Handlers to Watch For at Westminster

Kaz Hosaka is an American dog handler and trainer. A native of Japan, Hosaka moved to the United States at age 19 not speaking a word of English in order to pursue professional dog training. He now know for handling Poodles. If you have a Poodle that you feel will make it to the top Kaz Hosaka is the handler you want your dog with. Not only does he handle them effortlessly like any good handler should he is an artist when it comes to grooming them. While you might not like the look of the show Poodle you can’t deny that a Poodle being shown by Mr. Hosaka is not a work of art. His big win: In 2002, his 3-year-old poodle “Spice Girl”, was named Best in Show at Westminster.

Greg Strong  is  less specialized then other handlers but many of the dogs he has handled have been quite memorable. Some Handlers choose to specialize in one breed or one group while others like to diversify who they show. Greg Strong has shown dogs from the  #1 Welsh Terrier in the country in 1989, 1991 and 2000, the #1 Irish Setter in the USA in 1999 and 2000, to the more recent winners like the #1 Lowchen 2006 and the #1 PBGV (Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen) in 2005 and 2006. “Fairchild” (the PBGV). If you were able to watch any televised dog shows during Fairchild’s reign as top dog you will remember the excitement and I am going to win this attitude this dog showed. Mr. Strong always seems to have a very happy dog on the other end of the lead no matter where you see them or how far up the show ladder they are.

Gabriel Rangel Mexico’s all-time leading Dog Handler’s, specializes in the Terrier Group, Giant Schnauzers, Bouvier des Flandres, Bichons. He is best known for his win with Sadie the Scottish Terrier at Westminster a few years ago.  Once again has his sights set on the winner’s podium. This time with Eira a Wire Fox Terrier. Wire Fox Terriers have won Best in Show at Westminster 13 times maybe 2012 will be the year for win number 14 and Gabriel Rangel’s 2nd Big Win.

Angela Llyod a relatively young handler who won Best Junior Handler at Westminster not that long ago. Was the handler who saw the most recent success at the big show. She was the handler on Hickory the Scottish Deerhound who won Best in Show last year taking the big win away from more well known breeds.

Scott Sommer also a two time Westminster Bests in Show winning handler his most recent win was with the 10 year old Sussex Spaniel Stump. He is an all breed handler  who lets Stump and J.R. his first Westminster winner share the bed with him.