Cheryl Crompton | Stahlkrieger Standard Schnauzers

Interview with Cheryl Crompton, Breeder of Stahlkrieger Standard Schnauzers

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 is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
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?

Cheryl Crompton:

1. My name is Cheryl Crompton and I live near Mishawaka, Indiana. My kennel name is STAHLKRIEGER and it means “Steel Warrior.” I have been involved in Standard Schnauzers for 40-plus years, and before that, German Shepherd Dogs. I’ve always loved animals and especially dogs. Ironically, my first Standard Schnauzer was an oversized, abused, neutered male. He came to me with problems, both physical and mental, but he was a great teacher. Because of his past, he taught me patience, understanding, and learning how to “read” exactly what each dog needs to thrive. He also sold me on the breed. He survived abuse and blossomed into a wonderful boy. He was all I could hope for in a loving companion for my family that included two small girls. My oldest daughter is deaf and he knew what she wanted, sometimes before I did. He taught me what an amazing breed this is and how versatile they are.

2. I spend 24 hours a day with my puppies for at least their first three weeks. I get to know each and every pup and their personality. Even after the first three weeks, I’m with them continuously. I see their good days and bad. I give them an assorted type of challenges. Things to climb, go into, and through. By living with them you get to know them inside and out. Also, show conformation is either there or it’s not. A straight shoulder is not going to miraculously get good angles and a straight stifle is just that, straight. The one thing I have always insisted on is that a Performance dog must have great conformation.

3. My biggest concern in our breed is we are seeing far too many straight fronts and profuse furnishings. This breed is a Working breed and needs to move correctly, not stilted as I’ve seen so many do. The hallmark of the breed is a harsh rotating coat, not soft with loads of furnishings. I worry we are going to lose our uniqueness. On the other hand, we are a healthy breed with very conscientious breeders doing very thorough testing on every dog they consider breeding.

4. As a Preservation Breeder, I’ve seen our sport go up and down. Finding points today can be a challenge in many breeds, my own included. As far as judging goes, there are good and bad judges, and always will be. I do think the continuation of education of judges is a wonderful step forward, and mentoring ringside is a valuable tool. Most judges I’ve spoken to want all the information and education they can get. I don’t think there are too many shows, as some think. I’m happy to have choices most weekends.

5. Social media, well, that is a two-edged sword. If you can afford to advertise your dog, then that’s great. But for the Owner-Handler and many small breeders, it’s just far too expensive for them to utilize. They simply can’t compete in advertising.

6. I think two of the biggest challenges our community has are show site costs and availability. Too many areas are no longer dog-friendly or their venue costs continue to rise, making it almost impossible to keep exhibitors’ costs down. Hotels and motels are increasingly hard to find that are dog-friendly. We can start with each of us as exhibitors being conscientious about keeping our areas clean and always picking up after our dogs at show sites and motels.

7. The National Owner-Handled Series introduction was a wonderful addition. Also, the Pee Wee Classes and 4 to 6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition. These have helped entries as well as introducing puppies to shows early on. The Pee Wee Classes are great to build interest in the sport for youngsters. The young people are the sport’s future and we cannot cultivate it enough. The more we do to encourage young people in dogs, the healthier our sport will become. Juniors are our future.