THE BREEDER/OWNER HANDLER: ARACELI ECHAVARRIA
“I REALLY DO LOVE THE CAMARADERIE THAT OWNER HANDLERS HAVE... I HAVE MET MANY [OWNER HANDLERS] WHO ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO GIVE FEEDBACK AND WORK TOGETHER WITHIN OUR BREED, TO BE ABLE TO SHOW OUR BEAUTIFUL DOGS IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.”
So, I know that what Professional Handlers do is amazing! Having said that, the Breeder/OH offers an opportunity for those of us who cannot show on a regular basis, who love our dogs and the connection we have in the ring together, to go out there and compete not only with Professionals but also as Owner Handlers. It is important to note that as much as I like owners to show their dogs, in a breed like the Dogo Argen- tino, it is important that the Owner Handler is very aware of how to handle his or her dog in a way that will represent the breed favorably! 10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)? Make sure you are making the breed better! 11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you? Nationals!!! My GCH Lexus de Casa de la Bahia won BOB at Westminster. I would love to come home with the National win as well! 12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler? I have quite a few funny stories… but I think one of the fun- niest is the time when my dog decided to go for a belly rub during examination. She loves to show and loves her treats during ring time, but she will melt if anyone baby talks to her. The judge had decided to greet her in a very sweet voice and my Lexi decided it was time for the judge to give her a belly rub. So, she dropped to her back, legs up and every- thing! We recovered and won something, can’t remember what, but it was an unforgettable moment!
7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler? It really used to be very challenging. Again, the breed is so young to AKC (recognized only in 2020) that it was very difficult to not only have entries but also to have judges who were familiar with the breed. I can honestly say that we have seen the Dogo Argentino become more recognizable at AKC shows. More and more judges are being educated in the breed and are judging the breed. So, it is a really exciting time to show a Dogo Argentino now! 8. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? I think a reason we have learned so much about this breed is because we have chosen to allow many people in the breed to mentor us. My husband has made amazing connections with great breeders here in the US as well as in Argentina, and I have made amazing con- nections with great Owner Handlers who have helped me with the sport of handling. One of the biggest influences on my handling as I started showing was Aggie Wasson. I met her at a Dogo Specialty and she offered to help me with handling when I couldn’t find any- one else who would. She spent hours of her time teaching me and said that the best I could repay her would be when I would beat her in the ring! I really do love the camaraderie that Owner Handlers have and I am grateful to have met her. Since then, I have met many others who are always willing to give feedback and work together within our breed, to be able to show our beautiful dogs in the best way possible. 9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed? In my opinion, the Breeder/OH is very important. I respect Profes- sional Handlers and all the hard work they do. I mostly handle one to two dogs at shows and I am exhausted at the end of the day.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 2024 | 179
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