The Breeder/Owner Handler | Jacqueline Evans

Interview with the Breeder/Owner Handler Jacqueline Evans

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

Jacqueline Evans: I was always a cat person until my stepdaughters convinced me and my husband to purchase an Australian Shepherd puppy. The Aussie turned out to be more than I could handle, so I sought out a dog training club and that is where I first saw a Shetland Sheepdog. The owners of those dogs must have thought I was stalking them because I could just sit there all night and watch them. Then I would come home and research the breed on the Internet and finally convinced my husband to let me buy one. I started out doing Performance and when I got my first “Sheltie” puppy I was asked if I wanted to try Conformation. The rest is history.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Jacqueline Evans: I’ve been in dogs for 21 years now. Sixteen years as an Owner Handler and 14 years as a Breeder.

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

Jacqueline Evans: Yes, I have attended show handling classes and I’ve taught handling classes too. I’ve attended Rose Chandless’ handling seminar.

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

Jacqueline Evans: I have found all of these helpful, very much so, especially during COVID.

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

Jacqueline Evans: I have competed in NOHS in the past, but once I started winning BOB it was hard to run from the regular Group to the OH Group. Yes, rankings are very important to me. I set goals and the rankings push me along to meet those goals.

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Jacqueline Evans: It’s always fun winning from the Bred-By Class. I love showing in the Specialties under breeder-judges. Both Bred-By and Specialty shows allow me to gauge how well I’m doing with my breeding program. It also opens up an opportunity for me to see how I stack up against my competition under breeder-judges.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Jacqueline Evans: Breeding Shelties is not easy; there are so many variables. I find it challenging, rewarding, and sometimes, frustrating.

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

Jacqueline Evans: I’ve had a few mentors in other breeds who have encouraged me to pursue my goals. I would have to give credit to the two kennels, Coastal and Wintercreek, who sold me my foundations and encouraged me to breed my first litter. From there, I was lucky enough to learn a little from other breeders, a little here and a little there. I never had just one mentor at any given time.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Jacqueline Evans: The Breeder/Owner Handler will always be important to the sport of dogs; they go hand in hand. I wish more Sheltie breeders would participate as Owner Handlers. I don’t think there is anything more exciting than showing and winning with a dog you’ve bred.

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Jacqueline Evans: Read your Breed Standard, embed it in your brain, find a good mentor, then read your Breed Standard again and again and again. Learn it and understand it and breed to it, and don’t forget to take handling classes!

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

Jacqueline Evans: I would like to special another champion to Top 20 again as a Breeder/Owner Handler. Maybe make it to Westminster one day. Winning at the National Specialty Show would be nice, but I’m not there yet.

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

Jacqueline Evans: Oh, many, but one that always stands out is remembering my first points. When the judge pointed at me for Winners, I just stood there jumping for joy, as excited as ever until he pulled me out of the line-up and said, “Well, come on and get your ribbon.” He then went on to give me Winners Bitch at that same show. I pulled a friend who was ringside to take my boy back in while I stayed on my girl for the crossover points during BOB competition. (She was there to pick up a dog from a handler and never stood foot in a ring before.) It was quite something, with both of us being very green and new at this. Luckily, the judge was very kind and we all survived. Later, while taking the win pics, the judge and photographer both had fun with me, making sure I had the right dog/bitch with the right armband number. Certainly a day to remember and one I can laugh at now.