Page 362 - ShowSight - December 2019

Sandi Britt continued
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? Few years back a little girl, I think she was about three years of age, she was showing her grandma’s Great Dane and when it came time to stack, she would duck under the dog to stack.
JULIE BUSS
I grew up with Beagles. We always had dogs around. As an adult we bred Weimaraners for 15 years before we started breeding Rho- desian Ridgebacks. We have had them ten years now.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? As a farm kid I always wanted as many animals as I could have. I love working with any and all of them. We had show cattle for 30+ years and donkeys, goats, cats, rabbits, fish and, of course, dogs. I was always teaching or working with them in some fashion. Always wanting to make them want to do what I needed so it was easier for me and less stressful for them. Being naturally competitive the dog show world sucked me right in.
Who were my mentors? Breeding and dog show navigating would be the the hound lady extraordinaire Marie Cotton. Show- ing, handling and sometimes counselor would be Cindy Lane Smith, she can find and pull out magic in a dog. I also learn from every person I talk dog or dog show with, I hope I never stop as each makes me grow as an individual. I am enjoying my current dog show family now as we grow and learn to be a better team.
The best thing about being a breeder? There is not much I don’t like. I love the challenge of finding the right match, its like a puzzle and each piece comes together until puppies come. I am not real patient waiting for puppies is a long eight weeks! Puppies are my favorite right from whelping on. I enjoy watching them grow and head out to their new families. Matching them up is another puzzle for me and I take my time placing them to get that match correct. If only they didn’t poop so much! I tell them that’s why they are so cute it makes that chore of clean up less painful. So I guess my answer is adding a healthy, beautiful Ridgeback to another family is the best thing about being a breeder ribbons are great but knowing that pup will be loved for the next 13 (hopefully) years makes my heart sing.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Goodbyes—tempo- rary as they go to new homes as I know I will see them again even if just in pictures or permanent as they cross the rainbow bridge. Whether they are two minutes or 13 years old, it tears me up.
Do I work outside of the home? I do have a regular job. I run a mobile scrub boutique. I travel with a mobile store selling uniforms and shoes to nursing homes, assisted livings, hospitals and doctors offices and such. We also have a family grain farm. It can make scheduling time off difficult but we find a balance and I have great bosses that co-own dogs with us and are great dog advocates in their own right.
Is my family involved? My husband is yes and our kids are sup- port staff back home.
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club? Have I held positions within the club(s)? We are members of our parent club RRCUS and Anoka Kennel Club in Minnesota where we do the catering for the benefit meal each year for the Cambridge “Summer Solstice” shows.
To describe my kennel/exercise areas: we have a truly home envi- ronment with a large fenced in backyard for free running and free for all fun! Our house is their house.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? Hilltop is just that, our house is on the second highest spot in town. Yes, our name is registered with AKC.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? Yes, many co-owned pups as I feel staying on as a co-owner is a safety net for the pup in case something were to happen I can be their soft place to land.
Is my breed easy to place? I always have a waiting list, but I am picky and do turn people down. What would make it easier? If fro- zen semen wasn’t so tricky!
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an organi- zation’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? Anytime you recognize breeders its good. Wish we had more bred by groups!
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Con- tinue to promote reputable breeders who are doing things the right way with health checks and registering pups. Do more competition for breeders instead of just owners—anyone can buy a dog but a breeder has more at stake.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Keep you ears and eyes open. Always be open to learning and remember there is no perfect dog we breed to improve.
Do I show my own dogs? Yes and also use handlers too.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? This actually happened to me not the most amusing but its only thing coming to mind—our boy Zohan used to jump up and pull my ponytail on the go around and act like nothing happened, hit his free stake—head tilt and all like what? Wasn’t me! Decided he was above my pay grade and he starting showing with a handler!
TERRIE COWAN
I have had dogs most of my life, but started out in obedience with a Miniature Pinscher. My husband told me if I did not get him to behave we would have to get rid of him. I went to a local obedience class and my dog did so well the instructor encouraged me to show him. I was very vocal I had no intention of ever showing a dog. She persisted and there was a local match very close to our home and she convinced me to support the local club and attend. I showed him and he got Best in Match, and I got hooked. He earned one leg towards a Utility title and then he injured his back and could no longer jump. So I began to question others about “those people” who showed dogs and just walked around the ring—need- less to say I found out there is a lot more to it than that! I got a show quality Min Pin and did well—the rest is history!
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? I always had a love of dogs, but in everything I have done I strive to do my best. I enjoyed the challenge of training dogs and (sometimes) win- ning! And of course, my breed the Toy Fox Terrier is smart and easy to fall in love with.
Who were my mentors? When I started in Min Pins I got my first show dog from Marcia Tucker. Marcia showed me the ropes and educated me on the art of dog showing. Although I do not show Min Pins any longer, she continues to be a great resource. My Toy Fox Terrier mentor is Dana Plonkey. Dana and I co-breed dogs and he has been an invaluable asset which has led to our success. Dana has had top winning dogs in several breeds for many years, and I am fortunate to have such a great person in my life.
The best part of being a breeder is raising happy, healthy pup- pies and whether it is getting them trained for show or placing them with the perfect pet home, it is a heartwarming experience. A lot of work, but a lot of joy!
The toughest part of being a breeder is dealing with tragedies, breeding is not for the faint of heart. Unexpected things happen and losing a puppy is very emotional.
Do I work outside of the home? I do not work outside the home, I am retired from AT&T after 41 years. I could not show and travel like I do today if I worked. That is why I love retirement!
358 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019
Breeder Q & A