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Gail Morad: I was first introduced to the sport through friends at local dog training classes. I attended a few shows out of curiosity and quickly became fascinated by the relationship between breeders, handlers, and their dogs. The Irish Wolfhound was my breed of choice ever since childhood, and they especially captured my attention because of their temperament, appearance, structure, versatility, and beauty. They are smart, willing, and easy to train. Once I met a few longtime breeders and owners, I knew I had found my place in the sport.
Gail Morad: I have been involved in purebred dogs for approximately 20 years. I began owner-handling shortly after entering the sport, and have been actively competing as an Owner Handler for 12 years. I started breeding Irish Wolfhounds in 2017 with a preservation mentor, and have been dedicated to preserving and improving the breed ever since.
Gail Morad: Yes, I believe continuing education is important at every level of the sport. I regularly attend handling classes whenever possible and have participated in several in-person seminars over the years. Even experienced exhibitors can benefit from fresh perspectives and hands-on learning opportunities.
Gail Morad: Absolutely. Virtual learning tools have become an excellent supplement to in-person mentoring and experience. Videos and webinars can be especially helpful for studying movement, grooming techniques, ring strategy, and breed-specific presentation. Social media can also provide valuable networking and educational opportunities when used thoughtfully. Resources like the AKC Canine College have helped make educational content more accessible to exhibitors across the country.
Gail Morad: Yes, I do participate in NOHS events and appreciate the opportunities they provide for Owner Handlers to showcase their dogs. Rankings can be rewarding and motivating, but they are not my primary focus. For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from presenting quality dogs, achieving breeding goals, and earning the respect of knowledgeable judges and fellow exhibitors.
Gail Morad: The Bred-By Exhibitor Class is extremely important to me because it highlights the dedication and vision behind a breeding program. Winning from the Bred-By Class is especially meaningful because it represents success in breeding, conditioning, and presentation. Specialties are equally important because they bring together breeders and fanciers who truly understand the breed and its history, virtues, and challenges.
Gail Morad: Yes, it can certainly be challenging. While most Irish Wolfhounds are handled by their owners, Professional Handlers bring tremendous skill and experience to the ring, and competing against top campaigns requires commitment, preparation, and perseverance. However, Owner Handlers also bring a unique connection with their dogs, and there is something incredibly rewarding about succeeding with a dog you have bred, raised, trained, and conditioned yourself.
Gail Morad: I have been fortunate to learn from several generous mentors throughout my journey. As an Owner Handler, I have especially appreciated guidance from Linda and Jamie Souza Bartlett and other experienced handlers and breeders in my breed. As a breeder, mentors who emphasized breed preservation, health, temperament, and correct type have had the greatest influence on me. I continue to value mentorship and believe learning never truly ends in this sport.
Gail Morad: Breeder/Owner Handlers are vital to the future of the sport and to the preservation of purebred dogs. They are deeply invested in maintaining breed type, temperament, health, and purpose for future generations. Many of the sport’s most respected bloodlines and influential dogs began with dedicated breeder/owners who were passionate about preserving their breed.
Gail Morad: My advice would be to take your time, study your breed thoroughly, use the suggested health testing and the code of standards of conduct and behavior from the breed’s national parent club, and seek guidance from respected mentors. Breeding should always begin with a commitment to improving and preserving the breed—not simply producing puppies. Learn about pedigrees, health testing, structure, temperament, and whelping before making breeding decisions. Most importantly, be honest about your dog’s strengths and weaknesses, and breed with purpose and responsibility.
Gail Morad: My primary goals are to produce healthy, sound, breed-typical dogs that excel both in the ring and as companions. I hope to continue developing a breeding program that contributes positively to the future of my breed while mentoring newer exhibitors along the way. Of course, there are always milestones we dream about—whether that is a National Specialty win, a Westminster Best of Breed win, a Best in Show, or achieving recognition with a homebred dog—but the journey and the dogs themselves are ultimately the most rewarding part of the sport.
Gail Morad: I had just won Best of Breed at the AKC National Dog Show in Orlando—my first time stepping into the Hound Group at an event of this scale. Everything was going smoothly… until it was my turn for the exam. The instructions were simple: walk my dog to the light on the floor and stop there for the judge’s exam. Simple, right? The light appeared. I started forward. I committed. I believed. And then, with the timing of a magician’s worst joke, the light vanished. So, there I was—mid-stride, fully committed, dog ready, handler less ready—suddenly adrift in space, out of position, out of clarity, and apparently now starring in an unscripted moment on national television titled: “Where Did the Light Go and Why Is She Still Walking?”
Meet the Breeder/Owner Handlers
Meet Breeder/Owner Handlers Jim and Cindy Tomsic and learn about their decades with Pugs, breeding, showing, and competing in NOHS.
