Page 346 - ShowSight - December 2019

Amy Bieri continued
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? I’ve always loved dogs! I began my canine career running a veterinary practice, assisting in C-sections and nursing puppies. It piqued my interest and inspired me to become more involved with breeding and showing in general.
My original mentors were Jerry and Dot Bryant of Interlude boxers. They were very well known and respected in Boxers.
The best things about breeding for me is achieving my personal goals with dogs I have bred both inside and outside the ring. My dogs have garnered high achievements ranging from all breed Best in Shows to Regional breed winners (from the Bred By Exhibi- tor class) to awards at our national specialty, including multiple reserves, selects, and awards of merits. I am especially proud of pro- ducing the number one brood bitch. All of this reflect positively on my breeding program.
Without a doubt, the most difficult part of being a breeder is health testing. In Boxers, we have so many heart and cancer issues. It’s a nail biting experience waiting for results to come back and devastating when they don’t come back they way you would expect. Yet, the testing is critical for our breed. I have been health testing my dogs for over 20 years. I have worked hard to produce Boxers who not only have amazing structure, but who also have sound tem- peraments. The dogs I breed excel in the conformation ring, and many of them go on to earn obedience and performance titles. Most importantly, all of the dogs I breed are loving family members.
Do I work outside of the home? I work from home during the week and travel on the weekends, showing dogs professionally. I’ve had my kennel and training center for over 18 years. We offer multiple classes weekly, ranging from nosework, basic obedience, conformation classes, to private lessons and much more. I have an amazing staff and support system!
Is my family involved? Yes! My boyfriend shows dogs with me and teaches classes at our training facility. Our kids have shown in conformation and rally over the years. It definitely a family affair!
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? I’m a member of the Fox River Valley Ken- nel Club and the Tree Town Boxer Club.
My kennel/exercise areas described: Our facility includes a 60’x60’ temperature controlled building with mirrors. In addition, we have an office and kennel building with an inside playroom. Multiple fenced in areas are available to exercise the dogs, plus we have a treadmill for even more conditioning. We live on five acres and are currently making expansions and improvements so we can offer barn hunt and dock diving next year. We are so excited about the expansion and upcoming events!
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? I started with a part-time pet sitting company, which I did part time while working at the vet office. I called it Happy Tails. When I opened my facility, I just transferred the name. I wanted all dogs to be happy, I liked the name so that’s why I chose it.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? I have done both throughout the years and I still do. I’ve had some bad experiences but mostly amazing ones! I’m just more careful who I co own with now. I especially love mentoring others who are new to the breed.
Is my breed easy to place? Because of my reputation for produc- ing healthy, structurally correct dogs with amazing temperaments, it isn’t difficult for me to place my puppies. I keep “puppy lists”, and have had clients who have waited for a year or two, as they wait for the Happy Tail’s puppy which is perfect for them. I only advise on my website and through my breed club if needed.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an orga- nization’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? I think Breeders’ Showcases help educate the public on all or any of these breeds. However, I’m not sure it’s about giving breeders the
recognition. The public needs to know what kind of breed is best for them and their families. These kinds of events help educate about the breed, and allow the public to meet different breeders. Obvi- ously this is important when a family is picking out a companion.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? I’m not sure what AKC can specifically do to help people to breed good dogs. Good breeders have to have a good mentor and a good under- standing of their respective breed. It takes lots of research, study, and care. AKC can educate judges better and not let people judge a breed they aren’t really qualified to judge until they are completely educated and ready.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? What has worked for me is going back to old lines and pedigrees. I love to bring old lines back into new. I have four of my stud dogs collected and stored. These dogs were great producers for me in the past.
Do I show my own dogs? Yes, I’ve been showing my own dogs and other breeds professionally for about ten years. I have shown dogs that I have co-owned and co-bred to national placements and honors. There is nothing more fulfilling than to achieve success with dogs from the Bred-by Exhibitor class. It just brings all of your hard work full circle!
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? The Kalamazoo, Michigan shows have an event with pee wee’s. The kids show stuffed animal dogs. It’s hysterical! They present them on tables and drag them down and back on leads. I laughed so hard when I watched it last year!
BRIANNA BISCHOFF
How I got started in dogs: my mother showed and bred Irish Setters in the 1970s-1990s.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? Just a general love of animals my entire life. I appreciate beauty in all forms—seeing an incredible animal is breathtaking to me. I also really enjoy the camaraderie, and the friendships I have made along the years.
Who were my mentors? Beth Johnson of Summit Goldens and Rhonda Hovan of Faera Goldens.
The best thing about being a breeder? Seeing what can be cre- ated in your minds eye, and then from that point of having the idea in your mind, to seeing them develop and mature and hit the show ring. It’s just extremely rewarding and awe inspiring.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Many things: losing puppies early on—before two weeks. Things happen that you have no control over. I have always been told breeding is not for the faint of heart and it certainly isn’t.
Do I work outside of the home and is my family involved? I used to handle professionally full time. I have shown Top 5 Goldens year after year, including the #1 Golden years back. Since having my daughter, Jillian, I have obtained my Real Estate License and I now do this on a hobby level. I still have some flexibility, but I do have to plan dog shows around closings, and what works for my clients. My daughter is not involved, but she does love dogs and dog shows. Recently she got her first dog, “Peppa Pig”, a Brussels Grif- fon. I have no doubt Peppa will see the Junior Showmanship ring at some point!
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? I was involved heavily in my local Golden Retriever club and was our Membership Chair for many years. With having Jillian my time has become more limited and I am not as involved as I was before her birth. I hope to get back into it in a few years when she is a little older and more independent.
342 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019
Breeder Q & A