BREEDER INTERVIEW: CLAUDIO DA CRUZ CONCEICAO
Please comment positively on your breed’s present condition and what trends might bear watching. I respect the many breeders and handlers who are involved in the Basset Hound breed. It is not easy to produce special Bassets all the time. There is no such thing as a perfect Basset Hound, and there never will be, but it’s important to look at the whole dog. I am very fond of the following comments made by a great judge, and try to follow the philosophy expressed: “Any fool can discover a dog’s faults; it takes a connoisseur to appreciate its virtues. The judge mentality that can really help a breed progress is all positive, having the ability and desire to reward dogs for their virtues while keeping their flaws in perspective. By recognizing dogs with exceptional qualities, judges can contribute to the creation of a breed. Cursing an excellent dog based on a minor flaw is just throwing out the baby with the bath water.” In the words of the great judge Beatrice Godsol, often quoted by another great judge, Frank Sabella: “Even the great dogs have faults; they just carry them better.” One point that does worry me a lot is that I see too few people from the younger generations stepping up to become the breeders and handlers of the future. We need those who love the Basset Hound to also want to breed and show. Where do you see yourself in the next decade or two? Now that I am focused on raising my own Basset Hounds, I know the type I want and the kennels I admire. I want to work with their dogs for my breeding program. It’s not an easy mission, but I am always working to try to make beautiful champions.
Finally, tell us a little about Claudio outside of dogs… your occu- pation, your hobbies. In addition to the dogs, I have a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, and have achieved some victories in the martial arts, my favorite hobby. I am always studying, dedicating myself to the canine world, and looking for opinions from important people in our sport. I don’t think anyone does anything alone. I learn from my wife, Dr. Lisa Sarvas, a veterinarian and Miniature Schnauzer breeder, every day. Playing with and enjoying my dogs makes me feel very happy. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my passion for Basset Hounds.
66 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2023
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