Hilde Haakensen | Axcium Miniature Schnauzers

Interview with Hilde Haakensen, Breeder of Axcium Miniature 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. 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? What do you think about the number of shows?
4. What does “Montgomery” represent to you 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?

Hilde Haakensen

1. With 35 years of experience breeding top-quality Miniature Schnauzers under the kennel name Axcium, I have established myself as a leading breeder based in Atlanta, Georgia. (www.axcium.com). My expertise extends beyond breeding, with deep involvement in Agility, Obedience, and Conformation, ensuring that my dogs excel in both performance and show rings. With over 60 American Champions, 6 Agility Champions, and numerous Grand and International Champions carrying the Axcium prefix, my dogs are recognized not only for their achievements in the ring but also for being excellent family companions.

2. As a long-time breeder of Miniature Schnauzers, I’ve observed a concerning trend toward squirrel tails in the breed. A squirrel tail can create the illusion of a shorter back. It’s essential to remember that even though the tip of the tail might appear in the correct spot relative to the outline with a squirrel tail, this tailset is usually tied to other underlying structural issues. A correct tail set with a tail carried at the one o’clock position is perfectly acceptable and consistent with the Breed Standard. And while grooming is undeniably important, it should never take precedence over the structural integrity of the dog. The focus must always remain on breeding and promoting dogs that exemplify the correct structure and movement, and learn to recognize and call out structural problems concealed by clever grooming.

3. There is a growing concern within the Miniature Schnauzer community that too many judges today are playing it safe, favoring familiar faces over the quality of the dogs in the ring. I often send Juniors into the ring who deliver outstanding performances with my dogs, only to witness insecure judges awarding ribbons to inferior dogs handled by well-known handlers. This trend is troubling, as it undermines the integrity of the competition and discourages new people in the sport. A potential solution to this issue could be the introduction of written critiques, as practiced in Europe. Such feedback would hold judges accountable and ensure that their decisions are based on the merits of the dogs rather than the familiarity of the handlers. Implementing written critiques could bring about a significant improvement in the transparency and fairness of the judging process, ultimately benefiting the sport as a whole.

4. The Montgomery County Kennel Club Dog Show is undoubtedly one of my favorite events to attend, but it’s also one of the most challenging to participate in. When the weather cooperates, it’s an exceptional show, offering a fantastic experience for both exhibitors and spectators. However, when the weather takes a turn for the worse it can quickly become a nightmare, making it one of the most difficult shows to navigate and attend. Despite the unpredictability, the prestige and atmosphere of Montgomery keep me coming back year after year. The camaraderie, the competition, and the opportunity to showcase the best in the breed make it a must-attend event, even with its challenges.

5. The pros are many. Social media has significantly broadened the reach of the dog sport community. Breeders, handlers, and enthusiasts can showcase their dogs to a global audience, attracting interest from new participants and potential buyers. This increased visibility helps to promote the sport and the various breeds involved, contributing to their preservation and popularity. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube provide valuable opportunities for education. Newcomers can learn about Breed Standards, training techniques, and grooming tips directly from experienced professionals. Social media also fosters a sense of community, where knowledge and advice are shared freely, helping to raise the overall standard of the sport.

Social media makes it easier to connect with other enthusiasts, whether they’re across town or across the globe. Real-time updates from shows, including results and highlights, keep everyone informed and engaged. Whether you’re at the event or following from afar, social media ensures you’re always in the loop, which helps to maintain excitement and interest in the sport.

While social media can be a powerful tool for education, it can also spread misinformation. Inexperienced or unscrupulous individuals may post inaccurate information—anyone can be an expert online! Social media can also be a breeding ground for negativity. Disagreements over breeding practices, handling techniques, or judging decisions can quickly escalate into public disputes, damaging reputations and creating a toxic atmosphere within the community.

Social media has undoubtedly brought many benefits to the dog sport, from increased exposure and networking opportunities to real-time updates and educational resources. However, it also presents challenges. Ultimately, whether social media is good or bad for the dog sport depends on how it is used. Responsible engagement, coupled with critical thinking and a focus on the true values of the sport, can help to ensure that social media remains a positive force within the community.

6. The dog show community faces several significant challenges today, each requiring thoughtful solutions to ensure the continued health and growth of the sport. Declining participation, public perception, judging standards, and health and welfare concerns are just a few of the issues that need addressing. By modernizing the sport, enhancing transparency, and prioritizing the health and well-being of the dogs, the community can ensure its continued relevance and success in the years to come.

7. It has become much easier to see results from the shows. I remember back in the day when everyone would call me to find out how the show went; you had to call and inform the clients about how their dog did.