Owner Handler Natalie Lewis discusses Longhaired Dachshunds, Bloodhounds, breed preservation, and success in the ring.
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Natalie Lewis: My grandmother introduced me to the sport of dogs. When I was a young girl, she showed Chinese Cresteds and Bichon Frise. I have vivid memories of going to many shows with her and just being mesmerized by all the unique breeds of dogs. At the time, showing was not something I did, but I did other sports. I had always loved Dachshunds, and specifically, the Longhairs. I ended up buying a pet-quality bitch, because it was very difficult to find a reputable breeder who would take a chance on a newbie. I bred that dog and kept a puppy from it to show.
It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I decided to step into the ring for the first time, with my first bred-by Longhaired Dachshund. She placed Winners Bitch both days, under Doug Johnson and Kimberley Ann Meredith. Two judges I will never forget.
My fiancé wanted a more “manly dog,” so we looked into Bloodhounds. When contacting breeders, we really only wanted a companion/working dog, until I saw how much they needed serious people to show and continue their preservation.
Natalie Lewis: I grew up with dogs all my life. I started in Longhaired Dachshunds in 2015, so 11 years now. I added my first Bloodhound in 2022.
Natalie Lewis: I do attend handling classes as needed: If there is a new puppy we are training, if a special has been sitting out and we need a refresher, or if we are working on an issue. I have not attended any handling seminars due to a busy life schedule, but I would never hesitate to attend one in the future. We can never stop learning.
Natalie Lewis: Absolutely! I utilize a lot of YouTube, social media, and Show Dog Prep School.
Natalie Lewis: I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series. Rankings are important. It shows how far we have come. It creates goals—and that is something we should all have, no matter what they may be.
Natalie Lewis: I like to enter my dogs in the Bred-By class. It is a class I majorly respect. It shows the blood, the sweat, the tears, the heartbreak, and the sleepless nights. It showcases what our program is producing: quality, soundness, and consistency with each generation we enter in the Bred-By class. There would not be dogs to show if it wasn’t for the dedicated breeders.
Natalie Lewis: I have not had any specific mentors. I have learned many tips and tricks along the way from many people, including breeders, handlers, and other owner handlers. I have gained a lot of success by watching others and what they are doing with their dogs, what works and what may not work... a lot of trial and error along the way.
Natalie Lewis: The biggest benefit is the bond you create, time and time again, with your dog. The more you show, the better team you and your dog are going to be. A Bloodhound is a tough breed to show and it’s an honor to showcase a quality Bloodhound to the fancy. I can’t tell you how many judges have been shocked that I raise my hand for the OHBOB ribbon when I am awarded Best of Breed.
Natalie Lewis: When people tell me “Oh, I could never do that” or “I would be too nervous to step in the ring,” I like to tell them that everyone, even I, was new once. I used to be very nervous when I would be waiting ringside for my turn in the ring, and even worse when I was in the ring. I still get nervous sometimes.
One thing that I do is block everything else out around me. It’s just me and my dog. And the judge, of course! But I leave everything behind and focus on my dog.
Even an Owner Handler can do it! You just have to have the dedication to do it.
Natalie Lewis: I see a lot of untrained dogs in the ring. I wish handlers would prepare their dogs more before deciding to enter them. Going to handling classes, watching videos, etc., is so beneficial. Also, early and consistent socialization! The atmosphere of a dog show can be A LOT, and having a socially prepared dog is half the battle.
Natalie Lewis: I have done a lot as an owner handler. I have worked hard to have accomplished all that I have so far. My end goal is to always have a happy dog, that is most important.
We have successfully achieved an Owner-Handled Best in Show. We are Group Winning & Multi-Group Placing. We have placed highly at our breed’s National Specialty. We are top-ranked in our breed, currently No. 3. And we are working towards an invitation to Westminster 2027!
A victory that has eluded us so far would be a Best in Specialty win, and, of course, a Best in Show!
Natalie Lewis: There certainly is! One that I will never forget.
I was showing my eight-month-old Bloodhound puppy at our first National. My first ever National, ever. As I was running around the huge blue carpeted ring at the Roberts Centre, I was watching my dog and, in the corner of my eye, I noticed all my bait was flying out of my bait pouch! I was APPALLED. And I knew that everyone watching, including the judge, was not watching my dog—they were watching all this bait fly around the ring!
My breeder told me that I did the right thing and continued to show my dog instead of stopping midway to clean the mess. Afterwards, she and I cleaned it up before the next class.
Needless to say, I’ve not ever used a bait pouch again!
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