Handlers David and Jennifer Harper
Interview with Professional Handlers
Please share with our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs.
I started helping the little lady who lived next door to me as a kid. She had Irish Wolfhounds and Great Danes. She, along with my mother, took me to my first show.
What handlers inspired you in the beginning, and who did you apprentice under?
I started with Ron and Eloise Hudson (Setters and Dachshunds). Then I had the opportunity to work with Michael Kemp. I followed that with the very fortunate chance to work for Jim and Annie Clark. My longest job was with Ron Buxton and Tom Spann (Cockers/Rottweilers/Siberian Huskies).
As a handler, are you more excited to win at an all-breed show or a breed specialty show?
Absolutely at a specialty.
The purpose of dog showing is to compare breeders’ future breeding stock against one another’s. Do you feel your clients have this in mind when they place a dog with you to show? Equally, do you believe this is the mantra of those who show dogs in general?
I think most of my clients have that in mind, and they are also very good about asking for my advice. Sadly, this is probably not the way the majority of dog people think.
Is there a particular breed or group of dogs you prefer to handle? Please give reasons for this choice.
No. It’s more about the bond between myself, Jennifer, our assistants, and the animals that we have the honor to show. This year we have had Chihuahuas and Irish Wolfhounds on the truck, so that’s about as big a difference as you can get! That special relationship you have with your dogs is what really matters.
Do you work with assistants, and if so, what do you hope to impart on them during their time with you?
We generally have at least two assistants at a time. Love and care of the animals is by far the most important thing we can teach.
What dog throughout history do you wish you had the opportunity to handle?
Hatter. I absolutely loved that dog.
Do you have time to breed your own dogs? If yes, what breeds do you raise? If no, is this something you wish you had more time for in the future?
We have a blended household… I’ve always had Goldens, and when I married Jennifer, she brought in Shelties and Norfolks.
What do you think has improved, and what has declined, since you first started showing dogs?
There are so many more long circuits than there used to be. The entries are smaller, but you can still find the quality.
What are some of your favorite shows to show at in the USA and around the world?
I love the Orlando shows in December. There have been several years when it came down to that last show to see who would end the year as number one. It’s always fun to go to any breed’s national, too.
Can you please share some of your most memorable wins?
Winning the Golden National with my best boy, Hobo, for sure. There have been some pretty special Best in Show wins under judges I’ve admired. Watching Jennifer go Best in Show with a Sheltie that was whelped in our living room and that we got to watch grow and mature was pretty neat, too.
Would you like to become a judge in the future? If so, what breeds/groups would you like to concentrate on?
We both have our Juniors licenses. Maybe adding more once we retire from handling. We handle all breeds, so I would enjoy judging all breeds.
You have the power to change dog showing for the better in your eyes, what would you change?
I’m not sure about that one…
What is your favorite way to unwind on days off? Do you have hobbies outside of the dog world?
I love to cook meals for my friends. We also enjoy going to the movies as a family.
What is your favorite holiday destination?
We are water people… beach, lake, river, swimming hole… we love them all.
