Nicole Mercado presenting a Biewer Terrier in the show ring

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Professional Dog Handling · Nicole Mercado

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10+ Years Experience✦ AKC & FCI Handler✦ Champions & Grand Champions✦ Yorkshire & Biewer Terrier Specialist

Services

With over ten years of experience training and presenting Champions and Grand Champions in FCI and AKC competition, every engagement is built around one standard: your dog, ready for the ring, at its very best.

Show Handling

Professional presentation at AKC and FCI conformation shows, from class dog to national specialty.

Show Training

Ringcraft, stacking, gaiting and confidence-building — private, one-on-one showmanship sessions.

Conditioning

Weekly bath, blow-out, coat work and road work to keep your dog in peak show condition.

Grooming Preparation

Breed-specific coat care and preparation, tailored to the Yorkshire and Biewer Terrier standard.

Boarding During Campaigns

Safe, comfortable and attentive care while your dog is actively campaigning on the circuit.

Campaign Management

Complete campaign planning, show selection, entries and point tracking toward a title.

About Nicole

Ten years in the ring. One standard: excellence.

Nicole Mercado is a professional dog handler based in the USA, specializing exclusively in Yorkshire Terriers and Biewer Terriers. Over more than a decade in AKC and FCI competition, she has trained and presented multiple Champions and Grand Champions — building each campaign on discipline, coat care and quiet ring presence.

Every dog in her care receives personalized attention: honest communication with owners, health and wellness as the first priority, and a presentation built specifically around that dog's breed standard.

  • 10+ years of professional handling experience
  • Proven results in AKC and FCI competition
  • Specialized exclusively in Yorkies & Biewers
  • Personalized care, trust and dedication
Meet Nicole
Nicole Mercado with a Yorkshire Terrier and the judge in the show ring
AKC & FCI Handler
Handling & Campaigns

Campaigning for your next Champion?

From a single all-breed class to a full national specialty, every dog is presented with the same elegance and discipline — built for the win.

See Handling Rates
Nicole Mercado presenting a Yorkshire Terrier in the show ring
Conditioning & Training

Ready to condition & train?

Weekly coat work, road work and private showmanship sessions keep your dog sharp, confident and ring-ready between shows.

See Conditioning Plans
Nicole Mercado gaiting a Yorkshire Terrier in the ring

Rates & Services

A transparent rate card for handling, conditioning and campaign support. Show and travel expenses are divided equally among clients traveling together.

Handling Services

Class Dog — AKC All-BreedRegular class competition (Open, Bred-By, etc.) $125 / show + exp.
Special / Champion — AKC All-BreedGCH / Special campaign, priority ring scheduling $150 / show + exp.
Ringside PickupMeet at ring; no overnight board or grooming $150 / show
FCI International ShowFull representation at FCI-sanctioned events From $175 / show
Concurrent SpecialtySpecialty in conjunction with an all-breed show $250 / show
Independent SpecialtyBreed-specific specialty, full-day commitment $350 / show
Sweepstakes (w/ Specialty)Sweepstakes class alongside specialty entry $100 / show
National SpecialtyTop-level national breed competition From $500 / show

Conditioning & Training

Weekly ConditioningBath, blow-out, coat work, road work & ring drills $85 / week
Show Training — Private1-on-1 stacking, movement & showmanship $85 / hour

Additional Services

Show EntriesHandler manages entry submissions on your behalf $20 / show
Local Transport (Vet / Airport — Charlotte-Douglas)Pick-up & drop-off $50 / way
Transport — Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta Intl.Pick-up & drop-off $200 / way
Extended TransportQuoted by mileage $0.65 / mile

Bonus Schedule

Best in Show$500
Reserve Best in Show$300
Group 1st$125
Group 2nd$100
Group 3rd / 4th$75
Puppy Group$75
Best of Breed$50
New Champion$50
Best of Opposite Sex$40
Select Dog / Bitch$30
Winners Dog / Bitch$25
Puppy Placements$25
National / Specialty BIS$500
Specialty BISS$250

Boarding Rates

Boarding Rate$20 / day
Show Boarding (at event)$25 / day

Payment

Cash · Apple Pay · Venmo · Zelle · Cash App

Notes: All vet expenses are the owner's responsibility. Special diets and supplements are provided by the owner. Cash prizes are retained by the handler. Nationals, Westminster & Montgomery are quoted individually. Show and travel expenses (meals, lodging, tolls, show parking, reserved grooming and other costs) are divided equally among all clients traveling dogs.