Miller Bisher takes over calling canines
Gail Miller Bisher knows that when it comes to breaking down dog breeds to the world, she can talk the talk.
And when it comes to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? She’s once walked the walk in the club’s junior showmanship competition.
That’s why she doesn’t seem at all concerned with the task of replacing longtime television commentator David Frei, whose 27-year run of calling Westminster came to an end when Fox Sports took over the broadcast from USA Network this year. She will provide analysis on the broadcast alongside Fox Sports veteran announcer Chris Myers. Backstage correspondent Katie Nolan, reporter Karyn Bryant and host Jenny Taft will also provide coverage.
“I grew up breeding, showing and training,” Miller Bisher told USA TODAY Sports during Saturday’s Meet the Breeds event in Manhattan. “I was paid by owners to show their dogs.”
That, coupled with experience as a broadcast producer and work with Westminster’s public relations department, made her a perfect candidate for the doubleduty Frei pulled: on-air personality and director of communications.
The biggest challenge? Replacing Frei, who is beloved among casual viewers and canine experts alike for a combination of expertise and sense of humor.
“He’s a wonderful commentator; he knows the breed specifics. He’s always very informative,” said Susan Lucatorto, who is from Queens, N.Y., and was manning the Pomeranian booth Saturday.
What is she looking for in his replacement? “Someone who is knowledgeable about the breeds. That was a great advantage that he had,” Lucatorto added.
Miller Bisher doesn’t feel pressure on that front given her experience that has included judging at shows. But she also knows there’s another segment of her audience that she’s speaking to.
“We know we have to try and make it understandable, what the dog show is about,” she said. “These dogs are not statues, they’re pets. And now that we have sports in all of the dog world, such as agility and obedience, it’s becoming a much wider sport for everybody.”
The St. Louis native adds she’s spent much of the year shooting videos for the Road to Westmin
ster series, giving her the on-camera practice she needs before the broadcast beginning Monday. Fox gave her a crash course on the technical side of working in television.
“Obviously, you want to uphold the legacy and the tradition that this club represents,” she said. “But I’ve been doing it all year, so I kind of feel like I’m OK.”
As for peppering fun, quirky facts about specific canines during the broadcast? Sounds like Miller Bisher has that ready, too, remembering she read about one dog that loves eating whipped cream from the can like her own long-haired dachshund.
“Obviously, there will be people who will complain afterwards,” she said. “As long as I’m true to the breeds and true to the sport, I think I’ll be fine.”