Off to Westminster -- Again (ContributorNetwork)

Next week, the Westminster Kennel Club will hold its 134th all breed dog show at Madison Square Garden in New York. Over 150 dog breeds will be represented, including many rare breeds.

Rhonda Kuhn of Bedford, Va., will be showing her dog, Saphira, a Welsh Springer Spaniel, considered a rare breed due to lack of popularity. As a professional breeder of Welsh Springers since 1980, she has attended the Westminster Dog Show for over 30 years.

Welsh Springer Spaniels average 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder and have distinct coat of reddish orange patches over white. Though sometimes confused with English Springer Spaniels who are far more popular, they are not a variety of that breed. They derive their names from their hunting style, not from their country of origin. They are hunting dogs, built for endurance and flushing abilities.

Ms. Kuhn currently has 10 dogs, eight of which are Welsh Springers. She recently acquired a Field Spaniel who quickly earned a Best of Winners title at the American Spaniel Club in Philadelphia. She not only shows her own dogs until they earn their championships, but also exhibits them in field trials to insure they maintain the instincts for which they have been created - hunting.

The dog she will be showing this year at Westminster, Aurora Come Fly with Me, affectionately known as Saphira, was born in May 2007. The phone conversation ran the gamut from love of dogs to love of horses. Rhonda Kuhn's favorite activity is to be outdoors, hiking in the mountains, with her Welsh Springer Spaniels.

Question: How long have you been showing dogs?

Kuhn: In 1978, I showed in the obedience ring with my first dog, an American Cocker Spaniel. While showing I took an interest in the Welsh Springers and began writing letters to William Ferd, who had been showing them and wrote the first book about them. All who buy puppies from me get a copy of that book. When I finally got my first Welshie, Babbin, from Mr. Ferd in 1980, I took her to Westminster and earned a Best of Winners. I've been hooked ever since. Over the years my dogs have earned Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Winners Dog and Winners Bitch (term for female dog). Saphira is a high quality bitch who should do well at the show this year.

Question: As a breeder what have you done to enhance the breed?

Kuhn: Welshies used to be a very shy, introverted breed. They are very sensitive dogs. I breed dogs that are more outgoing. They jump on people, are affectionate and clingy. I also breed for hip soundness. In the past 10 years there's hardly been a Welshie with hip dysplasia. Prior to breeding any of my dogs I have their hips, elbows, thyroids and eyes tested for abnormalities. So essentially, I make certain the dogs I breed are physically and mentally sound. Also conditioning is of extreme importance. This is a hunting breed. To insure I am promoting breed performance they participate in field trials, testing their hunting and retrieving abilities.

Question: How long did it take to achieve Saphira's Championship?

Kuhn: It took approximately six months. I hold the record for the youngest Welshie to ever finish a championship. I did it with another dog in one weekend at a specialty show.

Question: Are you handling or did you hire someone to do so for the show?

Kuhn: I have to work so I hired Candy Carswell a professional handler. She also breeds Welsh Springers, shows them and English Setters. Her father had shown dogs since the 1930s at Madison Square Garden, and she grew up with Welshies. For this show I wanted a professional handling my dog. There's only 11 other Welshies entered, but I believe that a professional would have a better chance of scoring well with Saphira at this particular show.

Question: What are your tactics to achieve a good performance out of your dog?

Kuhn: I try to keep my dog as happy as possible. I have a squeaky toy or some treats with me in ring. I want the dog enthusiastic. Though we often hike, keeping the dog in good condition, my show dog gets a little more work beforehand to insure well developed musculature.

Question: Should you win a title, what are the rewards?

Kuhn: It's mostly about the prestige. I'm proud to see my dog on television and doing well. Other breeders know when dogs do well and I like having other breeders see my dog perform. We know when dogs are looking good. The Welsh Springer Club is very supportive of each other. We socialize at the shows - before and after. In the ring we're competitive.

Question: What is next for Saphira?

Kuhn: In March she'll be going to the Maryland Sporting dog Show where she took Best Opposite Sex last year. Then, in April, she will show at the National Specialty in Pennsylvania. Between shows she stays home and relaxes. After the specialty I might show her locally and maybe breed her later this year if I find the right dog. I only breed a dog once a year or every other year, when I find just the right combination which will enhance each others' characteristics.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/pets/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110803/us_ac/7842642_off_to_westminster__again

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