From the Owner Handler leash
Elizabeth McCall McElroy
From the owner handled leash
Elizabeth McCall McElroy
Q: Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs and which people were the most important for your beginnings.
A:
Rewind four years: Covid is upon us, and like so many, I sought out a dog to add to our family. I had owned, rescued, and fostered Springer Spaniels for twenty years. By a twist of fate, disappointment from one breeder led me to another breed with opposing characteristics. An Instagram obsession between my young son and myself of watching Chow Chow videos before bedtime led me to take the risk and try a breed I had never met! Not an advised path of action for others, desiring a strong-willed, protective breed that happens to look like a teddy bear could be a big mistake. But I could speak “Dog” and sought out the correct breeder for temperament.
God sent me Hugo and God sent me Amy, his breeder, my mentor, and friend. I inquired about purchasing a cream bitch Chow in the next 4-6 months. Amy sent me a picture of a 10-week-old red dog, which was the last in a litter of six to find a home. My first thought was I don’t want the dog no one wanted. Ping, she sent over a picture of baby Hugo, and without hesitation, I said SOLD! He was purchased as a pet by a family that had never owned a Chow nor been to a dog show. Amy Frick of Rio Chows in the Atlanta area championed and grand championed him quickly. I tried my hand on the lead and instantly learned humility. Over the next 6 months in the ring, Amy coached me after every confusing, embarrassing, and defeating moment until she said, “OK, you are now ready for the real training!” She spent a few hours going over precise handling skills. I had to fail to learn. Curiosity and courage kept me coming back to learn more about how to be successful in this breed. I took him to the number four Chow in 2022 and the number two Chow in 2023. Currently ranked as the number one NOHS Chow and in the top 25 for NOHS All Breed, Hugo’s Grand Champion status turned Gold this year. I would not be writing these words today had Amy not guided my growth. She is a treasure to the breed of Chow Chows and instrumental in bringing new people to the Fancy.
Q: What breeds of dogs have you shown over the years, and which breeds are your favorite to work with?
A:
I have only been exhibiting dogs for two years. While Chows are my breed of choice, I did champion my Australian Shepherd this year. She is the yin to the yang of the Chows! A beautifully moving Aussie on a loose lead is fun to show. She brings so much joy to me.
I find showing a Chow a gamble of what is going to show up that day. I love the challenge of a stubborn breed. Can I be prepared to do my best by the dog before leaving for the show? Can I have him in the right head space and coiffed perfectly the morning of the show? And in the ring, can I manage any shift in mood or energy? Winning for me is not found in being handed a ribbon but in whether I showed the dog to his best example of the breed.
Q: Please share with our readers some of your highlights in the show ring as an owner-handler, so far.
A:
I am truly honored when a judge sees past the novice, awkward handler and awards the beauty and strength in my dog. Hugo has received two Reserve Best in Show wins in lineups amongst the country’s top dogs. Those wins will forever be imprinted in my memory. I am also proud that this young Chow, who needs a few more years to be considered mature, has won the Award of Merit at five of the six Regional Specialties during the Chow Chow Club Inc National Week over the past three years. To me, that demonstrates the consistency I want from him. I look forward to his future, as well as the future of my new girl puppy, Honey, who has won SIX Best Beginner Puppy in Show awards. Winning those ribbons was a blast because she was so new to me. As an imported dog at four months, she barely understood English or even her name at the time.
Q: What makes you more excited – winning an all-breed Best in Show or a Specialty Best in Show?
A:
An all-breed Best in Show means your dog had to win in three different shows under a variety of judges in one day. To me, that is the ultimate win. However, a National Specialty Best in Show would be equivalent or even better! Both are dreams of mine. My breed is on the low entry list, and our Specialties vary in attendance. Whether it is in breed or group, I always value the win based on who is in the ring with me that day, not by the color of the ribbon.
Q: On the whole, do you believe there are too many all-rounder judges judging your breed and not enough breed or group specialists?
A:
I am happy with the number of “all-rounder” and group specialist judges. I feel their knowledge of a variety of breeds and their length of time in the Fancy benefits our breed. Where I would like to see a change is for NOHS (National Owner Handled Series) to one day have group-approved judges assigned to their respective groups at every show. The NOHS is instrumental in the development of future breeders because it encourages the joy of the sport, fine-tuning of skills, camaraderie among fellow owner-handlers, and quicker introductions to new judges.
