HOUSE Lauren & Stephanie

Please share with our readers how you both got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs?

Our family of course. Before we were even born, back in the early eighties our parents got into Rottweilers. Our Rotties included a Golden Gate Kennel Club Best of Breed winner. Our family fell in love with English Mastiffs and started breeding under the kennel name BrightStar Mastiffs. Additionally, our grandfather also bred Irish Water Spaniels, and we finished five of them when we were both young girls.

What handlers inspired you both in the beginning, and who did you apprentice under?

A: There have been so many. They all showed awe inspiring dogs when we were incredibly young. We started with Dixie Ray Perry when we were seven, we went on to work for Laurie Jordan-Fenner, Mike Stone, Woody Warnoll and a handful of others.

Lauren – Michael and Michelle Scott.

Stephanie - Gabriel Rangel, Valarie Nunes-Atkinson, and Andy Linton.

How do you decide who handles what dog and does this change weekly?

We have our own clientele, but we show our dogs like we are a team- except for our favorites, we try not to share those.

As handlers, are you more excited to win at an allbreed show or a breed specialty show?

It does not matter. We just like winning and doing an excellent job for our clients.

The purpose of dog showing is to compare future breeding stock against one another. Do you feel your clients have this to the forefront of their mind when they place a dog with you to show? Equally, do you believe that this is the mantra of those that show dogs in general?

We are blessed to work for many long-time active breeders. We also are fortunate enough to work for single dog homes and feel the quality in our truck is strong. We feel that our clientele that are breeders are breeding dogs to better their breeds. But we do not believe that most of the sport is not breeding dogs to better their breeds. They have simply just bought a dog and want to show it- whether it fits the standard or not. To some people this is simply a hobby, sport, or just a paycheck.

Is there a particular breed or group of dogs you prefer to handle? Please give reasons for this choice.

Lauren - I love the entire working group, primarily Siberian Huskies and Rottweilers for their beauty and work ethic.

Stephanie - Sighthounds, particularly Salukis and Whippets for their grace and beauty.

Is there a particular coat type you enjoy working with or one you find challenging?

Taking a dirty dog and making it a shiny show dog is rewarding no matter the coat.

You both have had many exiting wins can you please share some of the most memorable ones with our readers?

Top seven favorite wins: Boston Terrier National Specialty BOB with Tommy, three national BOB wins withMiniatureAmericanShepherds(LeoandDancer), and multiple Best in Shows in other countries. Also, a Best in Show with Emburr under the one and only Judge Joe Gregory. It was his last best in show assignment (fun fact he showed the first Siberian Husky to win a BIS in AKC history). Also, multiple top twenty wins in Siberian Huskies and Rottweilers including Winners Dog from the Bred By Class at the Siberian Husky National and a Westminster Group 4 with Reese the Siberian Husky.

Do you collaborate with assistants, and if so, what do you hope to impart on them during their time with you?

Yes. We want our assistants to care about the dogs and know how to care for the dogs, anybody can run in a left-handed circle. Care runs deeper than making them look pretty.

What hander from the past do you wish you could have apprenticed under?

Lauren - Joe Gregory

Stephanie - Gabriel Rangel

Do you have time to breed your own dogs? If yes, what breeds to you raise and if no is this something you wish you had more time for in the future?

Lauren - I have 25 years into Siberian Huskies. I am an active breeder and regularly have 15-20 dogs of my own in my breeding program that live with me.

Stephanie - It is difficult to be a breeder and a full-time professional handler, but I make it work. Between my three breeds, which are Boston Terriers, Salukis and Whippets I have been breeding for about 25 years. Between the two of us, we have bred national specialty Best of Breed winners, national Winners Dog, Best in Show winners and Best in Specialty winners. We are so proud of the dogs we have bred and raised in our care.

What coast do you prefer to show on?

A dog show, is a dog show. We have friends all over the world and enjoy visiting them!

How do you both feel regarding the number of shows held weekly around the country?

With Covid happening, and with all the calendar changes we are happy to have more time home to enjoy our dogs and give them a weekend off.

What are some of your favorite shows to attend in the USA?

Palm Springs (Palm Springs KC), Fresno (Sun Maid KC), Woofstock (Vallejo, CA) and Montgomery.

Have either of you have shown outside of the USA?

Yes, we both have. We have shown in Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Italy, and England.

Would you both like to become judges in the future, if so what breeds or groups would you like to concentrate on?

Lauren - Yes, some day and obviously working breeds.

Stephanie - Yes, eventually. I would love to judge all the breeds. I cannot wait to get my hands on all of them.

You have the power to change dog showing for the better in your eyes, what would you both change?

If we could change anything in the sport of purebred dogs, it would be the focus of real breeders. The bred by class should be front and center. No more ownerhandler.

What is your favorite way to unwind on days off, do you both have hobbies outside of the dog world?

As breeders, there are no days off. Our hobbies include caring for our own breeding programs, raising litters and sharing the excitement for the new generations. However, we will never turn down an invite to the lake or a relaxing day at the river.

What is your favorite holiday destination?

We are snowbirds and enjoy the Royal Canin show.

Beverage of choice?

Anyone who knows us will say that Red Bull gives us wings.

Do you prefer to cook at home or eat out, and what is on your ideal dinner menu?

Stephanie - Eat out, Mexican.

Lauren - Eat out, Thai!