Page 303 - ShowSight - November 2019
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                 Ashley Mroz continued
adventures, but it all gets better when you get to welcome new members to your dog family, especially when you can see most of the puppies on a fairly regular basis. The best part is watching your puppies succeed in whatever they do—conformation, performance, companion, I love receiving any kind of positive update from their families!
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? I wouldn’t say that’s an advantage specific to owner/handlers any good handler will form a bond with the dog they show on a regular basis.
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? Coming from a rare breed, there are times some all-breed shows are just as large as a specialty or National, so yes a specialty win would be special, but some of those large entry wins are an honor to receive as well.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? I am a Breeder/Owner/Handler and those wins and titles earned are very dear to me, it’s always been a goal of mine since I started in dogs to be able to title my bred-by dogs and it is always a joy when it becomes a reality.
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant balancing act? The summer is one of my busiest times and I unfor- tunately have to miss any Saturday of the shows I enter, but I drove back and forth the “semi-reasonable” distances to fit it all in. I want- ed to complete some goals, but I also needed money to complete them, so it is definitely a balancing act.
How has the NOHS program affected me? I did take part in Owner/Handler quite a few years ago and enjoyed the extra oppor- tunity to show my dog, I have since become ineligible to compete, but I think it is a great program for those new to the sport to get extra time with their dogs and the judges.
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? Go with your gut about anything from which puppy to keep, to placing a puppy in a new home. Also there is no perfect dog, think about your breeding program first before the show ring.
The funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? I can- not think of one offhand, I just remember enjoying themed shows and having the exhibitors be apart of it, like St. Patrick’s Day, Hal- loween, Hippie, or Aloha. I think people are more relaxed and it’s always fun to see everyone join in on the fun.
CATHY ROGERS
In 1973, we purchased a Miniature Schnauzer on the condition it would be shown; something I knew nothing about. Thanks to a great men- tor who is now a friend of 50 years, I learned. In the 80s I saw a Norwich at a show and was smitten. In the 90s during a hiatus from dogs, I bought a two year old Appaloosa. For ten years I lived and breathed horse shows. I learned so much
about movement and structure during that time. Then, I bred my last Norwich, just once more to have a pet for myself. She ended up going WB at the Specialty from the Puppy Class. She is the dam of a Multiple Best in Show winner, a dog handled by myself. It’s been a wonderful ride!
I live in Northern Kentucky and I retired in 2011 after 30 years as an Elementary School Teacher. My passion (outside of dogs)? Family—I have a new granddaughter, my first grandchild. I enjoy spending time with her. Also, I loved showing my horse in the 80s.
I learned valuable lessons about structure and movement during that time.
I’ve been in the sport for 45 years (35 years in Norwich) and my original breed are Miniature Schnauzers.
The toughest part of being a breeder? Choosing the right stud dog for my girls. I agonize over that. The best part is when you choose correctly and you get something better. Also, plac- ing puppies is great; people get such joy from owning a beautiful healthy puppy.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? Absolutely! Living with mine as pets give us many teachable moments. You have the opportunity to discover what really makes a dog tick which allows you to get in their head which a definite advantage!
What’s more important to me, an all-breed win or a specialty win? As a breeder owner handler every win is very important. It’s not easy. But as a low entry breed, Specialty wins allow my dog(s) to shine among their peers.
If you’re a breeder/owner/handler, are your wins that much more special? I think they are. You have been onboard planning the breeding, choosing puppies, conditioning and training the pros- pects, and when it all clicks, it is the BEST!
Is fitting the show schedule into my “regular” life a constant balancing act?
Regular life? When I have a good one to show, other things just have to go on hold. There’s no time like the present. Prioritizing is difficult, but it is the only way to get it all done.
How has the NOHS program affected me? I think it showcases the owner handled dogs. Judges know you as a breeder owner han- dler. I hope that helps them take me seriously.
What advice would I give a newcomer to breeding? Find a men- tor. Study your standard; know it well. It is your road map, whether you breed or not. Handling your own dog, it will give you direc- tion. It can take a while to see success in grooming terriers. Don’t get discouraged.
The funniest thing that I’ve witnessed at a dog show? Well, don’t wear a dress with a full skirt at Muncie shows where they have these huge fans on the ground, blowing into the group ring. I have seen some interesting events because of that.
KIMBERLE SCHIFF
I live in Tenino, Washing- ton and I’m a psychologist.
I’ve been in the sport for 24 years and my original breed is the Doberman Pinscher.
What’s the toughest part of being a breeder? The toughest part for me is being single, hav- ing 100% of the responsibility to raise and care for puppies while also training and caring for my adults who are all being actively showing. I wind up getting up very early, driving
to shows, hiring sitters to come in to sit with my pups and making the sometimes three hour drive home after groups to be able to cam- paign my special and also continue my breeding program. The best part? There is no better reward than a beautiful litter of puppies full of promise in the house or getting into the ring with one I have bred and trained and having that dog recognized for its quality.
Do I feel that owner/handlers have an advantage because of their bond with their dogs? Yes and no. We have a bond and that is very important. Sometimes however we have less time to train and per- fect our techniques with the busy house filled with puppies and
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Breeder Owner Handler Q & A



































































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