Page 404 - ShowSight - December 2019

Jay Hyman continued
(there is good light, TV, computer etc.). Puppies, when there is a litter are set up in the office or adjacent garage.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? When I started we lived on Rolling Road in Rolling- wood, Maryland. It was a natural progression. My son’s landscaping business is called Rolling Acres Landscaping. It is not registered, but no one has attempted to use it.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? I have only co bred with individuals who purchased females from me and we will often co breed a litter. I am responsible for planning, supervising and sell- ing the puppies. In addition over the years I have been assisted by several individuals who have helped with planning, writing, and doing the many things I can no longer do. I am most appreciative end could not have continued without their aid.
Fortunately, the Ridgeback is easy to live with, is relatively healthy, and therefore many people return for a dog every 15 years. Over half of my puppies are sold to people who have had one of mine before... I normally have a list of over 20 people waiting for puppies. I often refer prospective buyers to other breeders who have equally good (almost) puppies.
As an aside I recently had a couple of Doctors, retire in Hawaii, return to Maryland and purchased a dog. They had gotten one from me when in Medical School and told me that I had let them pay the then price of $200, in ten $20 payments because that was all they could afford. Over the years they have probably sent me six purchasers. I have dogs in India, South America, Europe, and all of the States of the US.
I have seldom runs ads, except institutional ads in Club Publica- tions, as I do not have puppies available. I could sell 50 per year, instead of average of nine, if I had them available.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” will give breeders the recogni- tion they deserve? These are the institutional type ads I will run, but at this age I do not do that anymore.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Try and help more with settling disputes among breeders, judges etc.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Have a friend or associate that has a good memory, good with pedigrees and genet- ics, with whom you can discuss an unending series of questions.
I always, even before OFA, have x rayed for hips and elbows and tested thyroid. My contracts (see Rollingsridgebacks.com”) are simple and rely on your impression of the potential buyer. Litiga- tion, today. is impossibly expensive, so it is hardly ever worthwhile to sue to enforce an overly burdensome contract.
Do I show my own dogs? I used to when I was younger. I was not very good but got the deed dome.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? In Carlyle, Pennsylvania about five years ago a lady needing to go, went into an x pen, and went. The next day a handler hung a hanger with a roll of toilet paper on it, on the x pen. She did get repri- manded by AKC.
REBECCA INGERSOLL
How I got started in dogs: I have always had dogs growing up. So they have always been a part of my life. In 2000 I got my first Border Collie and the passion began.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? I was teaching obedience classes and a student in the class did not want to teach her dog to sit because she did conformation. I could not understand why as it is just putting a behavior on cue. However I could not speak from experience as I had done many performance sports, but never conformation. I decided it was time to get a con- formation dog and learn! Two breeds and multiple show dogs lat- er—I am hooked.
Who were my mentors? I was very fortunate to be connected with a wonderful person who got me started in conformation and others who have helped me in breeding.
The best thing about being a breeder? The extended family I now have in the wonderful families who chose to make my pup- pies a member of their family and all the friends I have met in the breeds I have.
The toughest part about being a breeder? The inevitable losses you will encounter. The litters that didn’t take, the puppies you lose, etc. And dealing with the public who doesn’t understand why you charge x amount of dollars for a well bred puppy.
Do I work outside of the home? Yes I do and it definitely cre- ates challenges. Trying to plan which shows to attend and only so much vacation time to be able to use. The last two years I was able to attend The AKC Nationals due to well-timed surgeries, but not anymore as I work for the Postal Service and NO time off in December.
Is my family involved? Only to the extent that I am fortunate to have my parents live in my guest house and they are supportive of what I do. They take care of the ranch while I am gone and help with the dogs daily. I can never tank them enough because it allows me to do it!
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? Yes I belong to the Mudi Club of America and am currently the Treasurer. I also belong to a local all breed kennel club and the Border Collie Society of America.
My kennel/exercise areas described: I have a dog room attached to my house that houses most of the adult dogs. Breeding females are in the house and whelp litters and are raised in the house. I have a courtyard split into three dog yards and surrounded by other dog yards so dogs can be split into different groups as needed. I have a few dogs just imported as adults that have lived their entire lives outside as guard/kennel dogs so accommodations were built to make their transition here as easy as possible. Plans are in the mak- ing for building a kennel/training building and more dog yards. Always reinvesting in my program.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? Based on my foundation bitch and my new Ranch I purchased. Her name is Visions Twist of Fate. My Kennel and my Ranch is Twisted Acres. Not registered yet, but plan to be.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? I have on a couple. Not something done regularly.
Is my breed easy to place? The Mudi gets a lot of inquiries as they are few and far between and currently I am the only regular breeder. So far they have been easy to place. The Border Collies have also been easy to place so far to date. The litters I just had has been a little more difficult and the only reason I can think is the time of year. I have a permanent listing on the AKC Marketplace, My own website and facebook Page. Always looking for ways to get the word out!
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” will give breeders the recogni- tion they deserve? I have not seen that. I would love to see it. I think that is an awesome idea.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Not sure—I can say I do get alot of inquiries through my AKC Market- place listing. So that does help. Anything is welcome!
Do I show my own dogs? Yes! And I love it!
KATHLEEN KOLBERT
How I got started in dogs: for my birthday in 1966, my hus- band gave me a four-month male Yorkshire Terrier. We named him Pickwick.
Breeder Q & A
400 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019