Who are the people that help a dog become a winner?

Breeders, owners and handlers all play unique roles in a dog's road to championship. There may be crossover within these categories, with a single person filling several jobs, but typically a dog will have more than one person shaping its career. Take a look at what it means to be a breeder, owner or handler in the world of dog shows.

Breeders
The breeder is the first person to become involved in the life of a show dog. They breed the sire (father) and dam (mother) and oversee the first few weeks of life for the puppies in the litter. A breeder must be very responsible and concerned with the well-being of all of the dogs in his or her care. They must have intimate knowledge of breed standards and AKC regulations. Once a new litter is born, the breeder frequently registers the litter with the AKC and provides AKC documentation to the new owners. Breeders should also screen potential owners to make sure that they can provide a good home for the new pooch.

Owners
Owners are the key decision makers in a potential show dog’s life. Ultimately, they must decide if the dog they have chosen has what it takes to be a competitor. Factors affecting this choice include a dog’s conformation to breed standards, ability to be trained and a winning personality. Without all three of these qualities, a dog cannot be a success in the dog show world. An owner must also decide if they have the time and money to devote to preparing an award-winning pooch. Expenses include training, grooming, handlers’ fees, travel expenses, supplies and entry fees. An owner must weigh all of these factors before making a decision about the future of their furry friend.

Handlers
Handlers are the ones who step into the ring with the dog. They frequently show several dogs during the same competition and often serve as the tour manager, caretaker and chauffeur for their four-legged charges. A thorough knowledge of the breeds that they show and the rules of competition are mandatory requirements for a successful handler. Handlers spend a lot of time training the dogs and preparing them to show. From an early age, puppies must be taught to accept grooming, handling, and inspection from nosy judges. They also need to be acclimated to the distracting atmosphere of a dog show. It's part of a handler's job to get their charges up to speed and into the ring.