Vintage Repost: Rizzo--So Much More Than A Best Friend!

Rizzo--So Much More Than A Best Friend!

by

Vicki Bishop

Mary Lou Stiff grew up in a family that bred nationally famous pointers, setters, and beagles.  She never imagined that one day her cocker spaniel, Rizzo, a once in a lifetime dog and her best friend–would be a national champion. 

Rizzo and Mary Lou competed in the 2023 Royal Canine National Championship in Orlando, Florida and won Best of Breed Owner Handled and Best Bred by Exhibitor in the Ascob Cocker Category.  (Ascob is any solid color other than black).  She was #1 AKC owner-handler in Ascob Cocker and the #8 AKC Ascob Cocker (overall).  In UKC, she was #1 in 2022, 2023 and so far in 2024.  She also holds an international championship title as well as her Canine Good Citizen (a test for dogs regarding social manners), and her BCAT in FastCat (a 100 yard dash chasing a lure). 

 

What makes the victory more amazing is the fact that Mary Lou often competes against professional handlers.  As a breeder-owner, Mary takes pride in her connection with her dogs and the support of other local breeders and owner-handlers who have generously offered her guidance and instruction over the years. [Local breeders are the foundation of every breed and are willing mentors.]  Mary Lou encourages new dog-owners to participate in the local and regional events hosted by AKC (American Kennel Club), UKC (United Kennel Club) and other similar associations.  

 

Although owner-handlers often do not receive the same recognition as professional handlers, Mary Lou believes the breeder-owner-handler is the very heart of the sport:  “Without these diehard people who are in it for the genuine love and devotion of their respective breeds, the breeds would eventually die out.”  

 

Mary Lou and Rizzo are a part of a small dog training group that meets once a week.  The group consists of many different breeds and group members who work on training techniques and preparing for competition.  You may see Rizzo out at Lowe’s or other dog friendly public sites along with her friends.

Previously Mary Lou has handled Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds.  Her handling career beganin 1988.  She took a break while raising her family, then began showing Cocker Spaniels in 2012 with a lot of help from her mentor Julie.  She enjoys going to shows and helping people get their dogs into the ring. 

Rizzo will be moving into the Junior Showmanship (Children 9-18 years of age compete against each other) ring some of her special Junior friends in 2024 at Purina Farms in Grey Summit and is looking forward to another season of Fast Cat and Barn Hunt along sid eof her best friend, Mary Lou.

 

Breeder/Owners: Julie Turner-Hayes / Mary Lou Stiff / Jamie Masson

Kennel:  Julre Kennels

Sire:  GCHS CH Brickett’s Don’t Turn Your Back

Dam: CH Jam’s Great Escape

Active Competitions: Confirmation, Fast Cat, Barn Hunt