Page 158 - ShowSight - June 2020
P. 158

                BREEDER/OWNER-HANDLER Q&A
I’m not sure if you can put an importance label on the Owner-Handled Series itself. However, it has been an avenue for owners to showcase their dogs without the stress of full-time travel or cash outlay for a pro handler. That being said, breeder/owner-handlers have the entire burden of funding their campaign for a dog.”
 Therefore, they need to be well-socialized along with an attitude of desire to please and work.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I do not compete in the Owner-Handled Series.
What has been my greatest challenge as a breeder/owner-han- dler? One of the biggest challenges is to attend shows every week- end. Owning a business, training, grooming, keeping up with your rig repair and maintenance are, at times, overwhelming. Occasion- ally I must choose what is best for my business, my dogs, and my husband. It’s not always what I want to do, but it is what I must do to keep harmony within my world.
What has been my biggest thrill as a competitor? First and fore- most, presenting a dog you have raised from the first breath of life; watching the pup develop into a beautiful specimen of breed type with an attitude to please and a loving disposition. The relationship between my dogs and I is one of respect and love as it always shows up in the show ring as well in daily life. My greatest thrill was win- ning the 2019 “Triple Crown” with Ethel the week of our national; two regional specialties before the national and then the national. This was a breeder’s dream come true.
How are me and my dogs keeping busy now that dog shows are on hiatus? I try to do some type of activity everyday with my dogs, whether it is grooming and massage, playing ball or dancing to music for some fun play training.
Do I have any specific goals in mind for my return to the show ring? My goal is to have fun with my dogs, fellow exhibitors and to support my local clubs. Perhaps we will win a few ribbons along the way.
How important is the owner-handler to the future of the sport? I’m not sure if you can put an importance label on the Owner- Handled Series itself. However, it has been an avenue for owners to showcase their dogs without the stress of full-time travel or cash outlay for a pro handler. That being said, breeder/owner-handlers have the entire burden of funding their campaign for a dog. The importance lies in the fact that without owner-handlers or breeder/ owner-handlers the sport of dog shows would not have some of the top-quality dogs or entry numbers they have seen in the past.
The funniest thing that’s ever happened to me as a breeder/ owner-handler? In the Group ring, as the judge sent his cut around the ring individually, there was a post at the inside corner of the first turn. It was my turn with Ethel, and as we started our around she took the inside of the post and I took the outside. By this time, we were in full gait. The only thing to do was to drop the lead so I didn’t “clothesline” my dog. She gaited perfectly, not missing a step all the way to the end of the lineup, stopped and stacked, while everyone ringside gasped and chuckled out loud. You just got to love a ring wise dog.
CHERYL MECHALKE
We live in Northern Colorado. Our breed is Australian Terriers and have been showing them for 14+ years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? When time allows, I enjoy photography and cook- ing. My husband is active in building and flying drones.
How often do I breed? Do I breed to compete in conforma- tion or performance? We breed occasionally, to hopefully have a pup that we can show and lovely companion dogs for others to enjoy. At this time, we have only competed in conformation events, but are considering com- peting in Dock Diving and Fast CAT, as those events are now being offered in our area.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? Not actively.
What has been my greatest challenge as a breeder/owner-han- dler? There are many challenges as a breeder since this is a rare breed. We strive to breed dogs that have sound structure, are healthy and well-tempered. One of the issues we see is that the breed is becoming a bit “oversized,” so we have been working to breed a more “moderately-sized” Australian Terrier.
What has been my biggest thrill as a competitor? Breeding, showing and finishing a dog of our breeding and then being able to “Special” them.
How are me and my dogs keeping busy now that dog shows are on hiatus? We have been working from home, enjoying pups from our recent litter, and catching up on projects.
Do I have any specific goals in mind for my return to the show ring? It will great to see our dog show friends again, to present the “new” puppies, and show well-groomed dogs. Due to no shows, I have been afforded the time to really look at the dogs and consult with others regarding grooming techniques.
How important is the owner-handler to the future of the sport? Moving forward after the recent world events, this [owner-handled] event will probably have more participation as the sport of showing dogs will be much different for all of us.
The funniest thing that’s ever happened to me as a breeder/ owner-handler? Watching my husband showing a young puppy of our breeding that did her down and back on her hind legs! Everyone was laughing, including the judge! At the end of the day, they are dogs and we love them!
ASHLEY MILLER
I live in Cumby, Texas, (small town in East Texas). My breed that I grew up in is German Shepherds, which I still co-breed with my mother under her original kennel name, Windmill. I personally added Cardigan Welsh Corgis to our kennel. I have been in dogs since I was a little girl, so 29 years.
Outside of dogs I did pursue my interest in history and got my degree in history with a minor in education. I also have a passion for films and I enjoy reading.
How often do I breed and do I breed to compete in Conforma- tion or Performance?
We have been having at least two litters a year, usually at least one of each of our breeds. I have been going to conformation dog
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