Progressive Dog Club 100th Show – ‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette – BiS & NOHS BiS

Progressive Dog Club 100th Show – ‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette – Best in Show & NOHS Best in Show

1. Congratulations, Sarah Paquette, on your Best in Show win and Owner-Handled Best in Show at the Progressive Dog Club’s 100th event. How are you feeling about both of your big wins?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: Thank you! It was such an honor for Bowie to be selected as Best Owner-Handled in Show first by Mr. Jason Hoke. We didn’t even have time to celebrate before we were back in the ring for Best in Show. Then, for Bowie to be Mr. David Fitzpatrick’s selection for Best in Show… that turned an already amazing day into a dream come true.

2. In the sport of dogs, winning Best in Show at Progressive is a unique achievement. Why is this win particularly meaningful to you as a Breeder/Owner-Handler?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: This win is especially meaningful to me as a Breeder/Owner-Handler because it validates all the hard work we put in. My parents (Mark and Patti) and I work tirelessly as a team to produce healthy, well-structured, beautiful dogs with great temperaments. We have dedicated ourselves to this breed, and to have our dog selected by not just one but two amazing icons in our sport is truly a testament in itself.

3. What is it about showing dogs that has sustained your interest through the years?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: I grew up in the dog show world. It’s something my family and I have always enjoyed doing together. As a child on summer vacation, I would tag along to shows with my aunt and uncle, who were professional handlers (Wendy and Richard Paquette). Later, I worked for my cousin, Jody Paquette, during school breaks. Now, I enjoy showing the dogs my parents and I have bred and raised. We are a close-knit family, and this is a shared passion we all enjoy.

4. Are there particular challenges that come with presenting the Shih Tzu in the ring?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: Shih Tzus are amazing dogs who love everyone, but there are some challenges when presenting them in the ring. One major challenge at outdoor show venues is the weather. Anything from wind, rain, and heat to the length of the grass can hinder a Shih Tzu’s performance. Indoor venues are ideal. This breed also requires a lot of time and dedication to be properly prepared for the ring. The end result truly begins at home.

5. What are some of the positives that come with showing this breed?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: Showing Shih Tzus is a rewarding experience. It takes a lot of effort to prepare a Shih Tzu for a show, and accomplishing that is an incredible achievement. When all the hard work pays off and you reach your goals, there’s nothing more fulfilling than that.

6. Do you also participate in AKC Companion and Performance events?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: No.

7. Can you offer any advice to Owner-Handlers who are looking to compete with a Toy breed?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: I would advise Owner-Handlers to find a mentor in the Toy breed they wish to show. Showing any breed is challenging without proper guidance. I highly recommend attending as many National and Regional Specialties as possible. I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors in my breed. One of my favorite things when I was younger was watching VHS recordings of the American Shih Tzu National Specialties. I learned so much about handling Shih Tzus and various grooming techniques from those videos. Additionally, many national clubs offer seminars during their National Specialty events, and I highly recommend attending them.

8. What does your dog mean to you now that you’ve achieved these big wins at Progressive?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: Bowie has always held a special place in my heart. He has always been an amazing dog to showcase. After achieving his big wins at Progressive, he was rewarded with steak and got to sleep on the bed.

9. Would you like to say a few words to this year’s BIS and NOHS BIS Judges?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: Where do I begin… This was the first time I had the opportunity to show under both Mr. Jason Hoke and Mr. David Fitzpatrick. Both men are icons in our sport. I am so grateful that they both found my boy among two incredible line-ups of beautiful Toy dogs. The quality of competition at Progressive was truly outstanding. Just being in the ring with so many beautiful dogs was an honor, but having the chance to show to two judges whom I’ve admired for years was unforgettable. I would like to sincerely thank them both for an incredible day in New York!

10. What’s next for Sarah Paquette?

‘Bowie’ & Sarah Paquette: This year, I will continue showing Bowie in Canada, and I have a few puppies that will be starting their show careers. Our next show in the US will be the American Shih Tzu Regional and National Specialties. Thank you for this opportunity.