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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Inga

Where would one find a professional handler to hire. I would like to start showing my Maltese and although I could learn how to do it myself, we have chosen to hire a handler (politics). Can anyone direct me to a listing of them. Thanks so much.

DISCUSSION:

Inga, rather than have someone simply provide you with a list of handlers for you to review, you are much better off discussing particular handlers with other breeders - breeders that use that handler or know them quite well. Many handlers specialize in certain Groups and others handle "all breeds". Still others specialize in particular breeds or types of dogs. The Maltese is a "drop-coated" breed and there are many professional handlers that specialize only in Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, etc. Coat care is critical to success in the Maltese ring - and you can grow a simply splendid coat over a twelve or fourteen month period of time only to have a handler ruin it for you in a matter of weeks. If you wish to email me directly I would feel free to go into more detail. We choose, for the most part, to keep our dogs at home and care for the coats ourselves, and use local handlers (when we don't show them ourselves) where the dog can go out for a weekend and then come immediately back home for us to care for the coats and general health and nutrition. If you are not experienced in maintaiming a Maltese show-coat you may be better off using a handler that has that expertise.Good luck.
-Larry Stanberry Divine Maltese

Larry is correct, naturally, except I would also suggest that you go to some shows to watch the handler before selecting one. There are many fine handlers that do know how to show Maltese and also how to take care of long coats, but my main concern was the treatment of the dogs that they handle. I went to some shows to watch two that I was considering and one of them was exceptional in the care of the dogs. One of them fell a little short in the patience department, while the other was not only an excellent handler, but was very kind and careing for the dog. As soon as my puppy is old enough, I will send him to her to handle.
-Marsha A.

Inga, I agree with both Larry and Marsha. You really want to watch some of the handlers, especially if no win situations. I like Larry may in the future use a local handler but I can't imagine letting anyone take Jaz on the circuit. Her coat is one problem and when you see 10 or so dogs in a motor home I can't help but wonder how much attention any one gets unless it happens to be the top winner for the day.
-Carol A