1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How long have you been a Professional Handler? How did you get your start? Who are/were your mentors and with whom did you apprentice?

Tristen Lawrence: While many know me as “The Great Dane Girl,” my family’s endeavors in the sport of purebred dogs have been much broader. I was fortunate enough to be born a third-generation professional handler. While both sides of my family have always been highly involved in Great Danes as breeders, owners, and professional handlers, my grandfather (on my mother’s side) began multi-breed handling in the late 1970s, handling many hound breeds as well as several Belgian Tervurens, Gordon Setters, and many more. Additionally, my grandmother on my father’s side started out in Scotties, and had multiple terrier breeds along with her Great Danes. The Great Dane ring is where my parents met, and the rest, you could say, is history. I was just over a week old when I attended my first dog show, and have been an active participant ever since. I now reside in Southern Maryland and am fortunate to currently have beautiful dogs in the Sporting, Hound, Working, Herding, and Non-Sporting Groups!

Being fully immersed in the sport from my very beginnings, I must count my parents and grandparents as my biggest mentors in all aspects of life, but I have been so fortunate to have grown up with so many greats in our sport who have shaped my views since an early age. Hugo Gamboa of Daneboa Great Danes was a bonus grandparent to me. I grew up believing Carol Grossman was an actual celebrity, and I now call her friend and mentor. As a youngster, Carlos Puig took me under his wing and taught me so much about Dachshunds. I had a Standard Wire at the time that had no ties to him, but he took the time to teach us how to groom and condition him. At the age of nine, I had the amazing opportunity to stay with our Japanese friends and clients, Yuriko and Hitoshi Sayama. The Sayamas are international judges as well as very hands-on owners of grooming schools in Japan. The things I was able to glean not only about the dog business but about business in general was invaluable. The names are too many to list, but I feel so grateful to everyone who took the time to cultivate my love for the dogs and the sport, and gave me such enriching life experiences.

2. As a Professional Handler, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? Has judging changed since you first began showing dogs professionally? What do you think about the number of shows today? Is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?

Tristen Lawrence: As a third-generation dog fancier, I love that our sport is steeped in tradition. I love that skills and practices, as well as genetics, have been passed down for generations. That being said, I feel the biggest difference between the dog shows of my youth and the dog shows of today comes down to size and numbers. When my grandfather started professionally showing dogs, he would leave his job at Chrysler on Friday night, drive most of the night, in some cases, and start showing dogs bright and early. It was a weekend ritual that has become our week-long routine. Along that same vein, there were fewer options. Sometimes you had to travel a little farther or simply take the weekend off. I am conflicted, though. Yes, it made it easier for the average person to attend the dog show, but I think for the average person it was more difficult to come by a win. So, like most things, I see both sides. I love the sport and feel grateful to show up nearly every day of the week at a show, but I miss the high numbers and fierce competition—but also the fierce camaraderie we had.

I think social media in general is misleading. Not only in the sport of dogs but in all aspects of life. You only see what each individual wants you to see, and from the perfect angle they want you to see it. I truly believe that if I did not feel it was my job, I would not be on social media.

3. Have the changes made to the Rules Applying to Dog Shows been good for the sport of dogs? Any thoughts on Reserve Best in Show? What about earning points through a Group win or placement? What about Reserve Winners at a Specialty earning championship points?

Tristen Lawrence: As far as I can tell, the pillars of dog shows have remained the same. I think that steps taken to protect the dogs and the participants are admirable. As far as Reserve Best in Show is concerned, I believe that if it is going to be offered, points should count towards winning a Reserve Best in Show. I think we should consider awarding the RBIS winner the points for all of the other Groups defeated. This would, in most cases, give the Best in Show Winner around 100 points more than the RBIS winner. I personally believe that in order to achieve a championship, a dog should defeat a certain number of its own breed. If a dog earns only points towards its championship by receiving Group placements, did it truly have merit in its own breed? I think that there should be a stipulation that not all points towards a championship can come from only Group placements. On the other hand, I believe that the implementation of awarding points to Reserve Winners at large-entry Specialties is a positive. In order to be awarded points in this case, the entry must be double the number of dogs that make up a 5-point major. This would mean that Reserve Winners would have defeated many more dogs than it would have had to in order to receive a typical 3-point major. I would think, in that case, the dog should definitely be deserving of points.

4. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed? What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in your profession and in the dog show community over the past decade?

Tristen Lawrence: One of the biggest problems I see with the community as a whole is the need for instant gratification. I understand everyone wants to win, but many fail to realize the years of dedication that lifelong breeders, owners, and handlers have poured into their individual breeds, breeding programs, and businesses. It is easy to be discouraged, but failure is a great reason to start again, only wiser.

