AKC, PHA and Non-Accredited Professional Handlers

There are many types of so called "professional handlers" to choose from qualified to show your dog, specifically a "Frenchie". AKC and PHA require a certain code of responsibility to follow and respect. Those not affiliated or accepted by AKC or PHA may not follow any code of ethics or care to for that matter, leaving you and your dog in a vulnerable position.


Beware a handler may attempt to con you out of your dog. They may expect the dog to be signed over, to them. They'll keep your dog and you may even be the breeder, owner or even a co-owner. The handlers may present a deal intending to defraud you. You may come to an impasse over lack of integrity and finding the handler dishonest. Some handlers make promises for their benefit, not yours or your dog. Basically some lie about their intentions. What do you do?

You may learn the handler has a reputation of this type of behavior from breed, to breed. A pattern of seeking newcomers, and the inexperienced, falsely embellishing their credentials. They may personally compliment you and your dog to con your acceptance. You may consider them a friend, a nice person and completely trusting them. LEARN THE FACTS FIRST ABOUT THE HANDLER YOU CHOOSE AND MAKE SURE ALL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN WRITING! Stop and think about what you're risking.

You can complain to AKC and PHA since a certified handler should abide by a standard as a business professional. Or, you could loose your dog. Some handlers may breed your dog for income without signed papers. Stud your dog, collect your dog, even spay or neuter your dog. Hide your dog from you even sell your dog. Some handlers are always on the take risking their reputation, why..? they don't have a good one and they're dishonest. Think about it, why would a smart handler risk a GOOD REPUTATION?

Beware some handlers are unscrupulous. Be very leery of a handler, you don't know or have a long standing relationship with, offering to show your dog in exchange for a co-ownership or puppy(s) or a future breeding as payment. Always check references multiple, previous clients first before making any agreement, even check with other handlers too. Expect a contract to explain charges up front. Expect a verifiable, itemized bill to pay. Do not buy some handlers excuses for not getting results. It might be the handler is not strong enough to get results, with your dog or they may intend on dragging out your bill. If the handler pays your dog's entries, you'll owe them more. So always remain in control with your dog.

Do not EVER leave your dog with a handler that does not provide their real, physical address and verify how your dog will be kept. Some handlers actually give a fake address. They may intend on holding your dog, as leverage, for an unfair amount to let your dog go. If a handler doesn't ask for a copy of your dog's papers, assuming they're in order is an oversight. If they ask you to sign a supplemental AKC registration form, look out. Notice dog show catalogs, if a handler doesn't respect you by listing you as an owner, showing only them as owner, proves their interests and intent. Some handlers convince themselves expecting you as well, be convinced, they have the sole right to your dog even if you are an owner. So know better! This is a con game and a very dishonest one. If you are in this situation, file suit. You will find plenty of references after the fact, to not trust that handler, but by then will be too late.

Hire a known, experienced in your breed handler with a proven track record and good reputation. Check references and dog show publications. Some of these handlers don't scam every client, but those unsuspecting are targets. Hire only verifiable and respected professional handlers. A handler should be a good person to deal with having your dog's success and care in their best interest. They should be honest with you on every level about your dog and associated fees. They should not approach you with a client's male, suggesting be bred to your female. Unaware of the quality or pedigrees of the dogs is improper. They should not be looking for stud dogs, for your bitch without your knowledge. They should not be looking for ways to con you out of your dog. They should be upfront with their intentions. They themselves should want agreements in writing and if they don't, look out. They know you'll be unprotected and possession is nine tenths of the law. They intend to be the one that ends up your dog paying you nothing for it. So be aware.

PLEASE HELP! - IF ANYONE KNOWS THE WHEREABOUTS OR HAS INFORMATION ABOUT A 22 MONTH, BRINDLE, FRENCH BULLDOG, FEMALE, registered KNOX MISS THANG, AKA "ROXY" last known to be in southern California, please contact her breeder, owner doguefan@aol.com or this site. The female is unspayed and unfairly held. The breeder received no payment or agreed to sell. Legally all prior arrangments were unable to be unfullfilled, so this French Bulldog should be returned as she was initially received by a non-accredited handler. Any help would be greatly apprecaited.

Thank you.