Q: Westminster or Orlando? Also, how do you feel about not having Westminster in the Garden anymore?
A:
I have yet to attend the Royal Canin in Orlando, but I look forward to that day. Without question, Westminster is an institution! An event steeped in tradition, pomp, and circumstance, it has all the excitement you would desire in a world-class sporting event. My involvement in dog shows began post-Covid, so I have yet to experience “The Garden.” I have attended the shows at Lyndhurst and the Arthur Ashe Stadium. I am very pleased that the date for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has moved back to February. It is a big win for Arctic, double-coated breeds that lose their coat in spring, though it may pose a challenge for this southerner to make the pilgrimage north in the snow!
Q: What do you think, where in the world does your breed have the best quality?
A:
I applaud the North American breeders who emphasize health testing in their breeding programs. We need healthier hips and elbows in Chows. Hugo and his breeders, Amy Frick and Andrew Eugenio, were awarded the Health Award of Excellence by the Chow Chow Club Inc for passing a lengthy list of health clearances. Chows do not have a one-size-fits-all look; they vary in aesthetics, coat amount, size, and scale. Two Chows can look very different and still meet the standard. The top two Chows currently in the USA are outstanding and I feel would be successful anywhere across the globe. Personally, I love my American-bred Chow’s face, coat, and movement. However, I also appreciate the aesthetics of Asian-bred Chows, which present with an upstanding, dignified elegance without being too heavy or overdone. I recently selected my foundation bitch from a South Korean breeder who breeds for these traits. She moves beautifully with the correct sloped motion that is iconic to Chows.
Q: How do you feel regarding the number of shows held weekly around the country?
A:
The expense of travel can be discouraging, but I do feel there are a good number of shows to choose from in my region. Staying ranked in a low-entry breed can be difficult when regional numbers for competition are scarce. The NOHS has been a good fit for me to compete in when I am the only Chow entered. Driving for entries is not as important when I focus on my ranking in that category.
Q: Would you ever consider becoming a judge one day?
A:
No, I don’t think I will pursue judging. However, I would be honored to help at the breed sweepstakes or B Match level should I be called to do so.
Q: Is there any advice you would like to give to both Professional Handlers, Owner/Handlers, and judges?
A:
Be gentle with new exhibitors and class entries. Starting out takes great courage and is compounded with big emotions, personal risk, and very little mentorship for most beginners. We all enter the dog world as strangers. It only takes a few welcoming people to help ensure the longevity of a breed in conformation. Chows prefer to be approached from the front, not the side, with teeth and mouth examined last. For fellow low-entry breed exhibitors, don’t always follow those building majors. Take your time building confidence in your dog at shows where you might be the only entry. With less stress from a large entry show, you and your dog can forge a confident team without the eyes of competitors on you. Plus, you get to show in groups!
Q: What is your favorite way to unwind on days off? Do you have hobbies outside of the dog world?
A:
Once cooler weather sets in, Hugo and I both love to hike our nearby mountain trails. I normally have some interior renovation project half completed that needs my attention. But I’m a mom first. Most of my extra time goes to my son and making sure his childhood is magical. Traveling with him and my husband to Atlanta or other cities keeps us busy, and the laundry never seems to get folded.
Q: You have the power to change dog showing for the better in your eyes. What would you change?
A:
Human emotions run deep when competition is at stake, and they run even deeper when experience is young. I would hope that juniors and new exhibitors are shown the best side of human nature in the sport. I also hope that the leaders of the sport or breed mirror respect for the dignity of every person and dog, especially those new to the sport.
Q: Is there something that recently moved you?
A:
I arrived late to a show with one crate, hoping for free grooming. It wasn’t looking good for me as I kept getting turned away. A pro handler saw my struggle and said, “Follow me, we have extra room.” It was just the two of us and a few German Shepherds. She moved some tables over and brought a power cord to me. As I looked around, I saw a couple of BIS ribbons lightly tossed on a crate. This level of kindness is contagious. The reverse behavior can be equally contagious if you let it.
