WITH GEORGE CHAMBERLIN, SUZAN GUYNN, JOAN KLEM, WENDI LEWELLAN AND SHARON MARPLES
My husband Harold, and I, with the kennel name of Von Marc, have bred numerous Top Ten and High In Trial dogs in breed, obedience, agility and rally, a Multiple Best In Show dog who was also the American Rottweiler Club Top Twenty Competition winner in 2000, multiple ARC V and VX dogs and many Production Award winners. Our goal in breeding is the betterment of the breed while enjoying their special abilities, personalities and qualities. We are dedicated to pro- moting quality Rottweilers with outstanding temperament, conformation, health, working ability and soundness. I have enjoyed being a Breeder/Owner/Handler for 30+ years, hav- ing finished over 23 Champions. Having obtained full status as a Rottweiler judge in 2015, adding Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands and Samoyeds in 2017 and working towards adding additional breeds in 2018 is educational and I am hav- ing great fun doing it. Over the last couple of years I have judged numerous Rottweiler Specialties and am looking for- ward to my American Rottweiler Club National Specialty judging assignment in 2019. 1. What advice do you have for today’s breeders of AKC Rottweilers? GC: There are many Rottweilers out there. We don’t need more average dogs, we need spectacular dogs to improve the quality of the breed. Where is the Rottweiler that will win Best In Show at Westminster? Where is the dog that has the outstanding temperament and structure that everyone admires? Don’t settle for good enough! Know and adhere to the breed standard. SG: Enjoy it in spite of the challenges; pair your vet’s exper- tise with the advice and experience of your mentor and/ or breeder when it comes to fertility, timing and optimiz- ing conception and survival of puppies; have a vision always for what you aspire to breed—don’t be swayed by someone else’s vision. While there is one standard, the AKC ring informs most breeders that there is an abun- dance of diversity in the context of how that standard is perceived. Ask for and consider others’ advice, but make your own decisions. Expectations regarding health clear- ances and the pressure to conform to these are at an all time high. Stay mindful that even the most opinionated breeders have never bred a genetically perfect Rottweiler and are unlikely ever to do so. Betty Chamberlin once offered advice that has remained with me always: some- times you may reject a potential breeding animal on the basis of one potentially inheritable trait. It’s not always necessary to throw the baby out with the bath water; instead remember that part of being a breeder is identify- ing and breeding away from problems while perpetuat- ing the virtues that the otherwise remarkable dog/bitch may bring to the table. Never be discouraged by sideline
pettiness and mean spirited commentaries about your thoughtfully considered breeding decisions; just as in judging, you should be able to articulate your position and welcome queries from self respecting breeders/fanci- ers who approach you directly for understanding, even if they disagree; great friends have been made this way. Be reasonably confident that you will have quality homes for your puppies ahead of conducting breedings. If you are a stranger to a broken heart, you won’t be once you become a breeder; however, the joys long term tend to make it all worthwhile. JK: Read the history of our breed again. Study our standard and breed to it. Our Standard says, “Tail docked short.” In this day and age of communication and ease of learning about pedigrees and people interested in your dogs, look deep in the pedigrees of dogs you wish to add to your breeding program. Take a real interest in finding out about those families that are interested in one of yours. You hope they will become and stay friends so that they will always come to you for advice. WL: Good breeders health test and have dogs with OFA certified hips and elbows, eyes and heart and breed dogs with good temperaments. Contrary to popular belief, your dog’s personality is not all about how you raise him. Genetics play a huge factor. Exceptionally well-bred dogs will have fewer issues with things like puppy play-biting, potty training, guarding food, getting along with other dogs and getting along with kids. Early training, socializa- tion and exposure can give you a puppy that is already mostly potty trained, leash trained, crate trained and more! Good breeders breed dogs with good body struc- ture. It is important to study form and function and strive for perfection. I like to see a Rottweiler that is robust, full of wonder and love for life, inquisitive and willing to please. It is important that you breed for type, style structure, topline and movement. A Rottweiler should be your companion and take care of your family but when asked will do for you with very little hesitation. Do not breed to your nearest friend or stud dog. Study pedigrees, progeny, relatives and choose a dog that has the most attributes you need to improve his or her partner. This dog will be with you for a very long time so look for the dog with the best attributes to complement your bitch or dog. There are many rottweilers who haven’t been shown extensively who can contribute to the breed. SM: Follow the standard and breed for type, temperament and health. Be cognizant of structure, genotype and phenotype. Don’t get caught up in the favorite of the moment but look towards to what you can bring to the future of the breed. And, mentor! The breed can only survive with breeders that will mentor their puppy
S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , N OVEMBER 2017 • 291
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