BREEDERS Q&A
2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? While the breed has improved vastly in temperament and struc- ture, we have a long way to go. We have dogs that are more balanced and not overdone on type, but I don’t see the depth of quality that I would like to have. It is not feasible to have a large kennel full of dogs to try different combinations in a breeding program, like was done in the past, so there is a lack of consistency as a result. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Yes, the Chow breed is very misunderstood in that many think the breed is mean and unpredictable, which they are not. Chows are a very intelligent breed that is independent, and stubborn as a result. They require an owner who can be the leader of their pack and earn their respect. They are very loyal to their family and pro- tective of their area, but should never be aggressive or mean. 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges? I feel that requesting information and discussing the breeds with breeders is the best way to develop a better understanding of any breed. CASSANDRA BRITT 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your breed and how long have you been breeding? How many litters have you produced and how many champions? My breed is the German Spitz. I’ve been breeding for 15 years, and have produced 10 litters and 10 to 12 champions. 2.In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? Conditions so far are good. I haven’t noticed any changes yet, positive or negative. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Yes, the German Spitz is portrayed accurately [through] pictures of the breed’s activities, and stories about them. I haven’t noticed any misrepresentation. 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges? Keep in contact with breeders, and hopefully, they will keep you up to date on/about the breed. Research the breed; the Breed Standard. SANDY CAMPBELL 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your breed and how long have you been breeding? How many litters have you produced and how many champions? Since I have been breeding, grooming, and training dogs for about 50 years, I need a little time to try to get the numbers of litters and the accomplishments that I have had over the years.
My first dog that I showed was a seven-year old; a prick-eared Collie given to my grandmother. (Being excused from the ring didn’t detour me.) I babysat some kids for a whole summer to buy a dog that wasn’t as good as “Holly,” my first show dog. The Collie Club took me in and that’s where I got my start. I think I was about 11 or 12 years old. They were starting a Collie Club and needed members, so I was signed up. 2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? I’m leaving for the Westie club’s National Specialty in a few days, and would like to have the opportunity to see the dogs to give my opinion of what they are breeding presently. As you are aware, there haven’t been many shows since COVID hit. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? Watching is the best teacher, along with reading and under- standing the printed standard and asking questions of knowl- edgeable persons. There is so much learned by watching and not being afraid to ask questions. I remember asking people if I could get a ride to the shows, even before I was showing dogs, just so I could watch! 4. What advice would you offer SHOWSIGHT Magazine about providing breed-specific information about your breed? How can we help to educate the general public as well as inform breeders, exhibitors, and conformation judges? My theory on educating yourself on what is needed to be suc- cessful in breeding and showing dogs is to know what is correct, according to the Standard. JANE DYAR 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your breed and how long have you been breeding? How many litters have you produced and how many champions? My name is Jane Dyar, Amelyn Rottweilers and Show Dogs. I have been involved in Rottweilers for about 28 years. I started out with rescue and fell in love with the breed. I have bred eight litters over those years, which have produced six champions and many highly-titled dogs in various working venues, several hand- titled versatility dogs, and I’ve been blessed to produce a certified SAR dog for FEMA. I was one of the first certified AKC Breeders of Merit as well. 2. In your opinion, what is the current condition of your breed overall? Has your breed changed in ways that you consider to be positive? Any negative changes? I feel that the condition of our breed, currently, is mediocre; sometimes you see a dog that takes your breath away, but not like the dogs of the past. On the positive side, we see more breeders using more health clearances, including valuable DNA testing, and more and more education going out to the public and to breeders regarding the testing that will enable us to do our best as breeders. However, on the negative side, even while having all these tests, some breeders seem to be concentrating on heads, and we are not a “head breed.” In the end, we are seeing more and more loss of correct eye shape, shoulders, and topline; structure suffers. An old but true statement is “Rottweilers do not walk on their heads.” It saddens me when l see an unsound dog win, strictly because it has a very striking, impres- sive headpiece. This is a Working breed. Similarly, they shouldn’t need a cool coat placed on their back from running around a small ring a couple of times either. These dogs should have stamina.
182 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2021
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