Interview With Breeder/Owner Handler Jim Anderson

Interview With Breeder/Owner Handler Jim Anderson

M y name is Jim Anderson and my wife, Jeanne, and I live in the Pacific Northwest with four Bouvier des Flandres (Baas, Alex, Quinn, and Gage) and one Scottish Fold cat (Gigi) who thinks she is a Bouvier.

How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Jim Anderson: I was introduced by my mother-in-law to the Bouvier des Flandres breed in 1996. I came home one day to find a beautiful puppy who, in that moment, decided that he “owned” me. How could I say no? I can relive the moment as if it were yesterday and we were blessed to have Emperor’s Gabriel’s Trumpet, “Trump,” with us for 13 years.

In 2015, I met members of the Columbia Bouvier des Flandres Club and was introduced to Lure Coursing, Fast CAT, and the Conformation ring, which has become
my passion.

How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Jim Anderson: We have had dogs for 27 years, and I have been an Owner Handler for the last seven years. As a Breeder, we have bred one beautiful litter.

Handling classes are not only a great opportunity to improve handling skills, they also provide great socialization for your dog, which is a big pay-off in many ways, including in the show ring.

 

Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Jim Anderson: I have attended weekly handling classes for the past seven years, but have yet to attend an in-person handling seminar. Handling classes are not only a great opportunity to improve handling skills, they also provide great socialization for your dog, which is a big pay-off in many ways, including in the show ring.

Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Jim Anderson: Virtual learning tools have been key for me, especially Lee Whittier’s Dog Show Mentor program which is a combination of virtual and in-person learning. During an intense year in Lee’s program, my mindset/handling techniques/bad habits were literally broken down and rebuilt.

Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Jim Anderson: Yes! I compete in NOHS at every show that offers it, and it’s very important to me. Ranking is important as well, and I’m hopeful that AKC continues to build on the NOHS program.

How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Jim Anderson: The Bred-By Class and Specialties are very important as they are opportunities for our dogs to be recognized at a higher level.

Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Jim Anderson: It’s very challenging, as the Pacific Northwest is home to many highly accomplished Bouvier Breeder/Owner/Handlers. The competition can be spirited and intense.

Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Jim Anderson: I have many friends who have helped along the way, but Cindi Christman stands out as my mentor. Cindi has helped tailor everything I’ve learned into a package that fits “Team Gage.” Mentors also need to set good examples, and Cindi certainly sets the bar for what good sportsmanship in the ring should look like.

Elaine and Louise Paquette of Quiche Bouviers are my breeder-mentors. Their support and encouragement are what has led to our success.

I believe that today, the Breeder/Owner Handler is the core of the sport, and this is supported by AKC, which reports that more than 80 percent of show dogs are handled by their owners.

 

How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Jim Anderson: I believe that today, the Breeder/Owner Handler is the core of the sport, and this is supported by AKC, which reports that more than 80 percent of show dogs are handled by their owners.

What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Jim Anderson:

1. Find a great mentor(s).
2. Find a great mentor(s).
3. Find a great mentor(s).

It’s that critical to your success!

What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Jim Anderson: My goals include making the Top 20, and of course, the Top 10 Owner-Handled in our breed. Naturally, Best in Show is the goal at every show. I know Team Gage will get there.

Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Jim Anderson: Oh, there are many I could share, but the one that stands out the most is when I checked in for my armband at our very first show. Cheryl Calm had taken me to the steward’s table, and as she showed me where to enter the ring (I was really that new), my 85-lb. Bouvier jumped up and landed his front paws on the steward’s table, sending things flying everywhere. Then as I got him off the table, he hit the trash can and sent it and its contents flying. Yeah, it was a real hoot! We somehow ended up getting our first point that day and I’ve been hooked ever since!