Salem teen, her terrier earn honors at National Dog Show

Natalia Backos and her dog, Boozer, have much in common.

That includes matching pajamas and major wins at this year’s National Dog Show in Philadelphia.

The 15-year-old Salem girl captured $5,500 in scholarships when she was judged as the top junior handler at last weekend’s two-day show.

Under her guidance, Boozer, who will turn 7 next month, took Best in Breed among fellow Parson Russell terriers.

“I don’t think he set a foot wrong that weekend,” Backos said of her dog. “He was on his absolute A game and knew exactly what I wanted him to do.

“I think a lot of it had to do with our overall connection. He’s very much invested in me, and I’m invested in him. We always get complemented at shows on our teamwork and connection.”

Boozer also is “very food-motivated,” Backos said. “As long as I have food with me, he’s willing to do whatever I ask him. He loves hot dogs and broccoli.”

Similar to the more familiar Jack Russell terrier, the Parson Russell has longer legs. Boozer, like all other dogs in the show, is judged by how well he conforms to his breed standard.

“They’re very hard-working dogs, and they need a lot of exercise,” Backos said. “They’re not meant to be couch dogs.”

Still, she admits that Boozer “has become a big baby and is absolutely spoiled. He loves sleeping in bed. He has a bunch of clothes, and we have matching pajamas when we go to dog shows and sleep in hotels.”

Based on points awarded at various shows, Boozer is ranked the No. 2 owner-handled Parson Russell on the show circuit. Backos hopes he’ll soon earn enough points to rise to No. 1.

Watch the dog show on NBC

Backos and her family will be glued to their TV on Thanksgiving Day to watch the taped broadcast of the National Dog Show, beginning at noon on NBC stations (WPXI in Pittsburgh).

A third-generation show dog fancier, Backos wouldn’t miss the program on any account. But, this year, she might see herself putting Boozer through his paces in the show’s Terrier group — or working with Fanci, a redbone coonhound she showed while assisting professional handler Mia Speciale.

“Hopefully, Boozer and I will be seen on TV,” Backos said. But, she noted, “Not every breed is shown for the National Dog Show groups, because it would take hours.”

Working with and enjoying dogs since she was 2 years old, Backos is following in the show ring footsteps of her mom, Dawn, and her older sister, Alexandra, 25. Alexandra is a former apprentice dog handler who is now a biochemist in Leesburg, Va.

“It’s been passed along,” Dawn Backos said. “My mother didn’t show a whole lot, but she would take us to shows and helped pay the bills.

“I used to show dogs all the time. But, once my daughters got involved, it was more of being the driver. It’s more exciting to watch them show.”

Parson Russell terriers have wire-haired coats that require regular attention, not just in preparation for the show ring.

“Once or twice a week, Boozer gets groomed,” Natalia Backos said. “It’s called hand stripping. You pull the coat out by hand instead of cutting or clipping it.

“Right before a show, he gets a bath and gets his nails done.”

Natalia has shown Boozer about 30 times in the past 18 months, participating in as many as two shows per month.

When not preparing for or competing in dog shows, the sophomore at Greensburg Salem High School participates in gymnastics, the school’s show choir and gifted programs. She’s leaning toward a career involving mathematics and possibly business.

When not working with his owner, Boozer likes to play with Buffy, a 1-year-old female Parson Russell that isn’t yet ready for the show ring. The Backos household also includes other Parson Russells, a Siberian husky, an English pointer and a couple of Chihuahuas.

“All of our show dogs are pets first,” Dawn said. “They have toys and treats. They just get groomed a little more often, and we’re more careful about what they get fed.”

Last weekend was the second time Natalia handled Boozer at the National Dog Show, marking an improved showing for both of them. The pair also experienced an unexpected first, appearing on a local Philadelphia TV program while in town for the show.

“It was a really cool experience,” Backos said of the TV segment. “They emailed us, saying they saw an article the (American Kennel Club) had written about me.”

Natalia and Boozer have qualified to compete in two upcoming major events: the Royal Canin AKC National Championship Dec. 17-18 in Orlando, Fla., and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show May 8-9 in New York City.

“We’ll go into them as if it was any other show,” Natalia said. “As long as Boozer’s on good behavior and we both have fun, that’s all that matters.”