Catherine Harker | Countrywind Afghan Hounds

Interview with Catherine Harker, Breeder of Countrywind Afghan Hounds

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. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Catherine Harker

1. I’m Catherine Harker, and Countrywind is my kennel name and farm name. I currently live in Northern Colorado, but was in Southern California for most of my life. I have been involved with Afghan Hounds for more than 50 years as a breeder and exhibitor. I have also been a breeder and/or exhibitor of Whippets and other sighthounds as well as a small beef cattle rancher. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, an Associate of Arts in Animal Science, and was a certified Animal Health Technician in my early years. I come from a long line of animal lovers. I am also a serious gardener, DIYer, and crafter as well.

2. The hallmark of an Afghan Hound is his ability to successfully RUN and HUNT on a mountainside! The ability to run and hunt successfully on rough terrain and in a tough climate is what defines the unique structure and coat of the Afghan; they should exhibit moderation, strength in head and body, substance, soundness, and inherent intelligence. The notion of correct type existing without correct function is a bogus one because without soundness, strength, bone, and substance there can be no correct “type” for this
serious hunter.

3. I believe there are enough homes available to support the breeding of a litter, but the type of home is what is questionable. We have too many breeders who only want show homes, or big bucks for their puppies, which does this breed no justice. This is not an easy breed as they tend to out-smart many owners; they take real dedication to maintain, both physically and mentally, and need ample space and time to properly care for them.

4. As a breeder, I love some of the new technology that allows me to see many more dogs up close and in 3D without being present, as well as talk more often and in depth with others about what we are seeing. However, I don’t enjoy all the fake comments and poor pictures we tend to see online; it can be very deceiving.

5. I don’t know that I would call it a change of perception about purebred dogs but rather more familiarity with them.

6. The trends I notice are less than favorable. With fewer Afghan Hounds these days, it seems anything goes for a show Afghan; Standards are ignored just to keep the “sport” alive. It’s disheartening to watch noticeably unsound and un-typey Afghans, both mentally and physically, win top honors day after day, and who are then bred, perpetuating those poor qualities. Two-dimensional Afghan Hounds (just showy, pretty pictures) do little to help preserve this ancient breed. The trend of semen selling is also contributing to males being unable to breed naturally. The overuse of less than wonderful specimens is making the conscientious development of strong lines and pedigrees difficult for new and old breeders.

7. One positive change I do see is the use of more videotaping of not just dog shows but other events as well. The increased interest in Performance events, where we can actually see what certain dogs/lines are (or are not) made of, is also a positive change.