Xavier Santiago

Xavier Santiago is a second-generation owner/handler of Alaskan Malamutes and the working breeds.  With years of experience in canine competition, Xavier has won first place ribbons at major competitions around the country, including most recently at the prestigious Atlanta Dog Show.  Trained by some of the top handlers and groomers in the dog show industry, including Carlene Way, Nancy Zinkham, and Linda Whitney, Xavier has a well-developed knowledge for dog grooming and breed standards.  He has taken over the family tradition from his mentor and father, champion Malamute handler Ladislao Santiago. 

Xavier has a superb eye for what a coat should look like for each group of dogs as well as an incredible breadth of knowledge of the techniques necessary to achieve such grooms.  Xavier has a drive for perfection, and as a Groomer Has It judge, he expects every hair to be perfectly in place in a dog's coat.  Nothing angers him more than untapped potential, and Xavier's unwavering standards come across in his harsh yet constructive criticism of the show's groomers.

Xavier graduated from Bowdoin College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and theatre. When not showing his dogs, Xavier enjoys training in Jujutsu and Judo and spending time with his wife and friends back at home in New York City.