Page 414 - ShowSight - December 2019

Cheryl Mechalke continued
breeding enrich other peoples’ lives, and then showing pups of our breeding to their Championship and beyond.
The toughest things about breeding range from a) making sure pups of your breeding go to wonderful, forever homes, to b) mak- ing sure you do not become “Kennel Blind” when choosing dogs to keep in your breeding program. As there is always a dog that captures your heart, they may not mature as you thought, and you sometimes need to make the decision to place them in their forever home.
We both work full-time outside of the home. This creates many challenges and requires us to efficiently manage our schedules. We are very fortunate to have a friend and handers to help us show our dogs.
Is my family involved? We both show our dogs and we co-own dogs with specific people.
We are members of Australian Terrier Club of America and the All Terrier Club of Colorado.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? Our kennel name, Araluen. Is derived from where we live—by the water. It is an Aboriginal term.
Is my breed easy to place? As this breed is very rare, we advertise our litters on the National Club site, on our personal website, and by posting photos of our current breeding on Facebook and in our Show Sight ads.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” will give breeders the recogni- tion they deserve? We always try to support the Breeder’s Showcase when we have enough dogs available to showcase. We appreciate the opportunity to participate in these events, as they are wonderful ways to have our breeding program recognized.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Perhaps the AKC could post more photos of rare breeds on their website to increase their visibility.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Our best advice is to follow your heart and instincts. It has never let us down! Do I show my own dogs? Yes, we do show our own dogs; a good
friend and our handlers help us.
The funniest thing at a dog show: years ago, when I first started
showing, a beautiful toddler came running towards my, then, nov- ice show bitch outside of a show ring. She stopped, crouched down just in front of her, and put her little hands on both sides of my bitch’s face. I was totally caught off guard, yet my girl handled it in stride. I had to apologize to the toddler’s parents, as my girl gave her a huge kiss! They didn’t care, and the ring steward, who was irri- tated with me was tempered by the Judge. The Judge found my girl to be a nice representation of the breed, and put her up for breed, even though we temporarily held up the ring judging.
KATHI MOLLOY
How I got started in dogs? Our first Elkhound was from a breed- er who just had one male left in the litter that they were hoping to “show”. Meanwhile we had decided Elkhounds were for us and just went to “look” and before the afternoon was over “Prancer” ended up coming home with us. We had no idea what a dog show was back then.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? We just fell in love with the breed, starting with our first Elkhound “Prancer”. In the next few years we added another Elkhound to our family, started going to dog shows, joined the local club and progressed to showing and breeding.
Who were my mentors? Back when we started the Elkhound Community was bigger and almost everyone in our breed clubs were our mentors. Cotton (Statton), Juliet (Isbjorn), Laura, Ed, Bea (Somerri), Nancee (Willowbrook) all were so helpful. More recently
Breeders like Nicole (Daggerwood), Patty and Dick (Bjorn Lass) and Ginger (Graafin) continue to share advice.
The best thing about being a breeder is each breeding is an opportunity to try to produce better, closer to the standard. If we improve each generation, it is a successful breeding. Most impor- tantly if the dogs are sound, healthy and great family members— we’ve done our job. The toughest part about being a breeder is say- ing goodbye to your best friends.
Do I work outside of the home? Our hobby takes up a great deal of our time and energy—dogs need TLC and care every day. And then the dog shows keep weekends busy and breeding is never about the money, but takes an incredible amount of energy to ensure pups are healthy and socialized before going to their homes.
Is my family involved? Yes! Could not do it without them.
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? Yes to both breed and all breed. I have been president three times and still am Show Chair and Officer for my
all breed club this year.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered
with AKC? HighPoint Norwegian Elkhounds because we live on High Point Terrace.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? Yes! The reality is that we can only keep a few dogs at home and every time we breed I want to keep somethings, so I share dog responsibilities with others.
Is my breed easy to place? Elkhounds are great dogs but we have not marketed them well. I wish the Breed Clubs would spend more time and money on getting the word out for our breed.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? AKC Marketplace is a great start.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? For nov- ice owners, send the puppy home with anything and everything it needs for food, grooming, collar and leash, registration—to get that right start.
Do I show my own dogs? Yes, I was so proud to put a BISS on my dog this year. But our Cliff has been out with a Professional Handler, Paul Catterson, who has done an amazing job with him. Number one Elkhound this year so far.
ASHLEY MROZ
I got started in dogs when I rescued a Border Collie Mix from our local animal shelter when I was 13. I took her to obedience classes right away and we quickly transitioned to agility and other performance events. When I was 16 I started Juniors and conforma- tion with AKC; some local people were kind enough to allow me to co-own their dogs so I could compete until I got some dogs of my own to exhibit. I now currently breed and exhibit Field Spaniels.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? I had a great support system and it was just fun going away for a weekend with your friends 4-legged and 2-legged. It was my escape from reality and a great time for some one on one time with my dog(s). I was having more fun going to dog shows than doing other activities.
My main mentor is the person I have started a breeding program(s) with, she was my instructor for all my main dog classes and even helped get me to shows when I was a junior, we now share tips and tricks back and forth. I also had some other memorable handling classes through the years that have shaped me into the exhibitor I am today.
The best thing about being a breeder? The puppies of course! I love watching the dogs we helped bring into the world grow and succeed at whatever they do in life. They can also bring some great new people into your life.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Letting go of your babies and/or things not going to plan. Breeding is not for the faint
410 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019
Breeder Q & A