Meet the Professional Handler: Katherine Wurz

Meet the Professional Handler: Katherine Wurz

1. How did your journey as a professional handler begin, and what keeps you passionate about this career today? (We’d love to hear about your background, your mentors, and your first time in the ring.)

Katherine Wurz: My journey as a professional handler began with a lifelong love for Chow Chows, sparked by my mom and grandma who fell for the breed in the 1960s. Born in ‘78, I’ve grown up with these incredible dogs, breeding multiple champions and Best in Show winners, witnessing countless show wins. It’s a breed close to my heart, and my passion only grows stronger with each hopeful puppy and every dog that gives me goosebumps on the show floor.

I’m grateful to have had amazing mentors like Nina Fetter, who’s more than just a role model—she’s a dear friend. Her guidance in animal husbandry and unwavering support have been invaluable to me. Thank you, Nina, for being a weekly call and inspiration. Your impact on my journey is immeasurable.

2. What does being a “professional” mean to you, both in the ring and beyond? How do you preserve the traditions of being a true professional (and not a self-proclaimed one) and how do you ensure the safety of the dogs in your care?

Katherine Wurz: To me, being a professional is about prioritizing the safety and well-being of each animal in my care, both in and out of the ring. It’s about being a team player, lending a helping hand, and graciously accepting the judges’ decisions—after all, it’s their choice to make.

When it comes to safety, I don’t take any chances. Temp alerts are a must, doors and windows stay open, and I’ve got a plan in place for any situation. Technology is great, but it’s not foolproof—a split second can change everything. My top priority is keeping every dog safe, and I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that.

3. Can you walk us through your preparation process before stepping into the ring with a dog? From conditioning and training to mindset, what does it take to deliver a top-level performance consistently?

Katherine Wurz: Delivering a top-level performance in the ring requires a holistic approach. It’s about ensuring my dog and I are in peak physical and mental condition, from tailored nutrition and vitamins to keeping spirits high. I focus on what makes each dog tick, what sparks their energy and joy. It’s amazing how each dog’s unique personality shines through, and figuring out what makes them tick is half the fun. A positive attitude is key, and I make sure to radiate that energy—my dog feeds off it, and it sets the tone for a killer performance. It’s about being prepared, being present, and giving it our all. When we step into that ring, we’re a team, and we’re ready to shine.

4. What changes have you seen in the sport over the years—for better or worse? What’s your perspective on judging trends, show formats, exhibitor behavior, mentorship, and the influence of social media?

Katherine Wurz: The dog show world has evolved so much over the years, and it’s incredible to see how social media has brought us closer together. It’s amazing how it can shine a spotlight on our beloved sport, connecting us with fellow enthusiasts and newcomers alike. But let’s be real, it can also amplify the noise—the criticism, the pressure… it’s easy to get caught up.

That’s why mentorship means everything to me. Guiding new exhibitors, sharing what I’ve learned, and reminding them (and myself!) that it’s about sportsmanship, respect, and the love for these incredible animals. We’ve got to keep the heart in dog showing, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities to grow and learn alongside this community.

5. How can we teach Juniors the importance of continuing to learn about different breeds, care and training, grooming and handling, and the value of keeping the essence of the sport alive?

Katherine Wurz: Teaching Juniors starts with mentorship and hands-on experience. Experienced handlers, breeders, and judges can guide them by sharing knowledge about different breeds, proper care, training, grooming, and handling techniques. Encouraging Juniors to attend shows, ask questions, watch experienced competitors, and participate in educational programs helps to build their understanding. By emphasizing sportsmanship, respect for the dogs, and the traditions of the sport, we can inspire them to keep learning and to carry on the true spirit of dog showing.

6. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the dog show community today? Where do you see growth, and where is improvement needed? Are there positive trends that give you hope for the future of the sport?

Katherine Wurz: One of the biggest challenges facing the dog show community today is declining participation and the cost of showing dogs. However, there are opportunities to grow by getting more young people involved and using social media to bring attention to the sport. Improvement is needed in making the sport more accessible and welcoming to newcomers. A positive trend is the increasing interest from Juniors and new exhibitors, which gives hope that the sport will continue to grow and evolve in the future.

7. What would you like the fancy to know about you? Outside of dogs, what helps you stay balanced, grounded, or inspired? (Any hobbies, interests, or people in your life who help you recharge and bring your best self to the ring?)

Katherine Wurz: Beyond the dog world, I’m just a homebody at heart. Home is my sanctuary—it’s peace, stability, and comfort all rolled into one. My rock is my husband, Jody, and our amazing daughter, Ashley, who’s celebrating one year of marriage and crushing her doctoral program to become a pediatric NP. And Alaina’s killing it in radiology studies while showin’ off her skills with me in the dog world. Home is where life happens, and I’m grateful for my crew.

8. Lastly, Tell us about your plans for the year ahead. Who will you be showing and what are your strategies for achieving your goals?

Katherine Wurz: Excited for the year ahead! Smash and I are on a mission to wrap up his legendary career with a few more Best in Show wins, aiming to retire him as the top-winning Specialty Shar-Pei and aiming to beat the Best in Show Dog record.

I’m also diving back into Chows with fresh faces—a promising young male and female. My goal? Keep ‘em in the Top Five and enjoy the ride.

And, introducing Gus, our talented Belgian Sheepdog! We’re setting our sights on some big wins with him this year, focusing on honing his skills and showcasing his versatility.

Some goals are just for us to savor, but I’m stoked to share this journey with you all.