Interview with Owner Handler Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch

Interview with Owner Handler, Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch

Where do I live? How many years have I been an Owner Handler?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I live in Michigan, and have been an Owner Handler for almost 20 years.

How did I get my start in your breed? In the sport?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve always enjoyed watching dog shows. I got my first show Ibizan Hound 18 years ago after meeting a breeder at the first National Specialty, and again at a local show.

Have I always loved to show dogs? Have I always been a dog person?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I was not born into or grown up in the show world. I didn’t show my first dog until I was a young adult. I can’t say when I started, but it was pure love. I was new, didn’t know many people, and sometimes felt like I didn’t belong. But over the years, I’ve fallen in love with this amazing sport.

Is there a story behind my decision to show my own dog?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: At first it was because I simply couldn’t afford a handler. Then, after I got my first good dog, I slowly started to have fun. Now I can’t imagine not showing my own dogs. My greatest pride is being a breeder/owner handler of a top-winning dog.

What makes showing my own dog so special to me?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: Knowing that my dog is winning on its own merit. The big wins for me mean so much more when me and my dogs are winning them together.

In my opinion, is there a secret to having a great dog/handler partnership?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: The bond I have with my dogs is our biggest secret, I guess. It is the respect we have for each other. I refuse to show one of my dogs if they aren’t enjoying it. We both have to be having fun for the “sparkle” to happen.

Do I compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? If so, for how many years?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I do. I have been entering it since it began. I have shown the No. 1 National Owner-Handled Series dog in my breed for the last three years.

What goals did I set for myself and for my dog in 2022? What about 2023?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: My goal for 2022 was to try to finish No. 1 in Owner-Handled, Breed, and All-Breed. In 2023, I hope to get some of my gang out on the field and finish a few of my young dogs.

Am I going to Orlando? If so, what’s it like to have a top NOHS dog this year?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make the trip to Orlando this year, but I will be cheering on all of my Owner Handler friends. It’s always an honor to represent my breed at the No.1 OH spot.

Just for laughs, do I have a funny story that I can share about my experiences as an Owner Handler?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve had so much fun getting to know fellow Owner Handlers because of the NOHS. There are so many funny and fun moments, I can’t think of just one.