Page 435 - ShowSight - December 2019

Francesca Scorza continued
consistency of my breeding shows the type I like, my point of view on the breed, my current ideas and my future dreams.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Trials are the most important things. I can advise to listen to all, but think with your own brain. Never think you know enough; every day is the perfect day to learn something new and every person can be a good teacher even if unexpected. Look at your dogs every day, not with “Mommy” eyes but with eyes of the most strict judge. Don’t forgive mistakes of your dogs just because you bred them but breed to improve your line. Plan a litter like it would be your last and look at what you are producing. If you do a god job, your last puppy has to be the best and not worse than the parents that you bred before. Look at the studs you think about using and don’t only look at the pedigree. Test your dogs, only put healthy dogs into your breeding line and use your brain and line breeding to fix your type of dog that can be the mirror of your kennel. I’m really proud that many people around the world recognize a Touchstar without reading the name on the show catalog.
Do I show my own dogs? My husband and I like to show our dogs.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? What makes me laugh near the ring at shows are always the critics of the other competitors, and most of the time these are the same people who tell you that you have perfect dogs, but I would need a whole magazine to speak about this.
JO-ANN SECONDINO
How I got started in dogs: my fondest memories always include dogs; going to obedience classes with my mother or playing with the puppies in the whelping box as a six year old, “hunting” for quail with my father and our Labrador. It wasn’t until I was a young adult I was introduced to Nordic breeds and I knew they’d always be a part of my life. I owned and traveled with a Keeshond for more than a decade, when I discovered the Icelandic Sheepdog. Now, nearly 16 years later, my adventures with these awesome dogs keep getting better every year.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? After being given so much support from my breed and canine communi- ty, I was able to build the confidence to take on each new challenge. I found I do enjoy the art and science of breeding dogs and what you learn from each new litter.
I had very generous mentors here in the USA and abroad, Elisa- bet Stacy-Hurley, the founding member of the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America, Brynhildur Inga Einarsdottir, Jóhanna Harðardóttir, Monika Karlsdottir and Helga Andresdottir in Ice- land and Riitta Lumiluoto in Finland. With Chinooks, Karen Hinchy has been the very best mentor. Then too many people to name who encouraged us when we first starting competing with our dogs before and through AKC full acceptance—now it’s my turn to give back to those new to the breed and dog sports.
The best thing about being a breeder? Being part of a commu- nity that works together towards a common cause and building an extended family with your puppy owners.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Vetting potential new owners. While all Icelandic Sheepdogs are awesome, they aren’t all created equal, making placements based on drive and temperament a necessity. Getting to know potential owners and each puppy in your litter is essential to make good placements, telling potential owners that you don’t have a puppy that will be a good fit is the hardest part of the job.
Do I work outside of the home and is my family involved? Yes, I do work outside the home and am very fortunate that my employer and managers are very supportive of my efforts, my latest litter went
to work with me and were bottle fed in my office. I can’t say how much I appreciate how the entire staff allows me the opportunity to work my schedule around my dogs and events.
I do get support from my partner Jon Pickett in caring for our dogs, litters and in organizing our annual fundraising event for our breed rescue called Icetoberfest.
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? I belong to the Icelandic Sheepdog Club of America where I have served as Vice President, Health and Genetics Chairman, Breeding and Review Chairman and Advertising Chair- man. I also belong to the Chinook Club of America where I served as Health and Genetics Chairman.
My kennel/exercise areas described: we have a half acre securely fenced for them to exercise in, along with agility equipment and plenty of squirrels to chase. There is also a separate puppy yard with enrichment equipment inside our exercise area.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? My first Icelandic Sheepdog had a very fox like appear- ance while bounding through the fields, we became Fox Meadow Icelandics and Chinooks when we had our first litter. Jon has adopted the kennel prefix Alfagardur meaning Elf Garden in Ice- landic named for his first bitch Astros Blomalfur which translates to Beloved Rose the Flower Elf.
Do Ico-breed and co-own with others? Yes! Working with others can be the best experience, I really enjoy collaborating with my co- owners / co-breeders and sharing the experience.
Is my breed easy to place? The Icelandic Sheepdog and Chinook each have their challenges when placing puppies, we advertise lit- ters on AKC marketplace and get referrals through word of mouth, stud services are advertised via my website and social media groups.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an orga- nization’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? Yes, I think it would help people learn how to locate ethical breed- ers with quality puppies as well as a support network for those future owners.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Don’t be afraid to try and to fail, listen to folks who have been invested in your breed for the long term—don’t disregard them because they aren’t currently on the top of the pack, their experience can be what you build your foundation on.
Do I show my own dogs? Yes I do, and sometimes with a little help from my friends.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? When the Icelandic Sheepdog was first eligible to compete in AKC Conformation as a fully accepted breed, a friend and I brought eight dogs to two Maryland clusters that were just days apart in July of 2010. We were running in and out of the ring, our husbands stand- ing outside the ring switching numbers and dogs in 100 degree heat. Years later, I met the ring steward whose rings we were showing in who retold the tale of two crazy Icelandic Sheepdog ladies who just kept running in and out with what seemed to be an endless stream of dogs, and I had to admit it was me.
TRICIA L. SNEDEGAR
How I got started in dogs: Treeing Walker Coonhounds were developed by my grandfather, Lester Nance, of Arcadia, Indiana in the 1940s. He purchased a cull Foxhound that wouldn’t stay chas- ing the fox, but come treed on various prey. During the depression, White River King was hunted on raccoon, squirrel and opossum so that Papaw could sell the hides in order to have extra money to care for his family. In the mid 60s my parents Alan and Beth (Nance) Snedegar started what would be a span of 50 years pro- moting, exhibiting and hunting the lines of Lester’s and contin-
Breeder Q & A
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