Our Trip to the American Chesapeake Club's 2016 National Show Specialty

Every year, I attend the American Chesapeake Club's National Show Specialty. The show rotates each year across three regions of our country, so travel is sometimes involved. I go to the effort to attend this event each year for reasons that I'll share below. For the first time, I missed our National last year when our pups were born just a few days before the event and I was unable to leave mom and pups to travel to Wisconsin. I was thrilled to have a whelping box filled with happy, healthy pups, so I had no regrets about staying home. But, I was particularly excited to head to Portland, Oregon last week for the 2016 show.

When I can, I enter my dogs to compete in the various events associated with our National Specialty. Over the years, I've competed in Obedience, Rally, Conformation, and our Working Dog Stakes. It's not always possible to take a dog for various reasons, but it's important for me to attend regardless because I go for many reasons beyond competition. Our National provides many opportunities, both formal and informal, for learning. There are typically several seminars (health, breed, judging, handling, etc.). And, the show brings knowledgeable people together from around the U.S. and the world and we have nearly a week to spend together to watch judging, share meals, have a drink, or simply walk our dogs together. The formal seminars and the informal discussions are an invaluable learning opportunity for me.

Though I live in Maryland and have the ability to see many Chesapeakes on a regular basis, I think it's important to get out and see dogs from other regions so that my perspective on the breed isn't limited to what I can see locally. I become familiar with dogs from other lines and this opens up breeding opportunities that can help to preserve diversity within our gene pool. I go to see possible stud dogs. And, in one place, you can sometimes see the parents and offspring of any given dog. It's important to see how traits are passed along.

And, amidst all that "work," I get to visit with dear, old friends and make special, new friends. Our common bond is strong as is our commitment to the breed that we love. We joke. We laugh. We support one another. We celebrate each other's successes. And, when the veteran classes go around the ring, we even shed tears together...tears for the old ones we've grown to love over the years...and for those we've recently lost. My friends in our breed community have become some of my dearest friends and I really treasure them. 

This year, I hopped on a plane with my little Gudgeon who celebrated her first birthday in Portland. It was her first big trip and first time on a plane. It seems that all of our socialization and training paid off as she was relaxed and enthusiastic about the whole adventure. She went nearly everywhere with me during our stay in Portland and was a ray of sunshine with all she met. When it was time to compete, we showed in the Puppy Sweepstakes under breeder judge, Annette Monugian (Marnett's Chesapeakes) and in the Bred-by Exhibitor class under breeder judge, Betsy Horn Humer (Eastern Water's Chesapeakes). Both judges placed Gudgeon in 2nd place in their respective classes. This was a lovely result for her 2nd weekend out in the show ring. In addition, Gudgeon earned her Canine Good Citizen title. So, all-in-all, this was a successful trip for us on many fronts. And, I loved having this time to deepen our bond. 

I want to thank Chairpersons Marilyn Williams and Karen Marcotte and everyone who volunteered to host us all in Portland. I've co-chaired one of these events myself and have served on the American Chesapeake Club Show Committee and I know how much work goes into a specialty that spans six days and includes 6 competition events, seminars, meals, trophies, etc.  Thank you, Team Portland!

Why It's So Important to Stay in Touch With Your Dog's Breeder

My work in dog rescue has shown me that, for whatever reason, many people do not stay in contact with their dog's breeder after the pup goes home. They don't consider that their breeder is a resource for information or advice. Nor do they realize that their breeder has an investment in knowing how the pup that they created has turned out. Responsible breeders care deeply about the long-term well-being of each individual dog that they produce and they also feel a strong sense of stewardship of the breed itself. So, staying in touch with the owners of our pups is an important part of the work that we, as breeders, do. 

Why is lifelong communication between dog owner and breeder so important? Many breeders go to great lengths to give our pups every chance for an ideal "dog's life." We perform health tests on parents and spend time working our dogs and earning titles on them to prove that they are fine examples of their breed. We spend years studying animal husbandry, genetics, breed history, animal behavior, and so much more. We do this because we strive to have a positive impact on our breed. Our responsibility does not end when your puppy goes home. We do not turn over responsibility for the pup. Instead, we enter into a partnership with you where we now share responsibility for the well-being of your dog. Even the most capable dog owner is sometimes faced with a training or health issue that has them stumped and unable to find an effective solution. And, every breeder should monitor the health, temperament, and working ability of the dogs they are breeding to see if we are achieving our goals. We cannot determine our success by how healthy and cute our puppies are when they go home with you at eight weeks of age. We must monitor their development over time to see if we are on the right course.  Keeping lines of communication open is good for your dog and it's good for the breed. 

Before purchasing a pup, choose a breeder who plans to be a resource to you for the life of your pup. Look for the signs that tell you that the breeder is committed to your pup and the breed as a whole. Did they perform health clearances on the parents? Are they involved in their breed's AKC parent club (i.e. The American Chesapeake Club) so that they can learn from the larger breed community?  Is the breeder willing to take the dog back to resume full responsibility for the well-being of the dog when you can no longer keep it for some unforeseen reason?

The best breeders are thrilled to get your calls and your emails. We love to hear your news from the smallest achievements to the greatest. Victories in housebreaking are as epic as news that you've earned a title in your chosen event. The best breeders stand with you in your worry when you have a concern about your dog. Like you, we lose sleep when they are ill. And, we grieve with you when they are gone. We want your dog to be an integral part of your family, but we want you to remember that they began as part of our family.

So, look for a breeder who expects to be your partner. Mark them as a "favorite" in your contacts and plan to get to know them very well over the next 14+ years. Don't wait too long to contact them when you have questions. With their experience, they might put your mind at ease right away. And, if they don't know the answer to your questions, they will find someone who does. Be grateful when your breeder calls you up for no particular reason. Its a sign that they care and that their commitment to your pup is strong. And, that is how it should be!

Gina Downin, Weatherdeck Chesapeakes