Brianna Hutchins
What is your favorite thing about being a Junior Handler?
My favorite thing about being a Junior Handler is everything you learn along the way. Juniors isn't just about learning how to handle a dog, it's about learning life skills too. It teaches you responsibility, sportsmanship, humility, confidence, and how to keep improving, whether you win or lose.
I also love getting the opportunity to learn about different breeds, understand their standards, and become a more versatile handler. But more than anything, my favorite part is taking a puppy you brought home from your breeder, or one you've bred yourself. Raising and training that puppy as you show them in juniors is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things! The ribbons and wins are exciting, but the relationship you create with your dog and the lessons you learn together are what stay with you long after you step outside of the ring.
When did you start Junior Handling?
I started showing in Junior Showmanship as soon as I was eligible at age nine! Before that, I was showing in Pee Wee, as well as doing lure coursing with my boxers when I was around five years old. I've been involved in the sport since I was born as my parents are breeder owner handler's. It's been a huge part of my life ever since!
What advice would you give to someone curious about getting involved in Junior Handling?
I'd say to find a breed you truly love. Sit and watch the groups, and when you see a breed that makes you think, "I could spend my life with that dog," that's where you should start. Don't pick a breed just because it's winning, pick one you're truly passionate about and that will challenge you along the way.
Be completely open to advice because you're going to get a lot of it, whether it's positive or negative. Take it all in, learn from it, and figure out what works best for you. I also think finding someone you can truly trust as a mentor and breeder is essential. There are so many amazing people in the dog world, but there are also people who don't always have your growth and future in mind. Having a breed mentor who genuinely wants to see you succeed and become a better handler is one of the most valuable things you can have.
I also think it's important to remember what Junior Showmanship was created for. Of course winning is exciting, and there's nothing wrong with setting goals or wanting to earn rankings, but that shouldn't be the whole reason you're out there. I think juniors can get so focused on chasing points every weekend that they can forget the real purpose of junior showmanship. It was meant to be a place where young handlers could learn, improve their skills, build a stronger bond with their dogs, and grow into better exhibitors. At the end of the day, the ribbons are great, but the experience, friendships, and everything you learn along the way is what really matters!
More from Brianna!
How many shows do you compete in per year?: As I usually don't travel very often or far, I usually only attend about one show a month. Sometimes even less, depending on my highschool and college classes or sports. When I do travel it is for a specialty or scholarship opportunity. I like to make the most of the shows I do go to rather than trying to be at every show possible.
What is your favorite dog breed?: What's my favorite dog breed has never been a question I've been able to answer, my favorite dog breed is simply dogs, I couldn't possibly pick one!
If I had to chose the two that are the closest to my heart it would be the dogs I breed and have the pleasure of sharing my home with, Boxers and Manchesters Terriers!
Do you show dogs for other people as well? If so, what other breeds do you show?: I've been fortunate to show many different breeds over the years and have had the opportunity to help people by taking dogs back in the ring, which has also led to several co-ownership opportunities.
My personal breeds are Boxers and Manchester Terriers, both the Toy and Standard varieties. I've also co-owner owned a Dachshund and a Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.
I've worked with and shown many other breeds, especially while assisting professional handlers, which has given me the opportunity to learn how to handle a wide variety of dogs. The breeds I regularly help show include Siberian Huskies, Norwegian Elkhounds, Bearded Collies, Spinoni Italiani, Gordon Setters, and Beagles. Working with so many different breeds has made me a more versatile handler and taught me something new with every dog!
Is there anything you would like to say about the dog show world?: Having grown up in the dog show world, it has always been my happy place. It's a place where I've learned so much, not just about dogs, but about life. It's taught me responsibility, patience, sportsmanship, and how to handle both success and disappointment with grace.
The dog show community has also given me some of my closest friends and mentors. I've met people from all over the country who share the same passion, and those relationships are something I'll always be grateful for!