The post The Pro Shop: The Place for Pro Handlers – Tristen Lawrence appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a breed with a long and cherished history as one of the oldest of known retriever breeds. In the show ring, the breed should exemplify the virtues listed in the standard, and should never be judged as a “generic looking” retriever. This is a distinct breed with specific traits that provide the desired overall type that is sought by breed fanciers. First and foremost, the breed should exhibit Curly-Coated Retriever breed type. A good moving dog with little or no breed type is not a Curly-Coated Retriever.

The overall first impression of this breed should be of a balanced, athletic, durable hunting retriever. The breed should appear to have good length of leg, providing the necessary upstanding quality desired. An appearance of a squat or lower stationed to the ground dog does not reflect the upstanding appearance and is not typical of this retriever. The depth of chest from withers to elbow should be equal to the length of leg from elbow to ground. The overall proportion is slightly off square with the deep ribcage going well back into the short loin. The mass and bone should never appear spindly or massive, but rather show a robust and strong balance exuding grace and symmetry.

The breed standard calls for 23-25 inch bitches and 25-27 inch males. They are allowed to be outside of this range only if they are “clearly superior” specimens of the breed, which entails having the proper outline and proportion, correct coat, and superior movement. In order to have correct bone and mass, a bitch should weigh approximately 60-85 pounds and the males weighing approximately 70-95 pounds; weight being dependent on the height of the Curly-Coated Retriever at the withers. It is not uncommon for judges to be adjudicating various height ranges in the same ring and same class. And judges should be mindful of selecting specimens possessing the best overall breed type rather than purely on size alone.

Upon first examination of the Curly headpiece, the impression should be of a wedge-shaped head possessing parallel planes. The length of muzzle from tip of nose to center of stop should equal the length of backskull from the center of the shallow stop to the occiput. The breadth across the flat or nearly flat backskull at the occiput to the ears should equal the length of backskull. And the depth of the backskull on the side of head also should equal the length of backskull. All of these proportions give the headpiece a wedge-shaped outline. The slight tapering of the headpiece from backskull toward the muzzle is smooth with no inclination toward any kind of cheekiness or dewlap. This smooth transition allows for good breadth of muzzle, open and large nostrils, and workman-like jaws able to carry large fowl or small furred game. The appearance of the wedge shape is apparent looking down from above as well as from the side, ending with a mild tapering of the muzzle at the nose.

The breed standard states: “…A Curly sometimes appears aloof or self-willed, and, as such, is often less demonstrative, particularly toward strangers, than the other retriever breeds…”

Best stated by Canadian Curly adorer, Melissa Kime, “While she is not as comfortable being at the center of attention as her Labradorable siblings, she is extremely comfortable just being. She doesn’t want a ticker tape parade thrown in her honor, but she is happy to be there at the parade. A Labrador is not happy until the soiree thrown in his honor has begun while a Curly wonders ‘why all the fuss?’

She is not disinterested, she is unconcerned. She is not difficult to train, she is quick to bore. She is not out of the picture, she is happy to be a part of the background, just squeak, squeak, squeaking her tennis ball.

There’s nothing fancy about my Curly. She is very happy to please so long as what pleases me also happens to please her.”

Field Venue Presence

They are eligible to participate in many hunt tests and field trials through AKC, UKC, and North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA). They have recently been included in not only the retriever stakes of these tests, but the spaniel hunt tests as well, celebrating their attributes as an excellent upland hunter. They are in the minority of numbers at many tests, but the trend is changing, more are representing all over the US each weekend. The Master Hunter (MH) title is the highest level in the AKC hunt test system.

For perspective, the breed has only had 11 Master Hunters in its history, but 6 of them have earned their titles in the last five years with more on the way to their titles this year. Evidence of their versatility, of the 11 Master Hunters, 8 are conformation show Champions (Ch), one with a Grand Champion (GCH), and most have additional obedience, agility, and therapy dog titles as well. There are approximately 120 AKC Junior Hunters in the breed and 28 Senior Hunters, also numbers that are steadily increasing. We recently had a GCH member of the breed earn the breed’s first Qualified All Age status at an all-breed field trial and have had a handful with field trial ribbons throughout the breed’s history.

The Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America hosts an annual all-breed AKC hunt test. The club also endorses three levels of working certificate field tests and an upland hunting certificate test which are held by local clubs and in conjunction with the National Specialty each year. Larger numbers of curlies may never see an organized field test, but are skilled hunting companions in homes and in fields all over the country. They are utilized for both waterfowl (ducks and geese) and upland game (pheasant, grouse, quail, etc.) and can track wounded game as well. They can be involved in hunting furred game as well such as rabbits and squirrels. Once an avid outdoorsman spends a day in the field with a curly, they may never have another breed.

