Do you believe you have a distinguishable line?
Absolutely
If you were going to rate type, temperament and soundness in order of
importance, what would be the order and why?
I believe that form follows function, so if a dog is of the correct type to do the job it was
intended for then it will be sound. I feel that soundness and type go hand in hand and can‐
not be separated. I never breed from a dog without an amenable temperament and I rate it
as something of great importance. The UK is a small, overcrowded island and therefore we
live in close proximity to other people and animals. This means that the ability to take a
dog anywhere and for it to mix without causing a problem is something that is high up on
the wish list of all potential puppy owners.
What do you think are the most serious faults in the
breed today?
What I would describe as 'Teddy Bear' heads, which are
broad in skull and short in muzzle. Shallow angulation
which give gay tail carriage. Short legs and straight sti‐
fles. Being upright in the forearm is also a problem. A
pet peeve but not necessarily a serious fault is that I do
not like red ACDs with blue muzzles.
What would you say are the biggest problems facing
the breed today?
Here in the UK we do have a problem with over‐
breeding. An ACD breeder must be aware of the fact
that these dogs are a specialized type and not suitable
for everybody. Good, knowledgeable homes are at a
premium and we must breed for that small market in
the hope the dogs will remain in their first home. To
find a home for an adolescent or adult dog is extremely
difficult.
Do you consider yourself a mentor to others just
coming into the breed?
I do try as much as I can to offer help and assistance to
anyone in the breed, irrespective of whether they are just coming in or have been in the
breed for a while.
What advice would you give them in starting out on the right road?
Don't jump in, wait and learn about the breed so that they can buy the right stock. It is as
expensive to feed a poor example as it is to feed a good one.
Describe an average day living with your dogs:
I get up at 6am, walk the first two, then come back for 2nd pair and then finish up with the
3rd pair. They are walked for about half an hour each pair. In the summer they are walked
twice per day and in the winter once per day because of the dark nights. Their walk each
day comprises of road work and free running in a local field. After they have been walked
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