MORE BREEDERS OF THE YEAR

One of our readers wants to know more about the AKC Breeder of the Year awards. This award recognizes breeders who have made outstanding contributions to the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. For every Best In Show winner we enjoy, there is a breeder who has spent years working on the improvement of their chosen breed. Last Sunday, at the glamorous venue of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, Joan Savage of Banks OR was named the 2008 AKC Breeder of the Year Award.

Joan Savage
2008 AKC Breeder of the Year

Joan Savage has produced eight generations of more than 60 AKC champions with her Stagedoor English Setters. The latest was CH Stagedoor Rock It Man, the number one English Setter for 2006 and 2007. Among his most prestigious wins was Best in Show at the 2007 World Show in Mexico.

In addition to the previously mentioned Lilian Ostermiller, other breeders recognized by the AKC for 2008 are:

Kathy and Julie Jones

2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Hound Group

In the Hound Group the winners are Kathy and Julie Jones, aka "The Basenji Sisters", of Reseda CA, who established their Jasiri – Sukari Basenjis in 1983. To date, they have bred 74 AKC champions and have champions in seven countries who have won BIS in four countries.

Miriam Stamm
2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Terrier Group

In the Terrier Group the award went to Miriam Stamm of Kalamazoo MI, of Anstamm Scottish Terriers, the oldest Scottish Terrier Kennel in the US. The first Anstamm champion was produced a remarkable 60 years ago, Anstamm Scotties include the top Scottish Terrier sire in history, CH Anstamm Happy Venture, who has 90 champion offspring to his credit.

Luke and Diane Ehricht
2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Toy Group

In the Toy Group, Luke and Diane Ehricht of Monclova OH were recognized. Although Luke and Diane had separately owned Shih Tzus since the mid 1970s, they didn’t establish Hallmark Jolei brand until their marriage in 1992. A Hallmark Jolei has been AKC’s number one Shih Tzu for each of the last five years, including 2008’s number one Shih Tzu, CH Hallmark Jolei Surfer Girl.

Eleanor and Bob Candland
2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Non-Sporting Group

The Non-Sporting Group winners are Eleanor and Bob Candland of Lake Elsinore CA. The authors of the ubiquitous book, A New Owner’s Guide to Boston Terriers, have operated El-Bo Boston Terriers since the mid-1960s, producing over 100 champions, including the top Boston Terrier in history, CH El Bo Rudy Is A Dandy.

James and Sheree Moses
2008 AKC Breeder of the Year, Herding Group

In the Herding Group, the AKC recognized James and Sheree Moses of Carrollton GA. James Moses is the most recognized face in German Shepherds, winning over 1000 total BIS including 201 by CH Covy Tucker Hill's Manhattan, the 1987 Westminster BIS winner. Jim and Sheree, as Kaleef German Shepherd Dogs, are the breeders/owners of the top-producing dam in the history of the breed, Kaleef's Valle ROM.

We all owe our gratitude to these remarkable people who have given our beloved sport so much. They have our admiration and thanks for giving us some of the best dogs we have ever seen.