Meet the Breeder/Owner Handlers: Jim and Cindy Tomsic

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

Cindy grew up with Pugs; there was always one snorting around her parent’s house. Jim, on the other hand, was not raised with dogs, and was not too happy when, in 1982, he inherited a wife, a Pug (Scooter), and a severe case of culture shock.

Although it was not love at first sight, Scooter and Jim got along well enough so that, in 1983, we purchased our first “show dog,” another Pug. We worked very hard to finish our first champion, Christfer, and became hooked on the sport. Since that time, we have been extremely dedicated to the Pug breed and have worked very hard to support and (hopefully) maintain the breed.

Cindy was honored to have been selected by the Pug Dog Club of America (PDCA) membership to judge Sweepstakes at the 2015 Pug National Specialty in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 2014, she was awarded the AKC/PDCA Good Sportsmanship Award, and in 2018, we were awarded Life Membership in the PDCA.

Jim, whose initial involvement in the sport was, as he would call it, “driving the truck,” has been an AKC judge since 2000. He was honored to have been selected by the PDCA membership to judge the 2008 and 2021 PDCA National Specialties.

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

We started exhibiting at AKC shows in 1983. Our first litter was born in 1987, by CH Broughcastl Bonjor Apollo, “Casey,” and CH Lil’ Golden Dreamer Of Maywood, “Goldie,” who produced eleven champions. Hence the Bit O’ Gold moniker. We typically have one or two (on rare occasion) litters each year. We do not breed to sell; we breed to have quality dogs to show. Once championed, we selectively place them in forever homes. Very rarely do we place an intact dog or bitch.

We are very fortunate that our perseverance has paid off. With limited breeding, Pugs that were bred and owned by us have won over one hundred Group Firsts, multiple Pug Specialties, all-breed Bests in Show, NOHS Reserve Bests in Show, and NOHS Bests in-Show. There is also an Obedience title tucked in there somewhere!

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

Throughout the years, we have attended handling classes offered by kennels or kennel clubs, primarily to socialize the puppies in preparation for upcoming shows.

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

We have not used any virtual learning tools or videos other than reviewing videos we take at the shows.

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

We have participated in the AKC National Owner-Handled Series since its inception, primarily competing in the series in order to have another opportunity for our dogs to be seen by the fancy. We enjoy competing in the NOHS, as most of the NOHS participants are very supportive of each other.

Rankings are not important, although it is nice when our dogs appear in the ratings. Being out West where there is not an abundance of shows, it is difficult to compete on a national level. It took the AKC several years to implement the series consistently on a national basis with show-giving clubs.

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

The Bred-By Class is very important to us. It is recognition of the time, energy, and sleepless nights put forth by breeders. We have finished most of our Champions from the Bred-By Class, and are proud to exhibit in this class.

Once we realized that the best way to observe the differences in Pugs from across the country was to attend Breed Specialties, we started attending Club, Regional, and National Specialties. We have attended every Pug National since 1987. Unfortunately, entries at Club Specialties have dwindled to a point that they often do not hold a major!

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

The greatest challenge to competing as a Breeder/Owner Handler is going up against Professional Handlers, and judges who continue to point to the Professional Handlers. We are not well known, do not advertise often, and are not active on social media. Those who advertise heavily are recognized much more than those who don’t.

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

We purchased our first show Pug from a local Pug breeder/exhibitor in Denver, Colorado, Dori Carnell (Of the Pines Pugs), who taught us the ropes and helped us along the road. Support also came from Gary and Kathy Spahr (Puzzle Pugs), of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Bonna Webb (Bonjor Pugs), of Loveland, Ohio. These four individuals made the greatest impression on us.

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

Breeder/Owner Handlers are the backbone of our sport. Without them, there would be no dog shows.

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

Start with the best bitch that you can find, then breed it to the best dog that you can find. Not necessarily the big winner or top-ranked dog that some handler shows, but a dog that personifies the Breed Standard. Do your research, go to Breed Specialties, and observe each and every dog/bitch. Do not breed Fido and Fifi just because they are in your backyard. Be prepared for the challenges of breeding: many sleepless nights, the vet bills (C-sections on a Pug), middle-of-the-night trips to animal emergency for that sick puppy, and the heartache of losing part or all of a litter. Then, have a plan as to what you will do with the puppies.

Breeding your own show dog and winning that first point, major, BOB, etc., is very rewarding and makes all of the effort worthwhile.

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

We won our first Pug Specialty in 1988 under respected judge Jim Moran, and have won several since then. Best of Breed at the Pug National Specialty continues to elude us, although we have been awarded Best of Opposite and numerous Awards of Merit at the Pug National Specialty.

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

Several years ago, the first time the PDCA National Specialty was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Show Chairman decided to run two rings at the same time—guarantying to the exhibitors that there would not be any conflicts between the two rings. Since we typically take a handful of Pugs to support the entry, we had the dubious pleasure of running back and forth between the two rings to show our Pugs. At one point, we were standing in the middle of the show room looking at each other, realizing that we should have been in THAT ring with one of our Pugs. We were exhausted!! Fortunately, after that fiasco, the PDCA realized that running two rings at the same time was not such a good idea.