Page 160 - ShowSight - June 2020

BREEDER/OWNER-HANDLER Q&A
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.”
shows since I was five years old, and competed in Junior Showman- ship from ages 10-18. I do occasionally do performance events such as Farm Dog, Herding Instinct, Trick Dog/CGC, and Rally.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I personally cannot do NOHS, since I show other peoples’ dogs as well as my own. I do co-own a few dogs that I bred that compete in NOHS. (In fact, one is currently the #1 NOHS German Shepherd.)
What has been my greatest challenge as a breeder/owner- handler? Breeding to the standard and not getting caught up in popular trends; sometimes your dogs can look different than other dogs in the ring. My own personal struggle as a handler, as well as a breeder/owner-handler, is trying to show my personal dogs along with client dogs. My own dogs sometimes get handed-off to inexperienced handlers.
What has been my biggest thrill as a competitor? Finishing my first bred-by was a big deal to me, even though our kennel had many bred-by champions at that point. It was still an honor that my mother trusted me enough to continue her breeding program and sign me on to all the dogs. My other big thrill was my first Best in Specialty win with one of our bred-by dogs.
How are me and my dogs keeping busy now that dog shows are on hiatus? We have been improving the kennel, keeping up with coats, working on our dog show van, training puppies, working on some rally, and enjoying some rest from non-stop travel. (Though some of our guys keep running to the vans hoping we are going to a show.)
Do I have any specific goals in mind for my return to the show ring? Finish a few of my bred-by dogs, finish one of my younger girl’s grand championship, keep my young German Shepherd boy in the top 20 and my Cardigan boy in the top 10. I would also be “over the moon” to win my first Group One.
How important is the owner-handler to the future of the sport? We need to encourage owners to show. I have been selling some nice, young show potential dogs to new people so that our breeds and sport will continue to grow. On top of needing owner-handlers, we also need good breeders to continue preserving our breeds!
To this day, the funniest thing that ever happened to me in the ring was a few years ago when my baby sister was upset that both my mother and myself were in the ring showing in Winners with our German Shepherds. She decided to take her shoes off and throw them into the ring. Everyone’s dogs just stood and watched the shoes fall into the middle of the ring as the judge (Mrs. Pat Trotter) just picked up the shoes and said, “Well you’re not getting these back, and also what great temperaments on all these German Shepherds.” At the time it was embarrassing, but now it’s one of my favorite stories to tell.
I can’t wait to get back to shows; it’s been strange being home every weekend. I miss everyone!
KRISTA MUSIL
I live outside of Cleveland, Ohio. My breed is Irish Setters and I have been showing and breeding for 35 years.
Do I have any hobbies apart from dogs? No.
How often do I breed and do I breed to compete in Conforma- tion or Performance? I breed once or twice a year for conformation. I have bred dogs that I have sold that do agility, field trials, and obedience. I no longer have the time for agility.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? No, I cannot. I am also a professional handler.
What has been my greatest challenge as a breeder/owner-han- dler? Being taken seriously by judges who don’t know me.
What has been my biggest thrill as a competitor? My first all breed BIS.
How are me and my dogs keeping busy now that dog shows are on hiatus? I have a regular job that pays the bills, so I have still been working from my home office. I am also doing regular bathing and grooming of all in the house.
Do I have any specific goals in mind for my return to the show ring? BIS!
How important is the owner-handler to the future of the sport? I think it is important for them to continue on doing what they are doing.
The funniest thing that’s ever happened to me as a breeder/own- er-handler? I have fallen a few times on slippery, dewy grass in the morning, but that is about it.
DAVID SALCIDO
We currently are moving out to the country in Valley Springs, California.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breed- ing and showing dogs? Yes, I enjoy fishing, going to the gym, wine tasting and consider myself to be an avid gardener. I love anything outdoors.
How often do I breed? Do I breed to compete in conformation or performance? I’ve only bred twice with my current breed. My first bitch produced this boy that I’m currently showing. I bred her with hopes of producing a pup that I can show in conformation. I also have a young girl that I hope to show after it’s safe to get back to showing.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? This is my first year of showing. I hope to be invited to compete one day.
158 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020