Page 170 - ShowSight - June 2020

Viva, is currently ranked #7 Lifetime All-Breed AKC NOHS hav- ing accomplished a record of 19 OHBIS and 17 OHRBIS.
I have not taken any handling classes or seminars. I have spent hours sitting ringside watching Groups through Best In Show observing the best of the best handlers throughout the country. I have enjoyed working on improving my handling skills over the years.
Our sport is very unique as professionals and amateurs (owner- handlers) compete together. Competing with professional handlers has inspired me to work even harder presenting my dog the best I can, knowing I’m competing against those who have dedicated often a lifetime fine-tuning their craft.
It would be difficult for me to choose one role model in the sport. There are several professional handlers whom I have admired and have influenced me.
I enjoy competing in both all-breed shows as well as specialties. The judge and the competition at a show is what excites me most. My most meaningful wins have been under a judge I admire and with fantastic competition. Our sport is facing incredibly difficult challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. Every week, clubs are faced with decisions regarding show cancellations. My hope is that we can somehow return to shows soon. The experience will undoubtedly be unlike anything we would’ve ever imaged before. I have confidence that the Fancy will prevail.
The funniest thing at a dog show? I’ve shared this dog show blooper before, but it will always be one of the funniest experiences I had. I have a very “spirited” Chihuahua that has made a fool of me repeatedly over the years. She has time and again made me laugh on the inside and die a thousands deaths on the outside. At a Specialty in NYC, the day before she went on to win BOV at Westminster Kennel Club in 2019: after a flawless down and back, she started off beautifully to go around and suddenly sat her butt down for a good ole butt scoot! Initially, I urged her to continue and I quickly realized she wasn’t having it. She not only scooted, but she twirled on her butt. I paused and laughed. (What else was there to do?) She then hopped up and charged forward as if nothing happened. The audience got a laugh and, of course, a friend happened to catch it on video so I can cherish the moment for life.
LINDA BRANTLEY
We live in Lubbock, Texas, and have bred Chow Chows for more than 40 years, as well as Tibetan Mastiffs which we have owned and bred for more than 25 years. My parents bred Pekingese in the 1950s and then Chows, starting in the early 1960s. So I am a second generation dog person.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? As you know, the sport of dogs is an all-consuming endeavor, but we enjoy traveling and spending time with family and, especially, the grandkids.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? I started showing when I was eight and competed some in Junior Showman- ship, showing dogs that my parents bred. But as you are aware, I cannot compete in the AKC Owner-Handled competition as I developed my love of showing and breeding my own dogs into a career, professionally handling many breeds.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on han- dling? I have taken several handling classes and seminars on struc- ture, as well as having many mentors in the breeds. I believe you must develop the picture in your mind of what the ideal dog should be and then you can try to produce it.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? No, I do not.
What are your thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? Since I became one, not because of politics or favor, but by watching and learning from the best until I was able to compete at the highest levels, I feel that competition makes us better as well as producing better breed specimens.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? There are so many who have made big impressions on me, but if I have to name a few I would say Kenny Rensink, Pat Trotter, Michelle Bill- ings, Hal Allen, Langdon Skarda, Annie Clark, and Frank Sabella are some of the people who helped shape my involvement in dogs.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? I enjoy both equally for different reasons. It is great to compete against the top dogs in my breeds, but as important is the ability of my breeds to compete against dogs of all breeds.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? In a word, yes! As long as the breeders are willing to do the hard work of perfecting their breeding and handling to the level of the professionals.
The sport is suffering through the Covid-19 pandemic, but I believe it will return, perhaps stronger, and with more resolve from the core breeders in all of the breeds. There will be many who will have moved on from the sport, but I see it as an opportunity to bring in a new group of people who love the sport as much as me.
SUE & LARRY CALTRIDER
I live in Clinton Township, Michigan. I’ve been showing Ameri- can Eskimos for almost six years.
Do I have any hobbies or interests apart from breeding and showing dogs? Yes. Among many I am an equestrian and also a triathlete.
How long have I been competing as an owner-handler? Almost six years.
Have I taken handling classes or attended seminars on handling? Yes, I started out taking handling classes. My instructor, Carol, was amazing. I have also done a few seminars on handling.
Do I compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series? I do compete in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series. I have shown three dogs and have been in the top 10 with all three.
My current American Eskimo is the #3 Lifetime Owner-Han- dled Dog amongst All Breeds. He is has been the #1 AE for four years; #1 Lifetime AE.
What are my thoughts about competing with professional han- dlers? I enjoy competing with both owner-handled dogs and profes- sionally-handled as well. A lot of what I have learned comes from watching professionals.
Who are my role models when it comes to showing dogs? My breeders: Stephanie Strunk Paulson and Kathleen Strunk and Bon- nie Hammond Brown.
Do I prefer to compete at specialties or at all-breed shows? All-Breed shows. American Eskimos do not have many specialties, unfortunately.
Does the future look bright for owner-handlers? I am very optimistic. I know a lot of my friends really enjoy the Owner-Handled competition.
So many of us have also done well in the regular rankings too. My current American Eskimo Dog INT CH CKC CH UKC BISS RBIS GCH AKC MRBIS GCHG Anana’s Rhinestone Cowboy CGCA CA TKN FDC SPOT has been in the top 5 for both breed and all-breed for four years and is currently the #2 Breed and #2 All-Breed, all-systems.
The funniest thing I’ve ever experienced as an owner-handler? Winning a BISOH and not hearing the judge when he announced who won and standing there waiting to see who it was.
168 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2020
OWNER-HANLDER Q&A