BREEDERS Q&A
I think the breed seminars and the AKC Institute do an excel- lent job of educating judges, breeders, and exhibitors. Meet the Breeds is an excellent way for the general public to learn more about the AKC breeds. LISA INMAN LEE 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 husband and I live in a rural setting outside of Columbus, Ohio, in a beautiful hamlet called Granville, with two acres for our dogs to enjoy. In addition to Sealyham Terriers, we also raise Scottish Terriers. I have been breeding for about 20 years. While not certain about the number of litters or champions, it is in the dozens and I have attained AKC’s Breeder of Merit Advanced Level for both breeds. My goal, however, is not to put ribbons and tro- phies on display on my mantle, but is instead to preserve this amaz- ing Sealyham breed. When I first met a Sealyham, I fell in love. However, even though I was established in the Scottie show world, I could not find any breeder willing to allow me to get one. Because of this, I decid- ed that if I was ever able to start breeding Sealyhams, I wanted to make them available to families looking for an outstanding puppy as a companion. Over the years, we have made wonderful, lifelong friends with so many who have taken home one (or more) of our babies. We love how so many of our “Afterglow Families” have con- nected through social media using the hashtag #afterglowkennels . It is incredibly satisfying to follow as the pups grow and excel in ther- apy work, show conformation, sports, but most importantly, being wonderful companions and ambassadors of the breed. We are so grateful to the families that keep us updated over the years. As part of their pickup day, every new owner receives a lengthy discussion on the responsibility they now share in continuing the awareness of this breed and the benefits of joining the American Sealyham Ter- rier Club. After the education on the need for the breed to increase in numbers, many of our families have brought a litter or two into the world. We offer as much help as they want in support of this. Our own ambassadorship efforts include informal Meet the Breed events on Main Street in Granville, at Hitchcock Film festivals in the area (his favorite breed), webinars, podcast interviews, newspa- per interviews, and using some of our contacts in local television media. It’s impossible for a potential family to consider adding a Sealyham to their family if they don’t know about the breed. 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? This question calls to mind the November 2013 edition of SHOWSIGHT Magazine and the Breed Feature by Karen Bay entitled, “Short and Sweet—But Lots to Learn.” The highlighted quote says, “Our standard calls for the descriptive ‘strong’ six times, and the words ‘power/powerful’ four times, plus the phrase ‘of extraordinary substance.’” I think of what the breed was originally bred to do, keeping badgers at bay, and thus I like a dog that is a bit on the larger side than what seems to be the current trend in the ring towards a smaller, fancier dog. One of my favorite males, After- glows The Gladiator (Russell) is a prime example of what I love in a Sealy. He is incredibly strong, with a solid chest and a strong neck, and with a powerful head and legs. Just picking him up and holding him you can feel the potential power that resides within. If I had to meet the challenge presented by a badger, he is the one I would want at my side. But he is a true Sealy; comical, always happy to greet us with a wry smile and lots of kisses, wanting his chest rubbed. To stay true to my original goal of wanting to help strengthen the diversity of the breed’s gene pool, which is really better described as
a puddle, I work with breeders here and abroad to introduce new bloodlines into my breeding efforts. 3. Do you think your breed is portrayed accurately online and on social media? How is it represented correctly? How is it misrepresented? In years past, I have been disappointed by how the Sealy has been characterized during the Westminster and AKC Eukanuba show broadcasts as being stubborn and difficult to train. Sealyham owners would tell you quite differently. Also, the broadcasts seemed to break away to commercial when the Sealyham was about to be put on the judging table. Thankfully, about two years ago, the com- mentary became more accurate, highlighting their comical ways, intelligence, and their raison d’etre . There are many social media groups that have good commentary about life with a Sealyham, including a new one on Facebook called, “The Sealyham Appre- ciation Society,” hosted by “Sealyham Eddie” who lives with his owners and sister, “Buffy,” in Wales; great anecdotes, pictures, and comments from Sealyham owners from around the world. I do find it concerning that some websites that offer descriptions of Sealy- hams regularly say that they are not necessarily good with children. We find quite the opposite to be true. When families with young children contact us looking for a Scottish Terrier, we suggest a Sea- lyham instead. 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? Since SHOWSIGHT seems to be produced primarily for the show dog audience, I would suggest focusing on those methods that the general public uses when evaluating various breeds for their home. Television channels and shows dedicated to dogs would be good places to reach out to for exposure. Offering to co-brand and sponsor Meet the Breed events for lesser-known breeds would help as well. Working with a good web designer to create an accurate quiz, steering people to possible breeds for their home, would be good, with the breed clubs providing insight as to the characteristics of each breed. GAY KUEHNEL-HISATAKE 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? I have been an animal lover since early childhood, having grown up with a family dog of unknown origin, as well as a rabbit, para- keet, and several turtles. I developed an interest in horses as a teen- ager, and worked gratis at a stable in the Bronx (yes, the Bronx!), in return for free rides. My first Alaskan Malamute came to live with me at the end of my college days, and the excitement of watching Westminster on TV introduced me to the world of dog shows. I finished my first AKC Champion at the Mid-East Area Specialty in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1976, and to date, have approximately 50 Champion Malamutes and Schipperkes combined. Many of my dogs are also Grand Champions, Specialty winners, Group placers, and ROMs. I have been fortunate to also sell puppies to Perfor- mance homes as well, where they have titled in Agility, Obedience, and Rally. Full-time employment as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker was often demanding, and therefore I never had more than one or two litters a year, skipping some years along the way. Breeding dogs requires time and dedication. It is not a race, and should be done with thought and planning. I am an AKC-approved judge for the Working and Non-Sport- ing Groups. I have judged in Australia, the Czech Republic, France,
190 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2021
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