16-year-old Ennis High School student took to the ring at the 150th anniversary of the Westminster Kennel Club

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working with dogs is the relationships you build with them,” explained MacKenzie Moore, the 16-year-old student at Ennis High School who for all practical purposes was born to be a dog handler. “Dogs offer unwavering trust and loyalty. They never question your intentions and are always eager to please.”

Moore took a few moments to sit down and walk The Madisonian through some of the basics of her lifelong journey as a dog handler shortly after taking part in the 150th anniversary of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club. 

“One of my most memorable experiences was attending the 150th Anniversary of the Westminster Kennel Club. As it was my first time participating in such a prestigious event, the entire experience was both exhilarating and humbling,” she said of the event that took place in New York City between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2. 

“Both my dog, Slim, and I performed exceptionally well, and I was genuinely amazed by the number of people who approached us with questions about our breed, our preparation, and our experiences in the ring,” she said. Slim is a Sussex spaniel that Moore is listed as co-owner of along with Slim’s breeders Renata Selbach and Tracy Ferris. Sussex Spaniels have a history of performing well at Westminster. A spaniel named Stump became the oldest winner of Best in Show in 2009 and a Sussex named Bean won the sporting breed category in 2018 and 2019. Despite their success, Sussex spaniels are still fairly rare. According to Gun Dog Magazine, only about 100 of the breed are registered each year. 

“Exhibiting a rare breed at such a high-profile event and receiving recognition for our efforts was not only rewarding but also deeply affirming of the years of dedication and training that have gone into building the career I am passionate about,” explained Moore. “Moments like these serve as a reminder of the unique community, support, and passion that continue to shape and inspire the career I am pursuing in dog showing.”

Showing dogs is a family business for the Moores and has fast tracked Moore’s involvement in the community. 

“My introduction to the world of dog showing came through my mother, who began exhibiting Alaskan Malamutes in 1999 and has remained deeply involved in the sport ever since. Her long-standing dedication laid the foundation for my own journey, as I was born into the dog show community in 2009 and surrounded by the sport from my earliest years.”

“I began actively participating in dog shows at the age of two, gradually developing confidence and skill in the ring. As my involvement grew, I also started learning the fundamentals of grooming, gaining hands-on experience that would become an essential part of my development as a junior handler. These early experiences not only shaped my technical abilities but also fostered a deep appreciation for the commitment, discipline, and passion required in the world of competitive dog showing,” Moore shared. 

Like many dog handlers, the Moores are also breeders, but from an early age Moore’s experience has transcended any one breed. 

“While our kennel does breed Boxers, the majority of the dogs we handle are client-owned dogs whose owners entrust my mother to professionally exhibit them while I assist her,” she explained. “Working with client dogs has taught me a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism, and respect for the trust placed in us, as well as the importance of presenting each dog to the best of its ability.”

“As a professional handler, my mother works with a wide variety of dog breeds, which has allowed me the opportunity to gain experience with many different types of dogs,” she continued. “These breeds range from English Mastiffs to Poodles, each presenting unique handling styles, temperaments, and grooming requirements. This exposure has greatly broadened my understanding of the sport and strengthened my adaptability in the ring.”

Moore was fortunate to be born into the dog handling community, but she is happy to share advice and encouragement with others who didn’t have the same opportunity. 

“My advice for anyone interested in entering the world of competitive dog showing is to seek out a mentor, someone experienced in the breed or type of dog you wish to work with,” she said. “A mentor can provide guidance, share valuable knowledge, and help you navigate the challenges of the sport, offering lessons that are often impossible to learn on your own.”

In addition to learning the ropes of being a dog handler, Moore has gotten to travel all over the country making memories with her mentors as well. 

“One trip stands out vividly,” she said. “I traveled to Enumclaw, Wash., with two of my professional handler friends, Braxton Hernandez and Braden Jones, to participate in two Poodle specialties, events where only Poodles compete for Best of Breed. I had just received my Miniature Poodle, Onyx, and jokingly told them we were going to win the Variety, meaning we would come out on top among all the Miniatures we were competing against.”

“We entered the ring simply hoping to have fun, but to our surprise, we walked out winning Best of Variety in Specialty. The excitement was overwhelming. Braxton ran from another building to give me a hug, as neither of us had anticipated the win. In one moment, we were joking around; in the next, we were celebrating. That trip is one I will never forget, a perfect example of the unexpected joy and camaraderie that makes this career so rewarding.”

While Moore cannot receive compensation for her work as a junior handler, she is gaining valuable experience working as part of her mom’s team called Vintage LLC. She is quick to point out that you don’t have to travel far to gain that experience. Much of the work she has done has been at shows that are closer to home than New York City. 

“I participate in numerous local dog shows throughout the summer, beginning with the first Montana show at the end of May in Missoula,” she explained. “These events take place across the state, including cities such as Billings, Helena, and Great Falls, offering a variety of opportunities for both experienced handlers and newcomers to the sport. Attending these shows not only allows me to gain valuable experience in the ring but also provides a chance to connect with other handlers, breeders, and dog enthusiasts.”

 Moore has more advice and resources for people who think they’d like to learn more about showing dogs. 

“For those interested in learning more about upcoming events, there are several resources available,” she explained. “I highly recommend Infodog.com, which provides comprehensive listings of dog shows and sporting trials happening near you. Whether you are looking to participate, observe, or simply explore the dog show community, this platform is an invaluable tool for staying informed and engaged.”

Moore’s early experiences and commitment to becoming a dog handler have opened the door for her to experience a lifetime of success in the ring.