Janice Hayes
Interview with Handler
BIS Magazine USA February 2021
Hi Janice, thank you for taking the time to answer the following questions for Best in Show Magazine.
Q: Please tell our readers how have you got started in purebred dogs?
A: I actually started with obedience and hunt tests with my dad. Then we fell into conformation when my dad’s new field dog needed to be shown. I was hooked from nine years old on!
Q: What made you decide to become a professional handler?
A: I never imagined doing anything else. Working with animals was the only thing that felt natural to me. When I found this, I studied this sport more than anything else.
Q: Who were your mentors when starting out in the sport of dog shows, and do you still have mentors you go to for advice or opinions?
A: My friend in juniors was Erin Kerfoot. My parents had no show experience, so her family took me under their wing and got be off and running with the basics. Andrew Doyle was my first boss and taught me absolutely everything he could when it came to grooming, trimming, and running the business. Several years in Clint Livingston’s camp is where I really learned to run a set-up, multiple breeds, and campaigning dogs. Then of course Bill and Taffe McFadden really taught me those finishing touches on all of it.
Q: You have had many amazing wins in your professional dog showing career, can you please tell our readers about some of your most memorable and special wins.
A: Every National really gets me every time. They really mean so much. For me, I first saw Westminster on tv when I was nine. I remember it so clearly and I knew I would get on that floor one day. Not just the floor but in that BIS ring. I have been lucky enough to be in it twice. And it was an absolute thrill both times. With Bunny, the Ibizan Hound, it was just an overwhelming line up and to be in the ring when Mick won was absolutely electric. With Liz, the ESS (English Springer Spaniel), was just one of those line ups competing against the best in the breeds under breed and sporting dog people I truly respected. That win was probably one of the most overwhelming moments in my life, where I just said I cannot believe this is happening at least 20 times every hour.
Q: Are you involved in breeding dogs as well?
A: Yes. I proudly breed PBGVs (Petite Bassett Griffon Vendeen) and I absolutely cannot imagine ever not being involved in the breed. They make my whole heart happy every day. I “dabble” in ESS, but I leave most of that to Erin Kerfoot, she seems to have that down pat now. I just enjoy spoiling them.
Q: Good assistants are invaluable to help run a tight ship when on the road, at the shows, and sometimes at home. Can you please tell our readers what you look for in a good assistant and what you hope to teach them in return?
A: Assistants are the backbone. I have been so lucky to have had some really great ones over the years. I was an assistant from the time I was 12 to 25. The dog’s happiness come first. I feel like you must learn what you want to do in your own business and what not to do by different experiences. I could have NEVER gone out on my own after juniors. When I am looking for assistants, I truly want someone that wants to do this as a career. I don’t show as many dogs as a lot of people do, so I want people that really want to refine their skills and build relationships by always keeping things at a professional level.
Q: What is favorite breed to: own, breed and show (these can be three different breeds) and why?
A: PBGVS!!! Sorry I know that is the obvious. Springers and Setters will always catch my eye. I love presenting them and trimming them into such a beautiful picture.
Q: Favorite thing and least favorite thing about being a handler.
A: Favorite thing would be the relationships you build with the dogs. Also, the least favorite is the day they go home. It’s a tough one.
Q: A difficult question but can you please tell us your favorite dog you have shown so far?
A: My old PBGV Texas. I just lost her at 14, but she had zest for life every time she walked in the ring. She was not obnoxious but every go around after her individual would end with her talking. Never a dull moment with that one.
Q: What dog past or present not shown by you would you have loved to show?
A: Mick for sure. I was lucky enough to spend time with him. Man was he an impressive guy. He would stare through your soul, but I think one lap around a ring would have been amazing.
Q: What is your favorite show to attend each year and why?
A: Westminster for me. It is my drug. Lol
Q: How do you feel about the change of venue/date for the Westminster Kennel Club?
A: It won’t be exactly the same, but I think they will make it so special. And the backdrop will be just awesome. I went to those grounds once and it was just a beautiful setting. I am excited about it.
Q: Would you like to become a judge some day?
A: I am really torn on this. I think I would be interested in specialties about those breeds I’m passionate about. But I don’t think I would want to do a lot of groups.
Q: Which owner, breeder, handler or judge you most respect. And why?
A: I feel like for me that is easy. I feel like Pat Trotter has done absolutely every part of this sport with grace. To talk to her you just absorb so much information and its never enough. There are many judges I respect, but to see her passion in her breeding program, roll over to showing, and then into judging. Her willingness to share what she has learned so freely is something to admire.
Q: If you were not a Professional Handler what career would you choose?
A: I had never thought of anything else. Now Nails.
Q: We know you started a little side business during COVID-19, how did you feel during this time of no shows and what makes you start a new venture?
A: I found Color Street nails and have absolutely LOVED learning how the business side of this works. The nails were just a fix I needed! But I have truly fallen in love with the business, my customers, and my team of rock stars too.
Q: How do you see shows after COVID-19?
A: I think the shows will hopefully even out again. I am not a huge fan of shows every day of the week. I think dogs need rest just like we do at home. I am hoping the West Coast will get more shows out here again. As well as getting a bigger variety of judges back. Last year was very challenging showing to the same handful over and over. I know we will all be happier when things are safer for everyone again.
Q: One last thing, please tell us what future do you see for yourself? Working with dogs, as a judge, or simply move somewhere and enjoy retirement.
A: Honestly this time home with my own dogs and training my own puppies has really been eye opening. I truly love being home. I miss shows but when we were only getting two days home a week, if that, it was rough. I’m hoping to slow down a bit and try to do a little more breeding as well as shows. I still have some awesome dogs to get out there but we have our own goals with them so we will be out and about but trying to skip out on the two-month trips like we had to go on last year.
