A PERSONAL BEST
THE NOVICE OWNER-HANDLER The conformation dog show is often heralded as the only sporting event where amateurs and professionals compete side-by-side. The playing field may seem uneven at times, but there’s really no good reason why the novice exhibitor with a good dog cannot compete with the pros—and beat them at their own game. Although the preparation and commitment that’s required to win may be more than many novices are able (or willing) to make, “beginner’s luck” is not exactly unprec- edented in the sport of dogs. And once the beginner has expe- rienced the thrill of victory, there’s no telling how far a rookie pair might go. For the rank amateur with a dog that’s turning heads, a few more show handling classes and a bit of guidance from an experienced mentor can make a big difference. “ARDENT EXHIBITORS FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE ENTER THEIR DOGS IN THE NOHS, UNITED BY A COMMON LOVE OF DOGS—AND A DESIRE TO WIN!” THE SERIOUS OWNER-HANDLER The competition offered by the AKC National Owner- Handled Series allows non-professionals to compete exclu- sively with their peers. Ardent exhibitors from every walk of life enter their dogs in the NOHS, united by a common love of dogs—and a desire to win! Beginning in 2021, the Series now offers certificates and pins to commemorate several Levels of Achievement; Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Points for these awards are earned by owner-handled dogs that obtain a predetermined number of lifetime NOHS points: Bronze, 250; Silver, 500; Gold, 1,000; Platinum, 2,000. This same point system is used to determine the annual NOHS Rank- ings, and all owner-handled dogs are “grandfathered” back to the year 2012 when the wildly successful program was intro- duced to the fancy. THE BREEDER/OWNER-HANDLER It’s no secret that the sport depends entirely on the endur- ing commitment of the preservation breeders of purebred dogs. Afterall, there wouldn’t be any shows without the dogs produced by these dedicated folks. But if it’s the breeders’ dogs that allow the show to go on, surely the breeder/owner-han- dlers themselves deserve special consideration. It’s one thing to nurture, condition, prepare, and present a dog at its peak, but it is another thing altogether to do the same with a dog that is the result of generations of careful planning, breeding, whelp- ing—and worrying. Breeder/owner-handlers are as dedicated to their individual breeds as they are to winning an all-breed Best in Show. They serve faithfully as advisors to their puppy buyers, mentors to their proteges, and ambassadors to the gen- eral public. In addition, the breeder/owner-handler often has the “total package” that’s needed to bring along a young hope- ful that’s ultimately capable of challenging all comers in the strongest line-ups anywhere in the world.
Most dogs entered at all-breed shows are owner-handled. Photo by Dan Sayers.
An Owner-Handled Best in Show can be the ultimate goal. Photo by Ashbey.
Classic events such as Montgomery County are serious venues for the breeder/ owner-handler. Photo by Dan Sayers.
128 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2021
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