Chris Bows

Club Head Trainer
Local Trials Helper
National Tracklayer

"Others are far better qualified than me to talk about Chris' skills within the sport. I would like to talk about success, and for me to be successful in any venture, takes a great deal of dedication and a single-minded approach to the task. During my two plus years at South Cheshire, Chris has not only shown these qualities, but has also shown willingness to invest his time in furthering the ambitions of many of his nearest rivals. During most of 2005, Chris and Arnie had to rely on helpers such as my self who have never been trials helpers, and yet he showed he was not selfish by always being on hand to offer advice and put on the sleeve for many of the top handlers in direct competition to himself. In 2006, he again provided helper work for May of the world qualifiers, and found a better helper!!
Chris' passion for the sport is not limited to the best dogs or even the GSD. His tireless efforts with breed dogs and other breeds are an example to all, and I speak for all the members of South Cheshire in thanking Chris for his passion and in hoping that some of that success might rub off on us.
On a final note, it is a great achievement in any sport to be three times National Champion.
Congratulations Chris."

Martin Horgan (South Cheshire Schutzhund Club)

"A Few words about my friend Chris Bows. The first time I met Chris was about 10 years ago when I judged a trial at White Rose where he was a competitor with his Dutch dog 'Van Het Boombos.' I didn't get to know him then; it has been over the past four years that I have got to know Chris. Chris is a very realistic guy, no nonsense, clear, cordial to his friend and always helpful. He knows his own strong and weak sides. In the sport he knows he is strong the tracking and protection. The obedience is more difficult for him. To recognise and admit this is a very strong quality. Friendship is very important for him and he respects that very much. 
He is a fanatic in the things he does and when we are talking about dogs and methods, the days are long and the nights are short. He gets annoyed about making politics in the sport and his handling at the great trials suffer a bit because of this - that's a pity and makes him down - at these moments he doesn't enjoy the sport. Viewed in that light it's super that Chris won the 2006 BSA National Championships. My congratulations for the fact he's carried on." 

Your Friend Ad (Holland)

"Continued success only comes to those with dedication, self motivation and effort and Chris' achievements to date show the level of effort he has and gives to the sport. We should also acknowledge that not only is his own success is down to him but a lot of us, including myself, owe him for the success we have enjoyed. His talent willingness and effort as a helper has let to many dogs achieving success at all levels of the sport over the past fifteen years. 

I will tell a little tale that sums up the efforts that he gives to the sport: 
When Chris first visited White Rose with Bandit it was obvious the dog had been trained in Obedience and Protection albeit not Schutzhund style but trained. I asked Chris if he had been trained to track and we arraigned to meet - a Schutzhund style track was laid with corners and articles. Bandit proceeded to track with head up, tail up and barking every inch of the way finding every corner and indicating every article - a spectacle indeed. I explained to Chris that Schutzhund tracking was different to that he set about re-training the dog. 
Travelling home from a trial some months later Bandit had failed his SchH II track partly reverting back to HIS way of tracking, Chris was absolutely demoralised. 

After half an hour Chris said "in future my dogs will track properly." 

Look at his record after that with ALL his dogs, and when you hear people say Chris always has good tracking dogs, they should be saying Chris' dogs are all taught to track well." 

Richard James (UK)

"It's hard for me to think of Chris without thinking of his family, and the support they give him. It's also hard for me to think about him without forming a picture of him and his dog together. What I like about Chris is his attitude about the sport and the breed. 

Although I'm only only around Chris for a week a year, what I see in him is that James Bond mentality, calm, polite but the killer instinct when it comes to competing and he is always a gentleman. 

Three National Champions is something I can only dream of, that's Tiger Woods kind of success. Congratulations Mr Chris Bows and I wish you continued success in the future with your present dog and new one." 

Wallace Payne (USA)

"During the 9 years I've known Chris I don't think I've come across anyone as passionate about the sport of Schutzhund, but then again I haven't been in fellow competitions company each and every week so I can only comment on a personal basis. Some people may say I'm biased because I bread Chris' current dog, however, I hope those who know me realise I'm not that single-minded and I, like Chris, know Arnie shortfalls are, unforgettably the perfect dog isn't out there to buy off the shelf. Whatever your opinion of Chris he disserves respect, its no mean feat to represent your country four times (inc this year) and win the BSA Nationals three times. His success is achieved by total commitment - tracking every morning before work obedience every night (I think he must missed quit a few!) and protection training as often as helpers are available. So huge congratulations Chris and many thanks for all your help when I was out on the field training Jet, not only do you work your own dogs but you also spend a huge amount of time training others. I wish you all the best for the future wherever that may take you." 

Caroline Robertson (UK)