Once an avid outdoorsman spends a day in the field with a curly, they may never have another breed.

Judging the Curly

As a judge, analyze the standard for not just the what and the where, but also the why? Why is each part of the standard written, what is it advantage in the field? Does that curly have a strong enough rear that can still propel them properly at 12 years old? Can the dog you are evaluating go all day in the field? Not too many curlies are just standing around while hunting. Do they look functional while moving, not just stacked?

Other Venues

Their abilities are not just limited to the field. As versatile, athletic dogs with a quick mind and a big heart, Curlies can be successful in agility, obedience, rally, lure coursing, dock diving, tracking, and many other venues. They are loving, loyal companions to the niche of people who have them. And, take heed, Curlies are like potato chips, one usually leads to more!

The post Judging the Curly-Coated Retriever appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Spring cleaning can be one of those cathartic experiences that shifts your state of mind and encourages you to plan that dinner party you’ve been contemplating all winter. It can also send you down a rabbit hole or two if the clean-up involves tackling long-neglected drawers or bins of forgotten memorabilia. Instead of feeling rejuvenated, the experience can have you sitting for hours going through souvenirs and keepsakes that remind you of how much time has passed and how much things have changed. It can even bring the whole cleaning process to a complete standstill. This happened to me recently when I uncovered a box containing long-forgotten documents from my earliest days in the sport of dogs.

This year’s clean-up took me back to the year 1979. In a folder labeled “Hawkeye,” I found the AKC registration and pedigree of my first dog, an English Springer Spaniel. Also rediscovered were receipts from visits to the dog’s groomer and veterinarian. One handwritten slip from Down-Home Dog Grooming shows that I paid $23 in 1981 for a full groom. That seems like a real bargain today, since the average cost in 2024 can be anywhere from $90-140. Even more astonishing are the old vet receipts, which range from $12 for an office visit to $28 for a visit that included vaccinations and deworming meds. Although I save a bit of money now by grooming my own dogs, I’m still taking them to the vet where I rarely leave the office without dropping $500!

One of the biggest surprises was finding a handwritten note from Hawkeye’s breeder. In her letter, the lady suggests that I might enjoy going to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s all-breed dog show later that month. As I reread the note, I recall being intrigued by the idea of a dog show. I accepted the invitation without hesitation and spent the whole day immersed in a world I didn’t understand in the least. I know that I stayed till Best in Show and was in awe of the little dog that defeated every other dog at the show. How great, I remember thinking, that he was the winner and that the guy showing him got to take home that beautiful sterling silver trophy, or so I thought.

At that first show, I remember being delighted to see so many of the breeds I’d only seen in books. The Mastiffs, Borzoi, and Komondorok were even more extraordinary in person, lounging as they were in the benching area for the benefit of spectators like me. I recall wanting to learn as much as I could about each and every breed, and I must have gone on a serious letter writing campaign after the show because the box I’d opened contained dozens of letters and tri-folds from quite a few dog clubs. Much of the decades-old correspondence is from club secretaries who describe their breed in straight-forward language and extend an invitation to join their organization. Among the breeds I’d expressed interest in were the Curly-Coated Retriever, Sussex Spaniel, and French Bulldog.

The Frenchie correspondence jogged a particular memory of how I was introduced to the breed. In Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, I encountered a dog whose owner told me that his companion had been entered in a few shows. (The breed was not at all popular at the time and was not often seen at dog shows.) I remember that we talked a bit about showing dogs, and when I commented on his dog’s color—which appeared solid black to me—the gentleman showed me where his dog had fawn-colored hairs sprinkled throughout his coat. I later learned this was called “black brindle” and that the breed has a limited color palette. More than four decades later, it’s astounding to have witnessed the breed’s meteoric rise in popularity and how cross-breeding has created the very real problem of so many non-standard colors.

Ultimately, I decided on a different breed and joined the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America with the encouragement of a couple I’d met at a few local shows. By becoming a parent club member, I was introduced to other people in the area who also showed their dogs from time to time. I still have all their letters, each one proposing where we should enter our dogs or announcing that someone has finally come in season. As a member, I also received (and have kept) the club’s monthly newsletters which introduced me to members living in other countries. I’ve especially enjoyed rereading the letters postmarked Ireland, England, Australia, and New Zealand, as they’ve brought back so many memories of a time when everything was exciting and new. Some of the letters have made me laugh, whereas others have elicited a variety of different emotions. I do keep in touch with some of the folks who are still around, although the postcards and letters have largely been replaced by email and text messages.

