Page 374 - ShowSight - December 2019

Anne Eckersley continued
Is my breed easy to place? The demand for Cavaliers here in the Northeast Region is huge so it is not difficult to place puppies. Sadly more and more breeders are downsizing and not breeding as much for many different and varied reasons thus the demand become greater and the supply more limited. I never advertise avail- able puppies or stud services. Most of my puppies go to people who have had dogs from me for years or people who come to me by word of mouth. I take out advertisements with pretty photographs of my dogs in the specialty magazines but those are read by my peers in the breed—not so much by the general public.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an organi- zation’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? A Breed- ers’ Showcase is really just an online form of advertising. I doubt it will give breeders recognition per se but it might help the general public find responsible breeders.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? AKC is a registering body and sets policy and rules however they already have an extensive Education Department on line as well as the Canine Health Foundation that funds studies with major vet hospi- tals and the development of genetic health disease tests. AKC could work with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA and their CHIC program to certify breeding stock that is free from genetic illness. AKC could make sure breeders understand the ramifications of breeding untested or affected dogs. I believe the AKC Parent Clubs need to do so much more in terms of educating and assisting their member-breeders to produce correct type, sound moving with sound temperaments and healthy dogs to take into the showring. This will help breeders attain better show results.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? In today’s world there is no need for a breeder’s knowledge to be gained by trial and error. The internet is FULL of education about breeding and showing dogs. IF ONLY people would take the time to educate themselves and read. I would implore any new person to get a men- tor which I explained above. That person should be able to help a new exhibitor with any and all questions.
Do I show my own dogs? At CKCSC, USA shows we do not per- mit handlers unless they actually own the dogs so we are all owner- handlers. In AKC, for the most part, I have shown my own dogs but have used a handler for the Open classes and BOB classes. Years ago I could enter the ring with a Special as an owner-handler and com- pete well with the pros. Today owner-handlers (those that exhibit infrequently because surprisingly they might have another life other than dogs!) are not on a level playing field with the pros. And that is unfortunate and it is discouraging for the owner-handler who wants to compete at the highest level.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? Watching an exhibitor’s under slip fall to her feet! I learned to make sure my under garments were always secure after that!
VICKI EDWARDS
How I got started in dogs: I seriously started showing dogs in the early 90s. All my life I have had a variety of animals though— including dogs and horses.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? I did my research and finally found a breeder that would sell me a bitch. Not the best but at the time I just wanted a pet. But this breeder occasion- ally showed their Yorkies. So I got interested. I found a match and
went. I took BOB and a group placement and didn’t have a clue as to what I had just done when everyone was congratulating me. I was hooked. I went to a few shows as a spectator. I knew this was something I wanted to try!
Who were my mentors? I didn’t have a mentor. Those that have mentors do not realize how much easier this makes things. If you have a mentor be sure to say thank you and be appreciative. As they are sharing their hard earned knowledge with you in hopes of you being successful. I learned the ropes by arriving at shows and watching. I made notes as and asked questions. Then I would go home and research and practice top knots and grooming like I had seen at the show. Learning by trial and error. Someone told me that I needed to put my bitch in oil. Okay—well I had baby oil. It’s an oil so I was set. You may roll your eyes now! I didn’t know there was something special I should be using. I spent the next six or so baths getting the oil out of the coat. And, of course, this didn’t help the coat at all. This was only the first of many learning errors that I had.
The best thing about being a breeder? The satisfaction of mak- ing your best efforts to breed a litter that conforms closely with your AKC standard. There is much to be said about ones interpretation of standards. But we need to be realistic about this and understand when we veer too far off the way our breed suffers. We are to be breeding to the standard as it was written not changing it to fit our needs at the time. I could go on but I’m off topic! And a great thing for a breeder as well is to being able to show, finish, and produce quality offspring. Of course the perks of breeding are adorable pup- pies and puppy breath and watching them grow.
The toughest part about being a breeder? The first thing that comes to mind is the loss of your bitch or a puppy(s). If you breed long enough you will see a little bit of everything. And experience much heartache. But those of us that are the hard core breeders push on and dream of the next show hopeful.
Do I work outside of the home? No I don’t work outside of the home, but I always seem to find plenty to do at home!
Is my family involved? My husband is my biggest cheer lead- er. He does the lifting, carrying, driving and is mess picker upper extraordinaire and in general makes my job of showing much easier!
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? I am a member of our Parent Club, YTCA. I have been asked to hold various positions but I feel that my time is limited and if I can not devote the time needed I should leave that to someone that can.
My kennel/exercise areas described: our dogs are exercised on our deck. Males on one end and females on the other separated and if there are puppies or young dogs there is an area in the middle for their safety.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? My grandmother used to call my grandfather Sugar- foot. It was a sweet nickname for him and I thought this would be a great remembrance of him. No the kennel name is not registered.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? Not at the moment but never say never. I see it occurring in the future.
Is my breed easy to place? Yorkies are fairly easy to place. Very frequently the general public does not understand the work involved in raising a toy litter. The knowledge required to make everything rock along on an even keel and to raise a healthy, happy, socialized litter. So cost can be an issue. Many people want a tiny Yorkie for practically no cost. Every responsible Yorkie breeder will tell you that Yorkies can be an expensive endeavor. I do not offer public stud services. And most puppies that are made available are placed by word of mouth and by talking to other breeders or previous clients.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an orga- nization’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? That’s hard to say for sure. Breeders are in my opinion the back bone of
Breeder Q & A
370 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019