WITH TEMPLE DASILVA, MARY DIXON, ASHLEY HAMMACK, VALERIA K ESSLER,
BRIAN O’CONNOR, DEBRA PE
REIRA & MARILYN VINSON
have many features that make them completely unique from other related breeds. First, they are a markings breed in that they are suppose to be a very specific pattern of tricolor. How- ever, a dog that is more correctly built should always place over a dog with perfect markings but cannot perform it’s job. Second, Hamiltonstovare should never carry their tails above their back and should always be presented with the tails down during examination. The tail should only elevate in motion but never above the back. Third, Hamiltonstovare have height disqualifications for both over and under, the height disqualifications are different for males and females. So if in doubt, please use a wicket. Finally, Hamiltonstovare should look like they can thrive in the cold. If you cannot pic- ture this dog floating over snow, chasing a hare while scream- ing its head off in a cry that can be heard for miles, then do not award it. Everything about this breed should be about efficiency, versatility and endurance. Hamiltonstovare are generally a healthy breed and have had their hips evaluated and recorded with the Swedish Ken- nel Club for close to 40 years now. They have an average lifespan between 14 and 16 years old. Many Hamiltonstovare do no start to go gray until after they are 10+ years old. As Hamiltonstovare are such a visually striking breed, the main issue impacting the breed is that more focus is being placed on markings instead of structural soundness. This is a breed built on a series of rectangles so body proportions, muscle tone and movement are starting to falter in certain lines. VALERIE KESSLER We currently live in Sacramento, California. I am a 911 Police Dispatcher. BRIAN O’CONNOR I live in Spokane Washington. I am a Chief Master Ser- geant and Squadron Superintendent for the U.S. Air Force with almost 30 years of honorable service. Additionally I am a Co-Founder of the Drentsche Patrijshond Club of North America (DPCNA), currently I am the Editor for the DPCNA newsletter, Club Treasurer and Registrar. When I am not goof- ing around or hunting with my dogs I love to road bike, hike and read. DEBRA PEREIRA I’ve been involved in purebred dog sports (AKC primarily) since the 1980s and I currently compete in agility, confor- mation, rally, obedience and field events with my Bracco as well as my English Pointers. My Bracco is the first female AKC Certificate of Merit recipient and is the first (and only) Bracco competing in AKC agility. She has qualified for the AKC Agil- ity Invitational in Orlando this December. She was also the first Bracco to earn a Trick Dog title and she has her Junior
Hunter title. I wanted to give that introduction to highlight I am committed to the sport of purebred dogs and am commit- ted to seeing the Bracco advance towards AKC recognition. I live in Connecticut and outside of dogs, I’m a retired pharmaceutical researcher. MARILYN VINSON Live in Glendale, Arizona (northwest of Phoenix). We are retirees so almost all our activities involve or/are about dogs. We hunt, show, do therapy dog activities, involved as general member or Board member in a number of breed and all breed clubs. My breed is the Bracco Italiano. 1. Working towards AKC recognition is a long process. How are you keeping yourself and your fellow fan- ciers enthused? TD: While our breed club isn’t as active as we would like, we do keep interest in the breed through the use of social media and meeting up at AKC open shows whenever possible. MD: I believe the principles of positive reinforcement are useful in keeping my fellow fanciers interested and involved. Handmade tokens by myself or other artists at important events are fun and interesting club meetings and fostering friendly relationships is of high importance. Acknowledgement of photos and accomplishments in our Facebook group or on Instagram are also ways we get to know each other and build trusted relationships, be it show people or pet owners. Honesty is absolutely the most important guide to my operation of the Kromfohr- lander Club of America and taking care of little problems before they become big ones is also important. We are one family. AH: Social media, the Hamiltonstovare Club of America has a facebook group where we celebrate new titles, Meet the Breeds Events, rescue adoptions, educate people about dog sports, and provide guided feedback to those with Hamiltonstovare related issues VK: We have hosted regional gatherings every year for 10 years at Hastings Island Hunting Preserve in Rio Vista, California. This is a weekend event that includes a day of field work and a fun dog show on day two with AKC Judge Nitsa Trayler to help introduce conformation to those new to the show world. The Bracco Italiano Club of America has held National Specialties since 2007. We have flown judges from Italy to teach owners and judges about the importance of the Italian Standard. We have hosted judges education seminars in Michigan, Califor- nia and Florida. We attend different dog show across the country, including the Golden Gate Kennel Club bench show in San Francisco. We have also participated in handling clinics put on by AKC Judge Nitsa Trayler. Our members enjoy getting local owners together and meeting at different dog show venues and AKC hunt tests across the country. BO: The DPCNA holds an Annual Meeting where we invite membership to attend. We also offer hunt tests and
256 • S how S ight M agazine , J uly 2018
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