Rediscovering the box of memorabilia has me feeling nostalgic about my involvement in the sport of dogs. Though there have been wins and awards earned along the way (with separate boxes for the photos, ribbons, and trophies), I realize that it’s the people who’ve shared my experiences that matter most to me. Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

Having those memories at my fingertips again has certainly renewed my enthusiasm for the sport. Now, if I could just muster enough energy for that dinner party I’ll know just who to invite.

Their cards and letters provide a record of the fun times we’ve shared, and they’re a testament to our common commitment to the purebred dogs we genuinely love.

The post Spring Cleaning & Falling in Love – AGAIN appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. We live in Tracys Landing, Maryland. Scott and I have had dogs our entire lives, along with many other animals. We acquired our first Curly-Coated Retriever (CCR) in 1993 and bred our first litter in 1997.

2. When we breed a litter, we are looking for the “wow” puppy that has the potential to excel in all aspects of what a CCR can do. A CCR is a dual-purpose dog. These dogs can be great Conformation dogs (of course, always looking for breeding stock), great companion dogs, great performance dogs (Field, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving Fast CAT, Barn Hunt, etc.). For field dogs that show drive, we work with the puppies with bird wings and baby bumpers to see if they have the desire to pick up the wings or bumpers. Most of them do. When evaluating the conformation of a puppy, we evaluate the puppies at seven weeks. However, we are watching them daily and note their interaction with the other puppies and with us. We look at the total puppy and evaluate it against the CCR Breed Standard. We look at shoulder layback, length of back, topline, strong hind quarters, tail set, etc. We watch them move freely. We watch them interact with different distractions and apparatus.

3. When looking at the history of the CCR, the breed characteristics have remained unchanged, for the most part. I believe this speaks well for our breeders as we are maintaining the dual purpose of the CCR breed. However, the CCR, along with many other breeds, is facing many challenges. There are ebbs and flows in the issues we face. At this point in time, we are seeing dogs with weak rears. As breeders, we need to consider this problem and try to establish a breeding program that will promote a stronger rear without losing the corrections we have made over the years.

4. As a preservation breeder, we are maintaining the original purpose of the CCR as a retrieving gundog on land and in water, as well as maintaining the Breed Standard as set forth by the parent club. With all the negativity surrounding purebred dogs these days, it is a tough road. There are a lot of multi-day clusters which can sometimes keep dogs and handlers on the road for weeks at a time. One needs to consider whether the handler/owner has the capability to adequately maintain the health, safety, and condition of the dogs while on these long trips. As far as judging, the CCR is a low-entry breed, so there may be many weekends/shows that judges do not have the opportunity to see a CCR in the Breed or Group ring. In my opinion, because we are a low-entry breed, the best CCR may be overlooked by many judges in the Group ring.

5. Social media has its place in communications in all walks of life. It is a means to communicate with others. However, it should always be done in a professional manner. I do feel as though there are times when it is misused. Social media, in some cases, has aided in communicating with individuals from other countries.

6. Obtaining adequate facilities to hold dog shows (Conformation, Agility, Obedience/Rally, and Field Events, etc.) is getting more and more difficult. Having enough judges who are qualified to judge Conformation is becoming a problem. I enjoy showing to a judge who enjoys the job they are doing and takes it seriously. In the Conformation ring, judges are supposed to be judging breeding stock, and therefore, should be examining the dog and measuring it against the Breed Standard. As a breeder, we show our dogs and finish their championship title from the Bred-By class. Legislation, both state and federal, is worrisome. In this regard, our community isn’t often heard. AKC’s legislative efforts do a great job in getting communications out to the fancy, making us aware of potential legislation—either good or bad. They encourage us to contact our representatives, and oftentimes, give us writing points. I feel as though the legislatures do not understand the canine world when it comes to dog events. Some of the legislation is harmful to our sport as well as the breeding programs that many breeders have developed to preserve the breeds over the years.

7. One of the positive changes in the Conformation classes is the addition of the 6-12 Month Bred-By class. This has made a difference. Prior to the AKC dividing the Bred-By class into the 6-12 Month and the Adult classes, there were judges who did not think that 6–9-month puppies should be shown in the Bred-By class because of their age. However, as a breeder, I want to finish my dogs from the Bred-By class. We are very proud of the number of puppies that we have finished by showing in Bred-By. I know other breeders, both CCR breeders and others, who have the same feelings. Also, the 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy competitions are very helpful to get a young dog started. It also encourages some new puppy owners to give Conformation and showing a shot.

The post Scott & Kathy Shifflett | Kurly Kreek Curly-Coated Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. 1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
   2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
   3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
   4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
   5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
   6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
   7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I started showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers as an older teen. I got out of dogs when I joined the military and came back 25 years later with the purchase of our first Curly-Coated Retriever under the kennel name of Tyneside.

