1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How long have you been a Professional Handler? How did you get your start? Who are/were your mentors and with whom did you apprentice?
Amber Becker Briscoe: I live in Salvisa, Kentucky. I have been showing dogs for about 20 years and handling professionally for six years. When I was eight, my cousin Bryon bought a show puppy and started taking handling classes, thinking, “Amber would love this!” He was right. I started taking handling classes with Laurin Howard, a Professional Handler and Breeder of Keswicke English Springer Spaniels.
I showed in Juniors with my Springer from Laurin until I met Perry Hazelwood, who has bred Alaskan Malamutes under the Onan prefix for 40 years. He gave me a bitch to train and show in Juniors, and I realized that Alaskan Malamutes were my heart breed. Perry gave me an amazing start with several fantastic dogs as my foundation. In 2018, he asked me to take over the Onan kennel name and he continues to guide and mentor me in all things Malamute.
I started traveling with Laurin when I was around 11 and worked for her until she retired in 2017, after which I went out on my own. Laurin passed on some amazing clients and invaluable knowledge about training, handling, animal husbandry, and breeding. She is a wealth of knowledge, and I’m still learning from her constantly.
2. As a Professional Handler, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? Has judging changed since you first began showing dogs professionally? What do you think about the number of shows today? Is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
Amber Becker Briscoe: As a Professional Handler, it’s disheartening to see entry numbers dropping so drastically. There are many reasons for this decline, such as cost, cliques, politics, judging, etc. However, I believe the core of the sport, showcasing and celebrating well-bred dogs, is strong. We need to remind ourselves to be kind and welcoming to newcomers, rather than blocking them out. Everyone starts somewhere and I would hate to be the reason that someone didn’t stay. While there are exceptions, I generally see a welcoming, supportive community, eager to educate and bring in new people.
Judging has also seen changes. While I don’t think judging has changed drastically in the six years that I’ve been handling professionally, it has changed considerably over the past 20 years that I’ve been involved in shows. Shows used to feel more straightforward—if you had a good dog and presented it well, you could win. Years ago, it was common to see Junior Handlers and Owner-Handlers winning Groups and Bests in Show. Now, not so much. I wouldn’t necessarily say that competition is stronger, but it is fiercer with many factors at play. While politics will always play a role in dog shows, there are still many good judges out there, and at the end of the day, the good judges find the good dogs.
While I do see the downsides to an increased number of shows, I personally can appreciate it. The increased number of shows offers more opportunities for participation and allows exhibitors to choose events that best suit their dogs and life. For example, factors like judges, distance, and show sites can influence decisions, which is helpful for those balancing other commitments, such as family or work. However, it can also spread entries thin, impacting the overall quality and competitiveness of individual shows.
Social media has had a profound impact on the sport. On the positive side, it provides invaluable educational opportunities and exposure, bringing in new enthusiasts who might not have discovered dog shows otherwise. It allows for the sharing of knowledge, showcasing of achievements, and building of a community. However, it also has downsides, such as online bullying and the amplification of politics within the sport. Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits of increased awareness and community building outweigh the negatives.
3. Have the changes made to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows been good for the sport of dogs? Any thoughts on Reserve Best in Show? What about earning points through a Group win or placement? What about Reserve Winners at a Specialty earning championship points?
Amber Becker Briscoe: Overall, I think the new changes to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows have been very beneficial for the sport. While Reserve Best in Show doesn’t earn points, it’s still nice to receive recognition in the toughest line-up of the day, motivating breeders, owners, and handlers alike. Earning points through a Group win or placement is another great way to promote the sport. Some rare or low-entry breeds now have more incentive to enter shows. Previously, they might have felt there was no chance of points at a show, so why even enter? Now, a quality dog can still earn points in an entry that’s just as competitive, if not more so, than earning points by going Winners Dog or Winners Bitch.
Specialties bring in much larger entries of dogs that breeders, owners, and handlers consider their best. A dog that goes Reserve at a specialty with an entry of 60 quality class dogs is every bit as deserving as a dog going Winners at an all-breed show for a major in an entry of 10, and absolutely deserves the points and recognition. I think earning points by Group wins and placements, as well as going Reserve at a specialty, all contribute to increased quality entries while not minimizing the importance of the wins.
4. Can you share a particularly memorable experience or achievement from your handling career and what it meant to you?
Amber Becker Briscoe: One of the most memorable and meaningful experiences I’ve had as a handler was attending the 2023 Lagotto Romagnolo Raduno (National Specialty) in Italy. I showed my beautiful special, Horizon All American, “Chip,” who won Best of Breed at the largest entry in the history of the breed. He was the first-ever American-bred Lagotto to ever receive this esteemed award. Chip was bred by Bryon Miracle, Laurin Howard, and Andrea Shaffer, and is owned by Ethan Gallehr-Miracle, Bryon Miracle, and Laurin Howard. Chip was Winners Dog at the 2019 LRCA National Specialty, the first multiple Best in Show-winning Lagotto male, and Westminster 2022 Best of Breed winner, yet I still wasn’t prepared for this win.
While in their country of origin, I had the incredible opportunity to learn so much about the Lagotto: its history, working dogs, proper grooming, and presentation. I also had the privilege of meeting the world authorities on the breed, Giovanni Morsiani and Gilberto Grandi, who are both full of invaluable history and knowledge. Gilberto shared fascinating videos of dog shows from his childhood in the 1960s that almost moved me to tears. I showed a 4-month-old puppy for Fabrizio Caira who won her class and went on to win Best Puppy, and a working female for Lena Borssen who won the large working class. I can’t thank these wonderful owners enough for giving me the opportunity to present their beautiful dogs.
The Raduno’s record-breaking entry of 338 Lagotti included participants from 19 different countries. I don’t think I have ever seen a group of dog people come together in the way the Lagotto community did at this show. I met so many amazing people whom I now have the privilege of calling friends. This show had a huge impact on me personally and as a handler. It was the win of a lifetime, but the experience changed my perspective on dog shows and ignited a deeper passion for breed preservation.
5. And finally, do you want to tell us anything else about yourself, your hobbies and interests outside of dogs, or do you have any messages for the rest of the fancy?
Amber Becker Briscoe: How fortunate are we as handlers to have a job we are so passionate about? At the end of the day, we are all here for the same reason: our love for the dogs and the sport. Strive to be the reason someone new wants to come to another show. Let spectators pet your dog. Remember that you wouldn’t be where you are if someone didn’t take a chance on you. Give a new Owner- Handler or Junior your pick puppy and continue educating. Never stop welcoming and educating newcomers, and never stop learning.
