Page 244 - ShowSight - August 2019

Foundation Stock Service Q & A
Would I breed more litters if we were fully recognized by AKC? Probably.
The funniest thing that I’ve experienced at a dog show? My giant, hardworking and beautifully-behaved-at-home livestock guardian dog dragging me around like he’d never seen a leash before.
VICKI ANDERSON
I live in NE Ohio—Amish country—I’m a legal assistant for the Social Security Administration—soon to retire.
It appears we are well on our way to full recognition—the next chapter for our breed. It’s an exciting time.
Do I expect a surge in popularity once we’re in the regular show ring? I believe that with full recognition that, yes, there will be more interest, but I don’t want to see numbers exploding. Burgeoning numbers don’t necessarily mean that it’s a good thing for our breed, but then anyone involved in the dog world already knows that I had one of the first CO’s in the country back in 1991. They were indeed a rare breed then. Since then, the numbers have mushroomed, and often for the wrong reasons. With breed recognition, public educa- tion will be a must. We have enough good people in this breed to set a good, solid foundation for the future.
Do I believe there are enough workers to go around to get my breed recognized? We have an ever-growing number of people dedi- cated to the breed. I think we’ll do just fine.
Would I breed more litters if we were fully recognized by AKC? I don’t breed. Instead, I’m all about working with my dogs,—a lot of public exposure. Over the years, I’ve had six certified therapy dogs (various breeds). My first Caucasian Shepherd, Lena Esquire, has the distinction of being the first of her breed to be certified as a therapy dog. We were certified by Delta Society (now Pet Partners). She was amazing with a rock solid temperament. I really miss that girl. My current CO, Asgard’s Meganoggin—Meg for short, I think might be my next candidate for certification. Both girls, BTW, are champions in other venues. I’ve handled for friends at an AKC FSS “Open Show” and hope to again soon.
The funniest thing that I’ve experienced at a dog show? Not a Caucasian story, but years ago I had a Border Collie, Pete, who I regularly worked on livestock. I was at a pretty big show in this area, and I was walking around with Pete. I stopped to talk with a friend of mine. Then I started feeling a slight pull on the lead. It soon became annoying and I looked down at Pete, who was in a typical Border Collie working crouch with his eyes intensely focusing on something. I followed his hard stare and saw the object(s) of his intention. In a ring, not to far away, white Standard Poodles were being gaited around the ring. To Pete, they were sheep that needed gathering. Every time I think about that moment, I thank god that I had a firm grip on his lead.
AUTUMN ARSENAULT
I currently live in Bay City, Michigan. Outside of dogs I am an architecture student, but really if I’m not in class, I’m with the dogs. I’d say the Kai is doing well for a rare breed. We have a lot of interest in people wanting to not only own, but also help pre- serve our breed. I don’t think it will take too long to get the breed
fully recognized.
I do not expect a surge in popularity. Getting recognized and
being allowed to show in the regular ring is only one step towards promoting and educating others on the breed. Getting recognized at this stage can only help. We love to have people working and competing with their dogs, and so the more exposure the better. It will make spectators go, “Hey! That dog was really good, what are they like?”
Right now we have a huge effort going on to help get the Kai Ken fully recognized. We have people across the USA all working
towards this common goal. I am very thankful we have so much help, but there is always more work to be done.
Being recognized will not make me, personally, breed more lit- ters. I have to do what’s best for the breed, and quantity over quality isn’t what will work. Right now our primary focus is health test- ing and eliminating health concerns as well as temperament. Each breeding is carefully decided in order to help the breed and ben- efit it. I don’t have a lot of free time and full recognition wouldn’t change that.
Funniest thing I’ve seen at a dog show, oh man. Second dog show, I decided that I was going to be the one to show my boy Oliver in group. He had been so good for my mother that I thought he would show well. Unfortunately, he was very happy that I was in the ring with him. He bounded around the ring, jumping up to my head the whole way. It was like a circus act! Then on the last jump he fell. Everyone made sounds clearly concerned about him, and I just looked at him with an embarrassed face. He hopped back up and continued. At least he had fun!
LESA BARNETT
I live in Cumming, Georgia Outside of dogs, I’m a retired spe- cial needs teacher and college professor. Our breed just got Misc status and began having opportunities for more shows—can’t wait to see what we can accomplish!
What activities I do with my dogs? I play fetch, pet therapy, fast cat, barn hunt and family events. We’re working on dock diving and agility.
Do I show in other registries? I’ve shown UKC in the past.
Would I breed more litters if we were fully recognized by AKC? I would breed for quality (health, personality, structure) and hunting instinct for the betterment of the breed.
The funniest thing that I’ve experienced at a dog show was someone hid all my stuff and let me think someone stole it—that’s what friends do. Great laughs.
SANDRA BRITT
I live in the state of Michigan, I love to garden, walks and spend time with my grandkids.
How is my breed faring in its quest for full recognition? At this time not enough numbers.
Do I expect a surge in popularity once we’re in the regular show ring? Maybe as people see them in various sporting events and see the talent this breed has. I’m hoping it will help our cause, I’m one who prefers to move slow and steady.
Getting a breed recognized is hard work! Are there enough workers to go around? I’m not sure as to workers as there’s not many into the breed—yet.
Would I breed more litters if we were fully recognized by AKC? No.
The funniest thing that I’ve experienced at a dog show? My first time showing the German Spitz he “French kissed” the judge, and the judge said, “First time French kissed by a German.” (helped eased my nerves a bit.)
DOMINIC CHANG
Our breed club is situated in the Inland Empire in Southern California. Many members of the club are entrepreneurs.
How is my breed faring in its quest for full recognition? We are slowly progressing because in part due to the limited numbers of foundation stock that we are bringing stateside on our own. In Tai- wan, pure bloodlines are extremely limited in numbers and prized by the Taiwanese and often not released. Thus, it takes a great deal of effort to obtain them and transport them to the US. In addition,
242 • ShowSight Magazine, auguSt 2019