Cindy Hartman | Aahroo Kennel and Service Dogs

Interview with Cindy Hartman, Breeder of Aahroo 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?

Cindy Hartman

1. I am Cindy Hartman RN, President of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America and owner of Aahroo Kennel and Service Dogs in South Carolina. I have been involved in dog sports for over 60 years. I have bred, trained, shown, trialed, and hunted Basset Fauves since 2001 after bringing the first pair to the US. I have championed the breed’s acceptance into UKC and AKC.

2. Overall, I believe my breed is in good condition. However, as the breed numbers increase in the US, I foresee the potential for challenges. This is a breed with a small gene pool and limited health testing in the country of origin (France). The BFdBCA has conducted two health surveys in recent years which substantiate that Fauves are generally healthy. We will proceed with an abundance of caution to preserve and protect by encouraging all breeders to continue health testing. The Club du Fauve of France has as its motto, Chasse d’Abord: Hunt First. One of the club priorities for 2025 is to develop and promote hunt tests for our hounds.

3. Showing Basset Fauves in Conformation has proven to be more exciting recently as our numbers are increasing, the breed is gaining popularity, and the quality of the dogs being shown is getting more consistent. Judges are seeking information about the breed and generally appear enthusiastic to have Fauves in their rings. As a ramp optional breed, exhibitors no longer struggle to lift these solid little dogs up on the table for examination. Unfortunately, there remains the misconception that “basset” always means long and low, when in fact, it means low-set from a larger dog to a smaller one. Basset Fauves are the shortest-backed of all the basset breeds. There needs to be more Open Shows with reasonable entry fees for rare breeds, to educate judges and the public and to advance with recognition by AKC.

4. One of the biggest challenges of moving breeds from Miscellaneous to full recognition is that clubs are filled with members who are passionate about their breed but often have limited experience with running a non-profit organization. For clubs to meet the requirements of AKC, the state that they are incorporated in, the IRS, and establishing goals and budgets, all with little or no direction, can be daunting. Adequately funding and making difficult decisions about rescue throws an additional challenge into the mix.

5. Social media can be a double-edged sword. It is helpful with the dissemination of information such as grooming tips, gathering opportunities for like-minded people, or increasing awareness of legislation that impacts the keeping and breeding of our dogs. Where it is harmful is that it does not always reflect reality. I have viewed some very professionally prepared sites with convincing text that ultimately were used to scam Fauve puppy buyers. Overcoming the broken trust for us reputable breeders becomes an uphill climb.

6. As a breed approaching the move from Miscellaneous to full recognition, the question of how professional handlers may change the future of how Fauves are presented, with a minimum of grooming and product, is the biggest challenge. Using our Standard as a blueprint, offering grooming seminars, promoting the breeding for correct harsh coats, and participating in Judges’ Education, the goal becomes the avoidance of Fauves becoming a sculpted breed in the future. On a different note, the way that exhibitors relate to each other at times leaves much room for improvement. Healthy competition can be fun, but there is no reasonable excuse for rudeness or unsportsmanlike behavior for a $2 ribbon. It is especially concerning when bullying is involved. Those of us who are veterans need to embrace and mentor novices!

7. I believe the most positive change in dog sports in the last decade has been the increased array of events that enthusiasts can participate in. Scent Work, Barn Hunt, Fast CAT, and Trick Dog are just a few opportunities for exhibitors to enter that deepen the animal/human bond.