As a novice owner-handler, Antoinelle Vulpis and her 8-year-old Skye Terrier GCHS CH. Gleanntan’s Sure Shot Greyjoy ‘Archer’ won two prestigious dog shows, proving that childhood dreams can come true.
This dynamic duo won the competitive Terrier Group at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Archer was the first Skye Terrier to win Best in Show at the Montgomery County Kennel Club All-Terrier Dog Show in the event’s 95-year history.
Although this long, low, and elegant Skye Terrier deserves top prizes, new conformation handlers with their first show dog rarely achieve these victories. Mastering any new skill takes time, patience, and expertise. Adding a puppy to the mix doubles the learning curve.
Steps to Success
How did Vulpis go from novice to top prize winner?
“I grew up with Golden Retrievers and watching dog shows on TV, but when I went to my first dog show and saw Skye Terriers, I thought they were so glamorous and knew I had to have one,” says Vulpis. “I think I did everything the right way.” Before acquiring a Skye, she researched the breed to discover if a Skye Terrier would fit her lifestyle.
“I learned that the Skye Terrier is perfect for someone who wants a Terrier with low energy,” Vulpis says. “The medium-sized breed is chill and a companion that knows how to turn up the glamour.”
In 2014, Vulpis, a graphic designer in AKC’s advertising department, contacted the Skye Terrier Club of America for the names of breeders in her New Jersey area. The club referred her to the closest breeders, Michael Pesare and Maida Connor, longtime breeders of Gleanntan Skye Terriers in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
“I wrote them a series of long emails introducing myself and asking questions about the breed,” Vulpis recalls.
Pesare and Connor responded with an invitation to meet at the 2015 National Dog Show in Philadelphia. After spending the afternoon with them, visiting their kennel, and spending time with the breeders’ Skyes, they added Vulpis to their waiting list for a puppy.
“I hoped to give showing a try and I wanted a cream-colored male Skye as it reminded me of ‘Charlie’ GCH CH Cragsmoore Good Time Charlie, a cream, and the Best in Show winner at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in 2014, and the top-winning Skye of all time,” says Vulpis.
Skye Terriers come in black, blue, dark or light grey, silver platinum, fawn, or cream, but the breeders had not whelped a cream in 20 years. A year and a half later, they had a litter with two cream males. “The grandsire was Charlie, the same dog who inspired me,” Vulpis says.
Mentor Support is Priceless
Four months later, she took her puppy home, but Vulpis knew little about grooming her dog. Luckily, the breeders advised her on what products and brushes to use. The Somerset Hills Kennel Club in September 2017 was the new owner’s first dog show. While the breeders didn’t enter any dogs, they drove three hours to support Vulpis and Archer.
“I felt nervous and overwhelmed, and it was like stepping into the cafeteria in middle school and not knowing where to sit,” Vulpis says. “It was nice having my mentors there to support me.”
Beginning conformation students often learn how to handle their show dogs in classes, but none were offered in her area, so she spoke with professional handler Ernesto Lara, who gave her a quick five-minute lesson. “He told me to always walk in the ring with purpose, showed me how to hide the leash in my hand, make a left-hand circle, and put my dog on the table for the judge’s examination,” Vulpis says.
Because there aren’t many Skye Terriers who compete in conformation because of their low numbers, there weren’t many shows Vulpis could attend to earn points towards the dog’s championship. When Archer won the Terrier Group at a later show, Vulpis wept with joy.
A Good Temperament Helps
“Archer is the happiest dog, and so devoted to me,” Vulpis says. “Skyes love their people, and Archer is great with strangers, especially my toddler.” Vulpis regards Archer as a pet first and a show dog second. “At home he’s fun, but low key and sometimes a lazy boy,” she says.
Vulpis feels the key to her success in the show ring is that she never assumed she knew everything. She often asked her competitors if she should do something differently. “They gave me invaluable tips on the best ways to trim and which products to use,” Vulpis says. “I want to do my dog justice.”
Determined to earn Archer’s championship and Grand Championship titles by showing the dog herself and hiring a professional handler, Vulpis asked professional handlers for advice. “I enjoyed going to dog shows,” she says. “I liked the atmosphere, and it was my social time.”
After earning Archer’s championship, Vulpis stopped working for AKC as employees may not campaign a dog. Instead, she focused on making Archer the number one Skye Terrier in the United States. The team went to 60 dog shows, but in 2020, their travel stopped when COVID shut down dog shows.
“We had so much momentum and then it was gone,” Vulpis recalls. “When everything opened again, I felt more determined for Archer to become the number one Skye.”
She began working for professional handler R.C. Carusi at shows to offset expenses. “I learned a lot from him about care and conditioning, and the travel eased the cost of traveling on my own,” she says. Vulpis cleaned exercise pens and helped with dog bathing and care. Her dedication paid off as Archer claimed the number one Skye Terrier spot in 2021 and 2022.
After giving birth to her son, Vulpis entered Archer at the prestigious Montgomery County show. Winning Best in Show was a game changer, as people took her dog more seriously.
Her next goal for Archer was to show him at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. “I wanted to win the breed and show in the Terrier Group on Westminster’s green carpet at Madison Square Garden, as it’s the only dog show my parents care about,” Vulpis says.
Before going into the Terrier Group, she felt nervous and anxious. “I put a lot of pressure on myself, but when I won the Terrier Group and entered Best in Show, I was overwhelmed and honored to be there,” Vulpis says. “I knew I didn’t have a shot of winning, so I decided to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience and ensure my dog had a good time.”
Archer retired from the show ring after Westminster. Reflecting on how she piloted her dog from novice to Best in Show and Group winner, Vulpis recommends knowing how to be a good loser and a winner. “You want people to like your dog, and you’re not going to win at every show,” she says. “Focus on being a nice person and helping others.”