2. We spend full-time playing and working with our puppies. We evaluate our puppies for show at seven weeks. We pay close attention to temperaments, energy level, and overall biddability. Based on each pup’s individual personality, we are able to place them in their ideal home.

3. I believe that the overall health is fairly good. Breeders do clearances and most try to do their best to avoid issues. The breed remains a dual-purpose breed and is not split between hunting and show lines.

4. Curlies are not a showy, flashy breed. Our Breed Standard uses the term “aloof” when describing their personality. This means they are more reserved and not as exuberant in the show ring. They seem to be getting recognized in the Group ring more often, which is great for the breed. We have only a couple of breeder-judges. It is important to have judges who actually care about our breed when judging it. Too many judges are awarding people over dogs, which really hurts a breed. As with many other breeds, it is difficult to get numbers for points. The more shows there are, the less chance of competition.

5. Social media has allowed for world-wide connection and conversation among breeders and owners. It is easier to promote and educate the public about our breed through social media. The platforms do, however, create avenues of misinformation and
facilitate bullying.

6. The dog show community is aging and we are losing breeders, judges, and great knowledge. We need to encourage and support the younger generations and Juniors coming into the sport. We need to mentor them in the show ring and the whelping box.

7. More clubs are participating in having special attractions. The addition of BPUP has been a positive step in helping to prepare puppies to compete. I think that splitting the age of the BBE class was appropriate, and the tournaments are also great for breeder recognition.

The post Victor Hewer | Tyneside Curly-Coated Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. My name is Iris Andre and my kennel name is Pizzazz Curly-Coated Retrievers. I live in Northern California near Sacramento and have been breeding Curlies for 35 years. My focus has always been making sure that this breed remains dual-purpose and we do not lose the hunting skills in the breed.

2. I find when you focus on preserving good temperaments, and dogs that desire to work for their owners, you get a better selection of puppies for both show and performance homes.

3. We have a very active group of Curly owners who help foster the hunting skills with their dogs and support new Curly owners in the same. At times, new owners will assume that a Curly will train like a Labrador, but our breed is slower in its maturity and does not typically have the same style as a field-bred Labrador. Curlies have a great nose, perseverance, and a natural prey drive.

4. We have been seeing more Curlies at dog shows, but it is typically when owners coordinate their timing to get together and support an event. Most recently, we have seen a number of new people in our breed exploring all types of events with their Curlies. Conformation, Nose Work, Dock Diving, Hunting, Agility, Fast CAT, Obedience, Barn Hunt, and Service Dogs are jobs that Curlies easily take to with leadership from their owner.

5. Many Curly owners use social media sites to connect and seek advice. Generally, the owners have been good with sharing and being great mentors to our future.

6. Our biggest challenges are being a good sport, mentoring positively, and sharing health information more widely. We are a small breed and we cannot back ourselves into a corner with health issues, or losing the dual purpose of this wonderful breed.

We have a very active group of Curly owners who help foster the hunting skills with their dogs and support new Curly owners in the same. At times, new owners will assume that a Curly will train like a Labrador, but our breed is slower in its maturity and does not typically have the same style as a field-bred Labrador. Curlies have a great nose, perseverance, and a natural prey drive.

The post Iris Andre | Pizzazz Curly-Coated Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Scott and Kathy Shifflett, Breeders of Kurly Kreek Curly-Coated Retrievers

Where do we live? How many years in dogs? How many years as breeders?

Kathy Shifflett: We live in Tracys Landing, Maryland. Scott and I have had dogs our entire lives along with many other animals. We acquired our first Curly-Coated Retriever (CCR) in 1993 and bred our first litter in 1997. Therefore, we have been breeding CCRs for 26 years.

What is our kennel name? How many dogs do we currently keep?

Kathy Shifflett: Our kennel name is Kurly Kreek.

Which show dogs from the past have been our noteworthy winners?

Kathy Shifflett: BIS BISS GCHG Kurly Kreek Hudson’s Mayhem CGC is a most notable dog from our kennel. “Hudson” is among the 11 CCRs to have had the Best in Show honor bestowed upon him. Hudson had a stellar career. He was awarded Winners Dog and Best of Winners at the 2011 CCRCA National Specialty and then, in 2018 at the age of 11, he was awarded Best of Breed at the CCRCA National Specialty. At every specialty that Hudson attended he received an award.

Another notable dog was BIS CH Kurly Kreek Marshal Dillion Boyerie WC. We are fortunate to have bred two of the 11 CCRs that have been awarded Best in Show. Another dog that is notable to our kennel is GCHG Kurly Kreek Copperhead Road DN DJ WC (Boo). Hudson and Boo were All-Systems Breed winners for six years in a row. Hudson and Boo were also the recipient of the CCRCA Ann Brenner Memorial Trophy (Top Show Dog) for six years running.

