Meet the Owner Handler: Adam Kucera

Meet the Owner Handler: Adam Kucera

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

Adam Kucera: I was first introduced to the sport when I got an Irish Setter with no intentions of showing. But the dog was under a show contract, so I wanted to give it a go, and now I would like to make a future career in Conformation by being a Professional Handler one day.

2. How many years in dogs? In your breed?

Adam Kucera: I’ve been showing my Irish Setter, Stryker, for three and a half years now. He is my first show dog and got me involved in the sport.

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

Adam Kucera: I have attended many handling classes from the Kennel Club of Anne Arundel and also attended a handling seminar from Mr. Greg Strong.

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

Adam Kucera: Virtual learning tools are very helpful; there are many videos online of handlers showing their dogs that you can watch to try to understand what they do and how they do it.

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

Adam Kucera: I compete in the NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series), and I’ve had some amazing wins, such as winning Best in Show at the NOHS Finals in Orlando 2023 and finishing 2024 being the Number Five Owner Handler of all breeds.

6. In which class(es) are you most likely to enter your dog(s)?

Adam Kucera: I normally enter my dog in Best of Breed competition and the Junior Showmanship competition.

7. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler?

Adam Kucera: My biggest mentor in the breed would be Patty Fanelli who has taught me so much about the structure and trimming of an Irish Setter.

8. What are the benefits of competing with your breed(s) as an Owner Handler?

Adam Kucera: The benefit of being an Owner Handler is going in the ring with a bigger bond with your dog as opposed to someone picking up a dog ringside and showing it; you can put all your focus into your own dog.

9. How are you encouraging new exhibitors to participate in the sport?

Adam Kucera: I would encourage newer exhibitors to not be afraid to ask breeders and handlers questions, because a lot of them are really nice and willing to help.

10. Are there any suggestions you’d like to pass along about the presentation of your breed(s).

Adam Kucera: I would suggest for breeders to try to get Irish back toward the Standard of being moderate and balanced, because so many are getting unbalanced and big.

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

Adam Kucera: Two of my biggest goals as an Owner Handler are to win the Irish Setter National and Best of Breed at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

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

Adam Kucera: At the first Irish Setter Specialty I went to, I showed my dog in the 6 to 9 Month Puppy class, went Winners Dog, and when I came out of the ring, his breeder said, “You just got a 5-point major!” At the time, I had no idea what that was.