German Handlers at Conformation Shows - Page 1

Is anybody else getting sick and tired of the German handlers at conformation shows. This past weekend at the WDA event held in Kentucky was another prime example of how rude and un-cooperative they are. The organizers of the show had a monumental task of keeping this show moving along in an orderly fashion. There were 180 or so entries and the German handlers seemed to want to make a game of trying to make it as difficult as possible to keep things organized. These people are being paid to come over here and show dogs. The least they could do is be cooperative and it would be nice if they would show a little class in representing their country as invited guests of ours. One of these ASSHOLES even decided to beat the crap out of his wife at the hotel he was staying in.  Can you imagine what happens to her back at home if he is stupid enough to pull this crap in a foreign country?

I won't even go in to the politics of these dog shows, but, it is funny that the dogs handled by German handlers at the N.A.S.S. always seem to be the dogs at the top of the heap. How interesting? German judges give better placement to dogs handled by Germans. What a great way to make these shows in to a self-perpetuating business for our friends from Germany.

I think that it is high time to look at banning paid handlers at these shows. (ARE YOU LISTENING MR. SPREITLER?)

Banning!!   excellent idea!!

This should not be about banning someone because of nationality.

I would bet I know exactly who supposedly  beat up his wife. He is infamous in his own country and this country for his boorish and often drunken behavior. The fault lies, in part, with those who hire someone like him. There are, of course, many fine foreign handlers who comport themselves in a sportsmanlike and honorable manner at all times. They represent their dogs and clients, the breed, the sport, and their country well. There are others who go off, including Americans, to a foreign country and act like morons. I lived in Austria years ago for a long time  and believe me, I saw plenty of Americans behaving boorishly.I was so embarrassed by how so many Americans acted that I tried very hard to be inconspicuous.

So my suggestion is that one not consider banning someone simply because they are from this country or that, but indeed because they behave badly. This is also true of the crap that goes on in some trials. Further, if people were not so into placing high in a show to the extent that they would hire someone who acts like this, even if he is a competent handler, then the problem would be solved. For the record, I have seen Americans act in an unsportsmanlike manner here too. So it is not about what country one is from, it is about fundamental character and good manners. One prominent handler from Germany is nothing but a drunk. That should and does reflect badly on HIM, but certainly should NOT be generalized to others, period. To do so is grossly unfair and biased. Personally, I would not hire him if it cost me a high place. It is about bad manners and all of us must insist on standards of behavior too or it degenerates into the stuff you allege. Apparently a handler was incredibly rude as well recently at the USA Sieger Show.

It is about individuals, not groups....

 I have to wonder if the dog was present when the wife got beaten and if so what did the dog do??

I know what would happen if it was my dog. It would never happen again!

That being said there is no excuse for bad behavior and unsportsmanlike conduct. I don't know yet what I think about banning but I wouldn't hire someone with that long standing reputation.

Well said hodie

I agree that the German handlers/breeders are very rude.....we have used many Top VA males in our breeding program and drove many miles....the rudest breeder we have run into was from Germany......just took our 1,0000 had an easy tie and sent us on our way.....no offer of a cold drink on this hot 90 degree day!  After driving over twelve hours.....will never deal with these folks again......wouldn't matter what Top dog they had standing at Stud!   Won't even go into how rude they were to the puppy owners at a show.........what happened to Southern hospitality!  Go back to Germany!

People are rude all over the world. Some people are rude period. Others not. Would I have offered you a cold drink? Sure. Would others, probably. Would all people, black, white, Asian, American, German or Inuit? Perhaps not. Again, it is just as rude to assume that all people of one nationality are this, that or the other, as to reflect on how rude an INDIVIDUAL was. There are plenty of people who have no inkling of good manners. Today, I had a visitor from the Middle East tell me that he went into a bar and was called "sand nigger" by two men in the bar. He was doing absolutely nothing except sitting and talking to a friend. This was America at its' worst. So don't jump to conclusions. What you do is exactly what you note above. Just don't deal with them again and yes, make sure when the opportunity arises, tell those asking you personally about that experience how you found that they were rude. Makes a lot more sense than condemn an entire country of people.

By the way, I paid $1200 to a rude, well known Canadian woman who breeds like crazy, and she did not so much as even give a second tie, answer questions I had, honor the contract or thank me for my business. I won't deal with her again either, ever.

We have many Germans to our club as helpers, guests, handlers, judges etc., and we have always had a wonderful time with them.

Hummm this thread seems rather bigoted complaining about all this. May I remind you the very land your discussing was stolen by Europeans, native tounges and cultures forgotten with a forced new language of English, Spanish and who knows what else is on the platter for delights. So actually you having the problem as you stated, and me as a Teton Sioux ... seems your advocating something you shouldn't. Spatters of ignorance like this is what ruined this country long before the appreciation of the Founders in the Constitution. Maybe you should go back to where you come from, before yall are banned.  LMAO   My bad.

So how did your club's recent show turn out, Hodie? You had a German judge, IIRC.

People are rude all over the world. Some people are rude period. Others not. Would I have offered you a cold drink? Sure. Would others, probably. Would all people, black, white, Asian, American, German or Inuit? Perhaps not. Again, it is just as rude to assume that all people of one nationality are this, that or the other, as to reflect on how rude an INDIVIDUAL was.

Very well put! Some people are A-Holes; doesn't matter what country they are from. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE GERMAN HANDLERS THEN DO NOT HIRE THEM. Most are wonderful and very helpful. If you don't like breeding to a German owned dog then don't! I assure you that there are Breeders and Handlers from the USA that are just as much of a Jack Ass.

Who  can afford to bring a german handler over to the US for a local show? And why would they? I think the politics is gotten out of control. If I see a German Handler at a locai show I immedietey see "politics" and think less of the kennel.

I am seeing more and more politics and less and less quality so I am not impressed by the German Handlers showing up at local or Regional Shows. I am actually more concerned and think the dog is lesser quality and they need a name from Germany to get a rating. This is NO idication of quality but more a statement of big money.

But this is just my opinion and when I spend my money it won't be on some phony first place dog handled by a friend of the judge. It will be on a quality German Shepherd puppy from proven bloodlines.  And I would like to lsay that the American public is not stupid. We know what is going on. So play your game. Lets see who wins.

Chuck