Which have been our most influential sires and dams?

Kathy Shifflett: CH Addidas Such Charm CGC ROM (CeCE) was our foundation bitch. Her DNA is stamped on the three dogs listed above as well as some of our young dogs. She was the producer of BIS CH Kurly Kreek Marshal Dillon Boyerie’s WC.

An offspring of CeCe’s, CH Kurly Kreek Rosie the Riveter, was also a great producer for us.

Can we talk a bit about our facilities? Where are our puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Kathy Shifflett: We have a kennel to house the dogs. However, our puppies are whelped in our home in a separate area. They are handled every day, weight checked, and general health monitored. As they age, they begin to go through puppy testing along with solving puzzles. We test each puppy individually using the Puppy Attitude Test. The CCR puppy is very smart, and they learn very quickly. One of their most favorite play items is the agility tunnel. Even though they run through the tunnel, they learn very quickly that it is also a great hideout for sleeping.

What is our “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Kathy Shifflett: When we breed a litter, we are looking for the “wow” puppy that has the potential to excel in all aspects of what a CCR can do. A Curly-Coated Retriever is a multi-purpose dog. These dogs can be great Conformation Dogs (of course, always looking for breeding stock), great Companion Dogs, and great Performance Dogs (Field, Obedience, Rally, Dock Diving, Lure Coursing Fast CAT, Barn Hunt, etc.). But most of all, these dogs are our friends. For field dogs with drive, we work with the puppies using wings and baby bumpers to see if they have the desire to pick up the wings or bumpers. Most of them do.

When evaluating for conformation, we evaluate the puppies at seven weeks. However, we are eagerly watching the puppies daily and note their interactions with the other puppies and with us.

• We look at the total puppy and evaluate it against the CCR Breed Standard.
• We look at shoulder layback, length of body, topline, strong hind quarters, tail set, etc.
• We watch them move freely. We look for independence and confidence.
• We often have a fellow breeder/mentor evaluate the litter first-hand and compare notes.

Often, we fully agree on the rankings. On those aspects where we don’t agree, we discuss. This is a way for both of us to continue to learn.

Do we compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Kathy Shifflett: We do compete in Companion Events (CGC, CGCA, Urban Dog, etc.). We are also competing in Obedience and Rally Events, Dock Diving, Fast CAT, and Lure Coursing.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to us?

Kathy Shifflett: We have not competed in AKC Field Trials. However, these events are extremely important to our breed. We do compete in the CCRCA Working Certificate Test. Almost every year, the CCRCA hosts Curlyville. Curlyville is a great place for beginners to go and learn about field work and training. The event culminates in the running of the CCRCA Field Test, Working Certificate, Working Certificate Qualifier, and Working Certificate Excellent. Usually, after two days of training, if a Curly-Coated Retriever comes in with little or no training they will pass the WC because of their natural abilities. (In my case, it surely isn’t the handler.) We have wonderful trainers to help both human and dog have a wonderful, positive experience.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to our breed?

Kathy Shifflett: Conditioning depends on the discipline for which you are training. However, the first and foremost aspect of training is to have the dog physically and mentally fit for the job we are asking them to do. A lot of this conditioning may be performed in an open environment. However, if you are on the road with your dogs and competing in Conformation, a lot of the conditioning is performed by road work either with a golf cart or a bicycle.

If you are training for Performance Events, your conditioning is much different. Of course, your dog must be physically fit, but your dog must also be conditioned, and learn commands and how to perform those commands. This work is typically done with positive reinforcement when the command is performed, and this reinforcement will change as the level of difficulty increases. For Performance, a lot of the conditioning is done with Classical Conditioning.

Are there any health-related concerns in our breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Kathy Shifflett: The CCRCA has published a list of breed-specific testing that is required by breeders to be on the CCRCA’s Breeders List. There are three autoimmune tests which are required for the CCR, Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD), EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Even though there aren’t specific genetic CCR markers, these tests are performed against other Sporting Dog markers. We test all of our breeding stock for heart disease, hips, and eyes. Unfortunately, there isn’t the perfect dog.

Do we think our breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kathy Shifflett: Preservation is defined as the “act or process of keeping something valued alive, intact, or free from damage or decay.” As a preservation breeder, we are maintaining the original purpose of the CCR, a retrieving gundog on land and in water, as well as maintaining the Breed Standard as set forth by the parent club.

