Showdog.com Forum · Alpha Dog Forum

So going through and finding handlers can be pretty time consuming. I do it anyway, but wondering if it really makes that much of a difference?

Yes, they do, for judges that care. I campaign a number of specials regularly, so the time taken pays off for a good look in the group ring.

If you are in a 100 SOP breed or a competitive breed with lots of entries in shows, I'd say they also matter.

There are sentences to look for in their bios and how I interpret them:

"Very political judge, likes to see certain handlers on dogs" = Likes to see one certain handler usually; if already chosen, I don't bother to enter

"Has a tendency to use dogs handled by certain handlers but isn't overt in it" = Has a handler preference; I will enter if I have a competitive dog

"Not very political" = May have a favorite but looks for the best dog

"Not political at all" = Best dog (with a decent handler) will usually place

And of course the owner handler preference (time saver!)

Those are my thoughts, anyway.

Thanks so much! Makes a lot of sense, and will read their bios a bit more thoroughly. Very helpful!!

There are also excessive handler fees too.