Meet the Owner Handler Judy Hudson

Meet the Owner Handler Judy Hudson

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

Judy Hudson: I was a competitive groomer, and in order to have dogs to compete with in grooming competitions, I showed Poodles for their owners. I was introduced to Rottweilers when I was in my 20s. Jack is my sixth one. I’ve never competed with them until Jack.

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

Judy Hudson: I have been in dogs for 40 years, mostly in the grooming arena. I was on the United States Groom Team in 2004 and 2005. I did handle some dogs for owners who would let me used their dogs in grooming competitions. I finished my Minature Poodle myself, Raine On Dassin Knight Air. I’ve owned six Rottweilers, but Jack is the only one I’ve competed with. I’ve competed with him for three years.

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

Judy Hudson: Yes, I attended classes and took private lessons with a wonderful Boxer breeder from Canada, Medley Small.

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

Judy Hudson: I have not looked into these and have not utilized their tools.

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

Judy Hudson: I competed in NOHS in 2023 and 2024. And yes, rankings are important to me. Jack is the No. 1 Owner-Handled Rottweiler for the 2023-24 season. He also finished 16th among all Rottweilers, with limited showing.

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

Judy Hudson: I enter my dogs in Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience, Scentwork, Herding, and Tracking.

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

Judy Hudson: I’ve had a few mentors, including Medley Small and Rose Robinett.

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

Judy Hudson: I love the competition of going up against the Professional Handlers, and sometimes winning.

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

Judy Hudson: If I can do it, anyone can!

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

Judy Hudson: The Rottweiler is an all-around working dog, not just a guard dog.

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

Judy Hudson: We are sitting at the number one spot right now, so I’m happy with that. Of course, winning in Orlando is my goal.

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

Judy Hudson: Oh, I could write a book. My favorite was making it to the regular Group. I had Jack all set up so that when the judge turned around he would be perfect. Well, I fumbled. The cheese I was using as bait hit the ground and rolled right between Jack’s back legs, so… when the judge turned around, Jack’s head was between his front legs, grabbing the cheese from between his back legs. To his credit, he didn’t move his feet. I just looked at the judge and said, “I dropped his cheese.” She just grinned. My proudest moments as an Owner handler are when the judge does a double take and says, “You’re an Owner Handler?”