|
Presented by Tom Coen
Article by
Rebecca Jarit,
Shaizach Shelties
On Saturday, January 24, 2009 approximately 35 dedicated Sheltie breeders and aspiring
breeders gathered in Trumbull Connecticut at the Pinewood Lake Clubhouse for a daylong “Winter Sheltie Review.” The seminar program was developed and presented by breeder-judge and former professional Sheltie and Collie handler, Tom Coen of Macdega. Attendees traveled from around the globe to attend this well publicized event, with many from the East Coast, four attendees from Australia, a couple from Canada, and several who flew in from Ohio to participate. Outside the temperatures were far below freezing and the wind was whipping bitterly around icy and snowy surroundings but these breeders and their dogs braved the cold to find a warm and friendly atmosphere inside the building. The Tri-State Shetland Sheepdog Club hosted the event and welcomed Tom and a panel of respected breeders including Julie Desy of Islemist, Pat Wright of Alymere, Bob Olsen of Barecove, Jennie Hynes of Rosmoor, and Nioma Coen of Macdega, to help us better understand the breed Standard portion of the program.
One of the most frequently heard comments on this portion of the program, including from some long-time breeders, was that they just did not realize how far the breed had come in such a short time.
A diverse history detailed in photos
In addition to his own very successful breeding program, Tom has done extensive research on the diverse history of the Shetland Sheepdog. He has collected many incredibly detailed pictures and documents illustrating the evolution of our breed from its earliest dogs to today’s dogs. The morning session included an excellent slide show of that evolution in photographs with background information on each one. One of the most frequently heard comments on this portion of the program, including from some long-time breeders, was that they just did not realize how far the breed had come in such a short time. The photos really illustrated the incredible journey from the non-descript little dogs of the Shetland Islands to our dogs today.  We also learned much about the early imports and the U.S. pillars, including famous kennels such as Sheltieland, Far Sea, Page’s Hill, Pocono, Walnut Hall, Sea Isle, Bagaduce, Pixie Dell, and many more who contributed so much to the breed by their important choices and selections. We were made much more aware of the genetic connections between our Shelties and the Collie breed. The tightness of the early dogs’ pedigrees, with multiple inbreedings, makes it very clear that while we may think of some “lines” in the breed as outcrosses from our own line, in reality, there is no such thing. In actuality, all of today’s dogs are related through multiple crosses to Collies and the early imports. Tom mentioned that if you have been lucky enough not to come up with any of the problems that occasionally appear in our breed, do not pat yourself on the back for too long because the chances are, if you stay in Shelties long enough, you eventually will, due to the common ancestors behind today’s modern pedigrees.
Discussing the principles of breeding
Following the History portion of the day, we had a discussion about some important principles of breeding to follow if you are committed to improving your dogs and achieving excellence. A few of those, from memory, are that you should never knowingly introduce new faults or genetic weaknesses when you are trying to build a pedigree and improve quality. Do health testing when available. Selection and breeder judgment are paramount. Do not select puppies that have faults that you can’t live with because you will continue to see them in later generations. Don’t count on the stud dog to give you more improvement than is realistically possible. It is best to start with a quality bitch who comes from a quality pedigree to achieve improvement no matter what stud dog you use. Look at the dams of the stud dogs. Know the grandparents of the dogs in each breeding and if they don’t have the virtues you are seeking, you will not get them in the puppies. As Tom said, "It isn’t going to materialize out of thin air!" The breeders in attendance all agreed if these principles were employed we would see improvement in the overall level of quality.
We took an hour break for a wonderful buffet style luncheon generously donated by the members of Tri-State Shetland Sheepdog Club. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was fun and friendly. We all spent a pleasantl lunchtime together, laughing, chatting, getting to know each other, and discussing among ourselves all of the information we had received that morning.
Many of the attendees were heard saying that these explanations, combined with actually feeling the dogs with their own hands, helped them better understand our Standard.  Learning from the virtues match
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to the "Virtues Match." If you have not seen this type of match you are truly missing something enlightening and educational for all involved, including some of the esteemed long-time breeders. The dogs are judged according to the virtue class you have entered them in, for example, skull, muzzle, expression, front movement, rear movement, outline, etc. The classes are judged by three veteran breeders and there is an ongoing dialogue about the Standard. We were very fortunate to have some beautiful examples of our breed to illustrate the various virtues, from pretty young puppies to well-known, adult champions. Special thanks to all the breeders who made the effort to bring these lovely dogs to the seminar. Prior to judging each virtue, the corresponding portion of the Standard was read aloud so that all were aware of exactly what we should be looking for in a correct example of that virtue. All the judges were very clear in articulating exactly why they felt that the dogs they chose were most correct. Many of the attendees were heard saying that these explanations, combined with actually feeling the dogs with their own hands, helped them better understand our Standard.
 An unforgettable event
This was the first time this seminar has been done in a one-day format and many people who otherwise might not have been able to attend were able to join us. Tom did a great job of keeping the day moving in order to fit in all that the seminar had to offer. He is a dynamic speaker and the day seemed to fly by. It was an enjoyable, educational, and profitable experience for the Tri State Shetland Sheepdog Club. It provided something for breeders at all levels of experience and was also a great way for us to get together and form friendships within our breed. These friends are the ones who will cheer you on when you hit a triumphant moment and will also sustain you and offer comfort when you feel frustrated or disappointed during trying times. I hope many more clubs around the country will consider this seminar for their own areas. The memories, friendships, and most importantly, the in-depth education about our breed, will last a lifetime.
|
