Best in Show: How a Teen and His Dog Became Champions

At just 15 years old, Adam Kucera is doing something few teenagers—or even adults—ever attempt: competing at the highest level of professional dog shows. His partner? A sleek, russet-coated Irish Setter named Stryker.

Together, Adam and Stryker have spent the last three years traveling across the country, competing in top-tier dog shows known as “conformations.” These competitions use many factors to evaluate how closely a dog matches the physical ideal of its breed. And Adam, who trains, grooms, and handles Stryker himself, isn’t just holding his own. He’s winning.

Youngest to win a national title

When Adam was just 13, he became the youngest competitor to win a major American Kennel Club (AKC) show: the National Owner-Handled Series in Orlando, Florida, hosted by the AKC and sponsored by Royal Canin. Out of 874 dogs representing 209 breeds, Adam and Stryker claimed “Best in Show,” the top prize.

“I was in shock,” Adam recalled. “I was so happy the judge was looking at the dog and not at the kid holding the leash.”

Adam and Stryker at the Irish Setter Club of America in Virginia in May 2025.

Adam’s credits his success to talent, dedication, and his homeschool education.

“Homeschooling has given Adam the freedom to travel with his dog and become very successful,” said his mom, Alison Kucera. “And he’s done it all while staying on top of his studies.” As part of his homeschool schedule, Adam takes online classes that give him enough flexibility to travel the country.

Alison and her husband, Kent, have homeschooled Adam and his sister Kaitlyn since they were in kindergarten. “We chose to homeschool because I wanted to let my children learn based on their interests,” she explained.

Adam had an interest in animals since he was a baby. Growing up in Greensboro, Maryland, he spent time at the veterinary hospital where his grandmother, Linda Layfield, worked. Linda also groomed Irish Setters, and she had previously hired professional handlers to show them. This was Adam’s first introduction to the world of professional grooming and dog shows.

Adam grooming Stryker.

Linda noticed her grandson’s growing interest, and she bought Adam his first dog, Stryker. She then taught him everything she knew. “When I first started learning how to groom an Irish Setter, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do it by myself,” Adam said. “Now I can groom Stryker from start to finish all on my own.”

Training a champion

Adam and Stryker train together daily. They practice key skills that judges evaluate at conformations, from “stacking” (standing still so judges can examine a dog’s body structure), to gaiting (how a dog moves around the ring), to calmly allowing strangers to inspect their teeth and muscle tone.

Equally important is grooming. Adam bathes, clips, scissor-trims, and blow-dries Stryker’s long coat at least once a week to maintain the polished look required in competition.

“People are amazed at the job this teenager is doing with a long-coated dog,” Alison said.

Now in his fourth year of competing, Adam rarely misses a weekend show. He and Stryker have racked up multiple “Best in Show” wins and are currently riding a 21-show “Best of Breed” victory streak. The pair even earned a spot at the junior showmanship division of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show in New York City, which exclusively invites the top 10 dogs in each breed nationwide.

Adam and Stryker in competition.

“Being around so many different breeds and meeting new dogs every week is simply a dream of mine,” Adam said. “I love competition and working hard towards goals.”

Planning for the future

To enroll in certain AKC junior competitions, Adam must meet academic requirements, something his family ensures with the help of HSLDA’s Transcript Service. “He has to maintain a specific GPA,” Alison said. She uses the site to create transcripts for Adam and did the same for his sister Kaitlyn when she was preparing for college.

Looking ahead, Adam hopes to become a professional dog handler—someone who travels the country to show dogs for clients. In such a competitive and entrepreneurial career, he would be required to learn to groom multiple breeds, market his services, and run his own small business.

For now, though, Adam is focused on continuing his winning streak with his best friend.

“Stryker is now a Gold AKC Grand Champion and has fathered one litter of puppies,” Adam said. “I’m so happy and proud of my dog. He’s my best friend.”