Owner-Handlers at Westminster?

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322 – September, 2022

By Caroline Coile

Why were some owner-handlers grumbling after the Westminster television coverage? During the Westminster groups, and especially Best In Show, the commentators repeated several times that this or that dog, including the Best In Show winner, was owner-handled. They were correct.

But many owner-handlers, and even professionals, felt it was misleading, and that’s why some were unhappy. Yes, the handlers were co-owners of the dogs, in some cases even co-breeders. But no, they weren’t what we think of when we think of true owner-handlers. They were professional handlers who also owned the dogs they were showing. That doesn’t mean they aren’t owner-handlers, but it is somewhat different than how most dog show people use the term. There is a perceptual difference between what we think of as a true owner-handler—usually somebody who could qualify for NOHS if they wanted, and who shows only one breed—and a professional handler who is also an owner-handler.

So what? Aren’t the commentators doing the amateur owner-handlers a favor by including them in this illustrious group of winners? Well, okay, sort of. And it certainly makes dog showing seem more inviting, given that this is a sport in which anyone can participate and succeed. I had several less-informed friends excitedly tell me about the girl and her pet Bloodhound who rose to the top at America’s most prestigious dog show—you know, just like the Bloodhound owner-handler in the movie Best In Show!

But here’s the problem: It isn’t like the movie Best In Show. It’s been a long time since a true owner-handler won a group at Westminster—much less Best! Right or wrong, some owner-handlers resented these professionals being labeled owner-handlers, as though they weren’t seasoned professionals. It took away their excuses to their friends as to why they couldn’t win: “We owner-handlers never win at prestigious shows” doesn’t cut it when the announcers just said they did. Surely with a good dog they could do just like that lady did with the Bloodhound, right? Well, maybe. Ideally, with a good enough dog, and good enough handling (which many owner-handlers are well capable of) could win Westminster.

The Trend—at Least in Sighthounds

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322 – September, 2022

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