Alexis Chism | Afterhours Kennel

Interview with Alexis Chism, Breeder of Afterhours Kennel

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
3. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days?
4. What are some of the challenges encountered along the road to full AKC recognition? What are some of the challenges as a preservation breeder? As an Exhibitor?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Alexis Chism

1. I am the third generation of Afterhours Kennel, German Wirehaired Pointers and Basset Fauve de Bretagne. My grandparents acquired their first German Wirehaired Pointer nearly 50 years ago and have been very successful in the breed over the years. I live in Reddick, Florida, and I was born into the sport, essentially growing up at dog shows and in the whelping box. I began showing dogs when I was six years old. My sister, Allison Chism, and I are very proud to be continuing the legacy of Afterhours that my grandparents, Christine “Tina” and Walt Whitmore, and my mom, Christi Chism, have dedicated their lives to.

2. Overall, I would say the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is in good condition. However, there are a few areas that we need to work on, such as coat quality, level toplines, straighter fronts, and length of back. Fauves are a hunting breed, bred to work in rough terrain to track down the scent of rabbits. Their coat should be tight, coarse, and never wooly, as a correct coat is essential for them to perform their job in the field effectively. An incorrect coat can significantly hinder their performance. Additionally, while Fauves are allowed a slight turn in their front legs, I’ve noticed that many dogs have excessively turned-out feet. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is the shortest-backed of the French hounds, meaning they are never to be long and low. They need the right amount of leg underneath them to be able to cover ground and work for hours. It is essential for breeders to focus on improving coat quality and breeding for straighter fronts to preserve the working abilities of the breed.

3. When showing in the Miscellaneous Class, I feel that there are not many judges who are familiar with the Basset Fauve de Bretagne. In most cases, it is only their first or second time going over a Fauve, which makes it challenging for them. To address this, I always make an effort to bring a quality example of the breed to any show I attend, ensuring that judges have the opportunity to put their hands on a good representative of the breed. One of my imports, Clark, has his Certificate of Merit 14, and I continue to show him and many others even after completing their CM title to give judges more exposure to the breed. Although it can be costly to continue entering shows after finishing a title, it is crucial to provide this exposure while the breed is still on its path to full recognition.

4. The road to full AKC recognition for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne has had its ups and downs, with challenges related to gaining enough recognition and participation to meet AKC requirements. One challenge is ensuring that enough dogs are shown across different parts of the country, which can be logistically challenging and costly for breeders and exhibitors. Additionally, educating judges about the Breed Standard is essential to ensure a fair and accurate evaluation, especially since it is a relatively rare breed. As a Preservation Breeder, the challenge lies in maintaining genetic diversity while also working towards improving specific traits like coat, structure, and movement. We must be careful not to sacrifice health or temperament in pursuit of a specific look. As an exhibitor, competing in Miscellaneous or Foundation Stock Service (FSS) can sometimes feel isolating because these breeds do not yet have the same visibility or competition as fully recognized breeds.

5. Social media is good for the sport in terms of educating the public about different breeds, especially those in the Miscellaneous and FSS that are lesser-known. It allows breeders and exhibitors to share information, highlight breed characteristics, and showcase accomplishments, which helps to generate interest and awareness. However, social media can also be harmful. As breeders, we need to strive to use social media as a tool for education and connection rather than competition.

6. One of the biggest challenges facing the dog show community is the declining participation in Conformation events. Many people are unaware of the purpose and value of dog shows; a means of evaluating breeding stock. To address this, we need to improve public outreach and education, explaining the importance of preserving Breed Standards and encouraging new participants to get involved. Another challenge is the cost associated with showing dogs, which can be prohibitive for many. Fostering a positive and inclusive environment is key to ensuring that people want to stay involved in the sport, whether they are Juniors, newcomers, or long-time exhibitors.

7. Over the past decade, I’ve seen a greater focus on encouraging Juniors to participate in the sport. There are now more Junior workshops, fantastic prizes, and numerous opportunities for Juniors to learn and grow, which is essential for the future of dog shows. These initiatives help to keep young people engaged and foster a love for the sport from an early age.