In my opinion, a CCR puppy isn’t for everyone. We screen all applicants for a puppy. As breeders, we are doing our best to breed healthy dogs that meet the Breed Standard as well as the purpose of the breed. As a preservation breeder, we are the stewards of the breed, and we are entrusted to maintain the CCRCA Breed Standard and the purpose of this wonderful water and land retriever. It is our job to ensure the CCR continues to maintain its dual purpose in the Sporting Dog world. In our 26 years of breeding, we normally only breed one litter a year and that is when we are looking for something to keep for ourselves. We do not breed a litter simply because we have a waiting list.

Is our breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own our breed?

Kathy Shifflett: A CCR puppy is well suited for a family dog, if the buyers remember that they are the alpha in the family and not the puppy. We highly encourage all puppy buyers to find some form of puppy kindergarten and basic obedience training as soon as possible. This helps the puppy to create a bond with the person. A CCR puppy can be high energy and will require sufficient exercise throughout the day. Families that are active are the best homes for a CCR puppy. The CCR puppy excels at keeping you busy and on your toes.

What is the biggest misconception about our breed? What is our breed’s best-kept secret?

Kathy Shifflett: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a Curly-Coated Retriever is for everyone who wants one. This isn’t the case. The breed’s best-kept secret is their mere existence. For the most part, the public thinks they are some kind of Doodle. Public Education is the best thing for this breed. Even when you tell some people it is a purebred dog, they still walk away with the “Doodle thought.” It is very disconcerting; however, we cannot educate everyone.

If we could share a comment or two with judges of our breed, what would we like to say to them?

Kathy Shifflett: For the judges, they need to look at the dog’s structure and know the Breed Standard. A dog with a tight, crisp curl is highly desirable since the coat is the hallmark of the breed. Patterning of any kind, down the neck or down the hind legs, or missing coat on any part of the body on that day should be penalized. It appears some judges have a high desire to only use the Black CCR and oftentimes overlook a wonderful breed specimen if it is Liver. Both colors are acceptable and the Liver dog, because of color, should not be overlooked. It seems, over time, that we are getting over this barrier of coat color. Regardless of color, the structure is the same. Many times, a GREAT CCR is overlooked in the Sporting Group because judges don’t see them every week.

Do we have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Kathy Shifflett: For new breeders, they MUST find a mentor and learn from the mentor. For us, this has resulted in a lifelong friendship. It is fine to ask questions and to have disagreements, but one needs to look at learned knowledge.

Unfortunately, for our breed over the past few years, we have lost a lot of knowledge in those who have passed. Also, it is like how most things go today; the newer generation knows everything and doesn’t seek the advice of the “old guard.” We are entrusting a new generation of breeders to preserve the breed according to the approved AKC Breed Standard.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing we’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Kathy Shifflett: Every day, a Curly-Coated Retriever will do something that amuses me. They are mischievous and are always willing to put a smile on your face with something silly they do.

Are you looking for a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Curly-Coated Retriever dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the intelligent Curly-Coated Retriever dog breed with articles and information in our Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Kathy and Scott Shifflett | Kurly Kreek Curly-Coated Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Victor Hewer, Breeder of Tyneside Curly-Coated Retriever

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Victor Hewer: We are located in N. Florida. I started with Labrador Retrievers in the Midwest when I was 16. Ì was founding president of the Shawnee Mission Labrador Retriever Club (SMLRC) and served as division rep for the bench show committee of the Labrador Retriever Club (LRC). After 12 years in Labs, I got out of dogs and then returned with Curlies 8 years ago.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Victor Hewer: Our kennel name is Tyneside, which is the area of England where my ancestors come from. We currently have four bitches here in our home and a boy currently out on the road being shown. However, for preservation purposes, we also maintain a considerable number of co-ownerships as potential breeding stock.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

GCH Tyneside’s Midnight Romance (Romeo). His sire, CH Stormacre Take A Bow (Daryl), was brought from England specifically to sire this boy for us. We leased his dam from Canada who had both American and British lines. Romeo has won several Sporting Groups and was No. 1 All-Breed Curly of 2022.

CH Sun Devil Waiting for the Next Surprise (Supra) is a Group Placer and has won in huge competition, including Best of Breed at last year’s AKC National Championship Show.

GCH Tyneside’s Queen of Hearts (Fury) is a multiple Group Winner, Select at the National, and a top-ranking bitch in 2021.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

CH Stormacre Take A Bow, CGC (Daryl) is our most influential sire. We borrowed Daryl on a co-ownership, as an adult proven stud dog, from England. I put his AKC Championship on him, and he sired three litters for us before returning to the UK. He has already proven to be a very influential sire for not only us, but also on the breed in general here in the US.

