Curious what it’s like to breed, show, and preserve purpose-bred dogs in today’s world? I recently sat down with Showsite for an in-depth interview about my journey, my dogs, and the future of our sport. We talked about the evolution of The Scotia Kennel, a program I began in 1997 after falling in love with the German Wirehaired Pointer in the early 1980s. These dogs are bred to do, not just to look the part, and their wiry coat is more than cosmetic. As I said in the interview:
“Fix it in the whelping box, not the tack box.”
From that foundation, we explored the realities of responsible breeding today. I discussed how we’ve adapted to shifting demand, how science has helped improve decision-making, and how collaboration with like-minded breeders has been essential in preserving type, health, and function. We also touched on something near to my heart: the public’s perception of purebred dogs. While show entries are down, there’s a growing awareness of the value in predictability, temperament, and purpose. Whether through conformation or companion sports like Fast CAT and Barn Hunt, people are finding new ways to engage with their dogs, and that’s good for everyone. I also gave a nod to the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) community, where some of the most passionate and future-focused breeders are putting in the work to preserve and grow rare breeds. If you’re curious about what’s really happening in the world of purebred dogs and want to hear more about the heart and hustle behind it all, I’d love for you to check it out. Read the full interview on Showsite.
Thank you for your continued support of the dogs and the work we all care about!
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