NANCYWARGAS THE BREEDER/OWNER HANDLER “I am not intimidated by professional handlers; ON THE CONTRARY, I FIND THEM TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE, HELPFUL, AND OFTEN A LOT OF FUN. I have had the good fortune of breeding and showing some wonderful dogs. Professional handlers have always congratulated me on my wins.”
4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Classes? Videos? Websites? Social Media? I have found the classes and videos purchased from professionals to be very helpful and most enjoyable. 5. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rank- ings important to you? I have enjoyed participating in the Owner-Handled Series and have often ranked in the Top 5 of my breed in OH end-of-year stats. 6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties? I mostly achieve my dogs’ championship status via the Bred- By Exhibitor Classes. Although I have not been able to attend National Specialties every year, I enjoy seeing other breeders and wonderful dogs when I can attend. I believe breed clubs should be a venue for their breed, focusing on education, the impor- tance of breed standards, and promoting good sportsmanship. 7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as a Breeder/Owner Handler? I have always found it enjoyable to compete with other breeders who are usually very good sportsmen. 8. Are you intimidated by the Professional Handlers? By the Judges? I am not intimidated by professional handlers; on the contrary, I find them to be knowledgeable, helpful, and often a lot of fun. I have had the good fortune of breeding and showing some won- derful dogs. Professional handlers have always congratulated me on my wins. I am not intimidated by judges, I am in the ring to receive their opinion and judgement, and their view of the breed standard.
9. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? Some of my best mentors include some very gifted professional handlers, several judges, and some fellow breeders. 10. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the dog sport? I believe the breeders have the responsibility of maintaining the quality of their breed. A well-bred, well-socialized Anatolian Shepherd Dog that has been bred to pass on healthy genetics, as evidenced by health-testing, with proper structure and move- ment and temperament can truly do it all; from a family com- panion, therapy dog, service dog, show dog, livestock guard- ian... or doing it all! 11. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? Is there a milestone that has eluded you? I have been blessed with having bred some wonderful ASDs, receiving multiple Group Placements, including Group One, and breed club BOB at a Regional Specialty. National Specialty honors include Best of Opposite, Best of Winners, Winners Dog, and Winners Bitch. Best in Show and winning the ASD Specialty have eluded me. I plan on breeding the best dogs that I can for as long as I can. It is my passion. Winning is not every- thing… loving your dogs is. 12. Is there a favorite story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Favorite Breeding Story: A veteran contacted me years ago. He stated that he had planned to take his life the very day one of my therapy ASDs visited him at a Veterans Hospital. It was seeing the love in that dog’s eyes that gave him hope to go on. Thank you for the opportunity of going down memory lane. You made me smile!
134 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022
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