Our two primary foundation bitches, Supra and Candy, both from Sun Devil, also produced exceptionally well for us.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Victor Hewer: We keep all of our dogs in the house as our companions. Puppies are whelped and raised in the house until old enough to eat, and then they spend the daytime in an outdoor playpen set up for them. We do sensory stimulation as babies. I spend a lot of time with them, so I get to know each puppy individually. This way, they can be paired with the perfect home.

I make every effort to prepare my puppies for a successful transition and start in their new home.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Victor Hewer: We evaluate for show prospects when our puppies are seven weeks old. Not only is structure considered, but also the overall temperament and personality. Because I get to know the puppies, I can select those with more presence in carriage and bearing for Performance and Hunting homes. We have placed several Service Dog prospects by personality alone. Curlies bond very deeply with their owners and have an innate desire to please. Selection is all about knowing the puppies individually.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Victor Hewer: Although we are not as overly competitive in Companion and Performance events as some of our owners and co-owners, we have put titles on dogs in other areas like Dock Diving, CGC, etc. We also have advanced Therapy Dog titles, and one of our Curlies is my partner’s Diabetic Service Dog.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to me?

Victor Hewer: Basic hunting and retrieving instinct is more important to me than competition. Keeping the hunting instinct identified in Hunt Tests is very important, but my preference is placing the Curly in a home where hunting is a natural extension of being the family dog.

Overall, the Curly is not separated between hunting and show lines. It is the owner’s responsibility to encourage and refine the hunting ability of the Curly.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Victor Hewer: The Curly’s coat is wash and wear. Other than maybe a supplement to keep them from blowing coat, there really isn’t much to keeping the coat conditioned. A Curly should be robust and active. They require exercise to stay in top physical condition, and a Curly with room to run stays in pretty decent physical condition. The great thing about a Curly is its ability to turn on and turn off, making the breed the ideal hunter and family companion.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Victor Hewer: Curlies look strong, but due to a 70-plus percent genetic loss in the breed, their systems can be somewhat fragile. We never feed rich puppy food to our puppies. We separate vaccinations and take other health preventative measures. With DNA, we are able to avoid such things as GSD and PRA. Hip dysplasia does occur, but over all, it is rarely bad enough to have any effect on the dog’s quality of life. Seizures and bloating are the most common concerns.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Victor Hewer: No, I do not. There has been an overall attitude that any breeder breeding over two litters per year makes them a puppy mill. We have an insufficient number of breeding animals. In the past, and still today, some breeders put everything not showable (or that they are not keeping themselves) on limited registrations. This has been a huge detriment to our breed.

There seems to be a handful of breeders working at somewhat of a grassroots level to increase junior partnerships in showing, increase the number of Curly breeders to preserve and maintain the breed, and increase breed recognition through sponsored and unsponsored events. Also, an ongoing breeder mentorship is beginning to take place. So, efforts are certainly being made.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Victor Hewer: The Curly-Coated Retriever is absolutely suited to be an outstanding family dog. Curlies bond faithfully to their pack, be it human and/or canine. Once used to guard against poachers, the Curly has maintained that protective nature and will use it only when appropriate. Curlies are the thinking man’s dog.

We require owners to keep their dog in the house. A kennel run life is not acceptable for our dogs. Families and individuals that enjoy being active and doing things with their dogs are the types of homes we prefer. It is all about the dog’s quality of life for us.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Victor Hewer: Probably the biggest misconception is that the Curly is hypoallergenic and does not shed. Curlies are not and they do. Although not a misconception, I do feel that the breed’s wicked intelligence is often highly underestimated. You better be smarter than a Curly. Otherwise, the Curly will take full advantage of you.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Victor Hewer: I would ask them to pay closer attention to the “form follows function” rule. A good coat is paramount, but it means nothing if the dog is not conformationally correct so that it can work a field all day or swim through cold water to retrieve the duck or goose and be ready for the next fowl downed. Ultimately, the Curly is a “meat dog” in that it will retrieve any game available for consumption.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Victor Hewer: Get a solid mentor. Better yet, get more than one. It is critical to first understand structure, movement, COI, basic breeding principles, and many other factors before breeding on your own. You will never be successful without continued knowledge and understanding.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Victor Hewer: We have a ceramic dog dish that we put water in. It has a silver dollar-sized blue polka dot in the bottom. More than one puppy has convinced itself that it is a ball in the bottom of the dish. They each dunk, dig, and bark at it, wanting to play with it. It is quite entertaining.

Are you looking for a Curly-Coated Retriever puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Curly-Coated Retriever dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the intelligent Curly-Coated Retriever dog breed with articles and information in our Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Curly-Coated Retriever Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Victor Hewer | Tyneside Curlies appeared first on Showsight Magazine.