Barbara J. Andrews "Bill and BJ" were married forty nine years. Bill passed away in November 2005. Barbara is a professional author, journalist, and show breeder. Their eldest daughter is an author, photojournalist, Masters in the Arts with a focus on animal sculpture. The Andrews were Charter Members of the American Rottweiler Club and owned the #1 dam in 1968. BJ served multiple terms on the Akita Club Of America Board, created the Register of Merit system and published The Akita Handbooks from 1973-76, followed by The Akita Reference. As Chair of the Judges' Education Committee, BJ revised and published the Judge's Guidebook in 1996. |
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The Andrews established Video Express, the first video production company specializing in canine programs and dog events including Crufts, National Specialties, and the Kennel Review / Iams Tournament Of Champions. They imported first English Champion Miniature Bull Terriers, the Puppy Of The Year Winner, and a Junior Warrant Winner. One of their imports was BB at the first National and fittingly, Ch. Surelock Holmes O'BJ was the first Top AKC Winner. Ch. O'BJ Becca Button became the youngest Group Placing MBT and their last litter, co-bred with Fran Milteer, produced the 2004 National Specialty WB and Van Hildrikhusen trophy Winner. The Andrews organized the Miniature Bull Terrier Club Of America, moved the breed to AKC recognition, and Barbara served as first President.
The Andrews have bred over 240 AKC Champion Rottweilers, Bull Terriers, Chihuahuas, Akitas and Toy Fox Terriers. Mrs. Andrews breeder-owner-handled Ch. The Widow-Maker O'BJ, ROMXP to the title of Top Winning Akita of All Time. They exported the first Akitas to Europe and Australia and remain as breeders of over half of the Akita breed’s All Time Top Winners and Register Of Merits. They have also bred Specialty and Group winners in Miniature Bull Terriers, Chihuahuas, and Toy Fox Terriers. Bill was co-owner of “Rio,” a Top Five Toy Group winner in 1998 and 1999. A keen competitor, Mrs. Andrews also campaigned a homebred “TopSpot” Bengal kitten to fourth place in National Rankings. Interests other than animals include the healing sciences, western culture and history, music and travel.
Mrs. Andrews has done feature articles and columns for the AKC Gazette and Kennel Review and was staff columnist for Dog World, The Dog, Working Dogs, and The Canine Chronicle. She currently writes for ShowSight Magazine and does the AKC Gazette breed column. Mrs. Andrews has been published in eight languages, has authored t.f.h. breed books, including World Of The Akita (Book Of The Year nominee) The Miniature Bull Terrier, and the Chihuahua and Giant Schnauzer for Kennel Club Books.
Mrs. Andrews was the first American to judge Akitas at a British Open show and conducted the first breed seminar for the British Japanese Akita Society. A popular speaker, she is still an active educator but prefers the broader applications afforded by the internet. She was course contributor for Canine Sciences Institute and is Editor-in-Chief of TheDogPlace.org and the popular news site, TheDogPress.com