Amy Issleib | Temerity German Pinschers

Interview with Amy Issleib, Breeder of Temerity German Pinschers

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Amy Issleib: I live in Cameron, Missouri. There are 39 years in dogs for me; 41 for Todd. I’ve been breeding for 37 years; 40 years for Todd.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Amy Issleib: Our kennel name is Temerity German Pinschers. We currently keep 12 dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Amy Issleib: Our first special was GCHS Nevars Jules. He was in the Top 5 four years at one, two, and three years old, and again at nine years old. He was a National Specialty winner as well as a Group winner, and he was always owner-handled. The ultimate show dog. We bred and campaigned the No. 1 German Pinscher in the US in 2011, GCHB Nevars Okie Dokie Temerity; he was always breeder/owner-handled. We bred the 2016 GPCA National Specialty BISS, GCH Nevars Urban Cowboy Temerity. We have bred or shown 14 German Pinschers with working Group placements. We have had many German Pinschers in the Top 5 over the years. I love showing dogs and one of my favorite places is in the show ring.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Amy Issleib: Our favorite sire that we bred is GCH Nevars Yes I Can Temerity who has sired 14 AKC titlists in four litters. His son, GCHB Nevars All Avenging Hero, has sired six titlists in his first litter. Our GCH Nevars Zealous Temerity has produced 12 AKC titlists in her three litters, and GCH Temerity Like Cowabunga has produced six titlists from her first litter.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Amy Issleib: We designed and had our house built last year. We have a fully finished, insulated, oversized garage with ac/heater ducting as well as supplemental heat. The puppies are whelped there, right off of our kitchen. They are in the whelping box for three weeks and are handled daily. They are then let out to the pen around the box and eventually have a 15 by 15-foot pen with a Little Tikes castle slide to play on as well as toys. They are introduced to different footing in the house and outdoors. They are handled by several of our friends and their children. We also have a puppy gym with hanging toys. They have a radio playing daily, with different types of music, ball games, and church services as well as talk shows, and we vary the volume.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Amy Issleib: Our process is watching them move and interact, starting at 4 weeks, and taking stacked photos at 6 and 8 weeks. I allow the person who will do the performance to pick their puppy. I have found they all want something different and I will not second guess them.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Amy Issleib: No, I do not compete in Performance Events.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Amy Issleib: No, we focus on angulation and movement, and many Performance people appreciate this.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Amy Issleib: A dog should develop muscle while gaiting at their own speed. That is the muscle memory you want the dog to have for the show ring.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Amy Issleib: We test for hereditary cataracts and hip dysplasia; we do echos for hearts and test for DM and VWD. We do not breed carriers. We use Embark. We feed a good, balanced diet.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Amy Issleib: No.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Amy Issleib: Ours are well suited, but not all breeders focus on relaxed, laid-back temperaments that make good family dogs for small kids or infants. The best candidates are people looking for a smart, medium-sized breed with a short coat, tons of personality, and a sense of humor.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Amy Issleib: The biggest misconception is that they are supposed to have a rise over the loin in their toplines. The best-kept secret is how much fun they are to live with.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Amy Issleib: Please look for dogs that have a 45-degree shoulder angle that is at a 90-degree angle to the upper arm, which is the same length as the scapula, and a well-angulated rear that matches the front. This provides extended reach and strong drive for an effortless, ground-covering stride. Also, this breed should have a straight, firm, level topline while standing and moving.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Amy Issleib: Find the best-quality dogs you can and get a great mentor. It worked for us; we have been so blessed.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?

Amy Issleib: GCH Nevars Okie Dokie Temerity loved to roll in the show ring. While he was on his up and back, if you did not pay attention, he would slow, drop, and roll. He thought it was hilarious.