Bill McFadden
Dog Handler of Two Westminster Best in Show Winners and Professional Breeder
Bill McFadden is a professional dog breeder and handler in Acampo, California. He has been showing dogs for over 40 years, and has won numerous awards, including two Westminster Best in Show Championships.
Q: Describe what it was like when you found out Flynn won Best in Show at Westminster.
A: When I heard the judge say the Bichon Frise, it was just kind of surreal. You really can't plan for that moment. It was a sensory deprivation kind of moment. I just froze for a second, like everything else ceased to exist. And I just was looking at Flynn's face thinking – it happened!
Q: What’s the best part of showing a dog like Flynn?
A: He's just got a really kind of effervescent personality. He's always in a good mood. He has a unique ability to draw people toward him. I also love the fact that I’m able to let people hold Flynn. I think there's a misinterpretation of what a show dog is. I think a lot of people think they're untouchable or that we wouldn't let them touch them. And they're just dogs that go to dog shows. And when they're not at dog shows, they're just dogs. I like showing people that he's just a little bundle of love. And he likes it. And I think it's important for people to know that.
Q: Is there a certain type of dog your drawn to?
A: My whole life, I seem to be drawn to smaller dogs. I've had successful campaigns with bigger dogs also, but I like showing little dogs. I like showing little dogs who think they're big dogs. I do think there's something striking about my height and if I'm showing a small dog. I think the juxtaposition is interesting. Plus, I like the personality of some of the smaller dogs that they just think the world is their oyster.
Q: Why are you such a strong advocate for Purina?
A: Aside from having food that I believe in, Purina also has people that I believe in. I know they want me to succeed and want my dogs to be in optimum health. They can answer my questions, they can help figure out a formula if I'm having problems with a certain dog. They answer questions you can’t get on the back of a bag. I think that's really important. That's one of my favorite things about the company.
Awards & Accomplishments
- Handler of two Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show Winners, Mick (2003) and Flynn (2018)
- Over 800 Best in Show Wins
- Two Top Dog of All Breeds Wins
- Voted Best Handler in US four times
Purina® Pro Plan® is proud to be the exclusive nutrition of choice for Bill McFadden.
*The handler was compensated for his time and received food as a Purina Ambassador.
Bill Chooses Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula dog food.
To help ensure his dogs are reaching their full potential in the ring, Bill trusts Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula dog food. Take a look at our full line of Pro Plan formulas to find the one that’s right for your dogs.