in Greece for many years

• Winner of Top Dog from All Breeds Point System (Greek breeding)

• Represented Greece 2 times in the Eukanuba World Challenge (2010 Denmark & California),
  reaching the finals among the top 42 dogs worldwide
  
  
  

Global Success in Shar Pei Breeding

Our kennel’s dogs have earned titles in multiple countries, including Portugal,
the Czech Republic, France, USA, Argentina, and Spain. Highlights include:

• 170 Champions across the USA, Sweden, Argentina, Spain, and more

• 28 International Champions

• 15 Therapy Dogs working with children with cancer and other challenges

• Over 343 Best in Show Baby/Puppy/Junior wins worldwide

• 61 Best of Group wins and 129+ Group Placements

• Multiple Eukanuba World Challenge semi-final appearances

• Crufts awards, including RCC and top placements

• Our breeding present in 28 countries

In 2013, I proudly organized the Mega Shar Pei Specialty in Greece,
bringing together 3 world-renowned specialist judges, including breed founder Matgo Law.
This event inspired further Shar Pei specialty shows worldwide.

In 2016, I was honored to judge the Top 25 Best Shar Pei in the USA at the American Nationals.

Leadership & Judging

• Former President of the Shar Pei Club of Greece

• Member of the World Dog Press Association (WDPA)

• FCI International Judge for Group 2 & Group 9, & Group 3 (After June 2026)
  

• Judged in the USA, Germany, Italy, France, and Greece
  
  
  

Breeding Philosophy

“Only when you breed do you truly observe and learn. Breeding is a passion and a love, even if it means sleepless nights. Winning is not the main goal — it’s simply the natural result of good, healthy breeding.”

Education & Seminars

• Athens University – Graphic Design & Arts

• Dog Emotion & Cognition – Duke University

• Attendee of international
  dog breeding, judging, and Shar Pei health seminars, including events in France, Slovenia, USA, and more.

With decades of dedication, Precious Hug Kennel continues to produce healthy,
beautiful, and temperamentally sound Shar Peis that excel in the show ring and as loving companions worldwide.

MORE EDUCATION

Many Seminars as:

• International Dog Breeders Convention 2009 - France
• Shar-Pei seminar with Matgo Law -Slovenia - Greece
• Judging Shar-Pei seminar AKC, (Shar-Pei Club USA)
• Shar-Pei health Nationals 2016 (Dr. Tintle)
• Shar-Pei health Nationals 2019 (Dr. Tintle)
• Natural diet & raw feeding for dogs (2019)
• Judging Seminar with Tamás Jakkel
• Judging Seminar about movement with Frank Kane
• Conformation – Movement – Puppy evaluation with George Kostopoulos
• Breeding Seminar with George Kostopoulos
• Judging Seminar with Petru Muntean
• Seminar for Puppy evaluation - Breeding, Dog training, USA
• Dementia in dogs - what is it and can it be prevented?
• Brachy Breeds with Breathing Problems - The science and solution behind BOAS - Dr Jane
• Chihuahua in the eye of Francesco Cochetti
• Bernese Mountain Dog in the eye of Satu Ylä-Mononen
• The Great Responsibility of Judging pedigree Dogs by Gopi Krishnan (10/2025)