AKC BREEDER OF THE YEAR HONOREES
Thomas (Tim) Mathiesen HERDING GROUP 1. How does it feel to be honored by the AKC to represent your Group? It is great to be honored with recognition for the efforts one makes to protect and improve the breed or breeds you love. 2. Who are the people “in dogs” who’ve influenced your breeding program? My mentors included Roy and Eileen Pimlott (Halmor Corgis) who had recently emigrated from England when I met them. I purchased my first Corgi from their small kennel. They guided me and supported me in the early years, and both eventually became licensed judges. Also, Derek Rayne, Marty Downing, Anne Bowes and many other dog people, especially other Cor- gi breeders who were wonderful with help and support. 3. Do you have specific philosophies that you maintain as a breeder? I am a great believer in using pedigrees as well as research and common sense in planning breedings. Line breeding has al- ways been an important part of my planning as well as research on past successes or failures regarding breedings in my pro- gram or others. 4. Can you speak to the importance of breeding to the standard? The most important tool in a breeding program is the written standard. Studying and understanding the standard of your breed is a valuable aid in deciding where you are in a breeding program and where you need to improve. 5. What breeding advice would you give to today’s novice fancier? Look for the best quality bitch you can buy with a success- ful pedigree and good health history. Then begin searching for the best stud dog to use. The dog should be of as good or better quality than the bitch and carry the best health history
Look for the best quality bitch you can buy with a successful pedigree and good health history. Then begin searching for the best stud dog to use.
possible as well as good temperament. He should possess most of the good qualities of the bitch as well as qualities that might help to improve areas where your bitch does not excel. If possible, maintain a good and close relationship with the breeder of your bitch as well as the owner of the stud dog. Then lis- ten to the top breeders of the day (don’t talk). Process the information you hear and use what you think will help your breeding program.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2020 | 71
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