Meet the Breeder/Owner Handler: Patti Litchfield

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

When I got my first Miniature Longhaired Dachshund back in 1991, my mentor, Alicia Rescek, encouraged me to start showing in AKC competition. In 2011, I was introduced to the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno by Stacy Faw and fell in love with them and had to get one, then another...

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

I have been in dogs for 35 years; six years really competing as an Owner Handler. I’ve been a Breeder for 33 years.

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

I normally attend handling classes at Queen City Dog Training Club in Sharonville, Ohio. I have attended an in-person handling seminar, but it was quite a while ago. I would like to see more of those done.

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

Yes, I look at different pages on social media in reference to the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno. People who have been in the breed for quite some time will post some valuable information on there. And, AKC Canine College is also a good place for information.

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

Yes, I do compete in NOHS, and rankings are important to me. There are a couple of things that are happening that I am not fond of in this group. First, if you win BOB you are marked as the Owner Handler, and you are the Owner Handler, so you should accept the OH ribbon—not tell them (the judge & steward) you are not the Owner Handler and pass it on to your buddy, so they can get the points. Second, if you are not competing for Owner-Handled rankings, don’t mark the book as Owner-Handled; most of these people never even stay for the Group.

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

The Bred-By Class is very important—you can showcase your dogs that you have worked so hard for and also see what other breeders are doing. Specialties, again, are very important. They should be a learning experience for all who attend, ask questions, compare notes, examine dogs, and attend any education provided; there is always something to learn.

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

Yes, because the Hound Group is quite large.

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

I have mentored myself as an Owner Handler. Stacy & Susan Faw, Robin Kirtley, and a few others have mentored me as a Breeder.

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

I think the Breeder/Owner Handler is very important; it gives the people who are not Professional Handlers a place to show in a Group setting and feel competitive. We are a small-entry breed, so it is very important for us to get our breed out there to be seen.

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

Study the breed, ask questions of people who know the breed and have been in it for a while, go to the judges education, go to AKC and view all the information they have, go to dog shows, and learn as much as you can.

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

I would like to stay in the Top 10 with whatever dog I am currently showing. From 2021 thru 2025, I was fortunate to have my male special in the Top 10. As for a victory that has eluded me, oh yes, I would love to win the National Owner-Handled Series Final that is held in Orlando in December.

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

It was late in the day and Hounds were the last OH Group in. As I went around the ring, my thigh-high pantyhose proceeded to slide down… I had to finish with the dog lead in one hand while keeping the pantyhose up with the other.