The Most Important Person in Your Breed

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168 – June, 2026

By Caroline Coile

Who is the most important person in your breed? The icon who has judged the National Specialty in every country? The celebrity handler known for piloting winner after winner to record after record? The backer who enables worthy dogs to be seen in the ring? The breeder of the most champions? The well-known owner-handler? The president of the parent club? Judges’ Education coordinator? Research guru? Rescue saint? Every one of these people can lay claim to being vitally important, and perhaps even the most important. But the truth is, you don’t have to be any of these people to have a profound influence on your breed. You just have to care.

True, the acclaimed judge seems to be perched at the top, admired by all. But in the end, who he points to doesn’t influence the breed all that much. Sure, a few more people may breed to a National Specialty winner, and a certain style may, in turn, come into greater favor, but even though her decision may cause elation for some and anger for others, it’s not going to determine the survival of the breed.

Pro handlers often become the most recognized faces of a breed, especially one in which they specialize. New judges often come to them for education, or unconsciously come to think of whatever dog they’re piloting as being an icon of the breed. They may groom in a style that becomes emulated by others. Many professionals are breeders of that breed, and bound by their love of that breed to “first, do no harm.” But others may not be as familiar with breed priorities and may be prompted more by their need to promote their charge than to preserve the breed. But even if they change the style, their deeds won’t determine whether or not a breed prospers.

Click here to read the complete article
168 – June, 2026

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