GOPI KRISHNAN

Studying in the UK for nine years afforded Gopi the opportunity to attend dog shows every weekend and the many hours spent ringside, showing, visiting top kennels and breeders helped foster Gopi’s love and interest in the Dachshund. The HACIENDA prefix was registered in 1994 and the first litter registered in 1999. In 2008, Gopi married Christine and since then she has also been part of Hacienda. Focused on getting the best lines, they have imported dogs from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, Finland & South Africa. 

Hacienda have successfully owned, co-owned, campaigned (owner exhibited) and titled 161 Champions in Std. Smooth, Std. Longhaired & Min. Longhaired Dachshunds, English Setter and Cocker Spaniels. Of the 161 Champions, 111 are proudly homebred HACIENDA Champions, both locally and overseas in 25 countries around the world (Australia, England, Ireland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Russia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) with others on track to their titles in various other countries. Several of these homebred Champions are proudly Multiple All Breeds Best in Show Winners overseas and Grand Champions.

Having worked for the best part of his life in the Advertising industry, Gopi runs his boutique Digital Marketing Consultancy & Agency, specialising in content and branding, aiming to give companies better and stronger online visibility and presence. Gopi’s love of animals and his interest in the promotion of responsible pet ownership has led to his involvement with PAWS Animal Welfare Society, which he served as in the capacity of President and Secretary before resigning in 2018, but remains as an advisor to the Board. Gopi has also served on the Malaysian Kennel Association’s (MKA) Board for several terms and currently continues to serve as the Immediate Past President. Gopi also serves on the FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania Section Board as Vice President.

Gopi joined the MKA judges training scheme in the 1990’s and has had the privilege to judge in Malaysia, the Philippines, UK, India, China, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Ireland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Estonia, Croatia, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Lebanon, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Peru, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Gopi is a licensed MKA & FCI International All Breeds judge.