Interview with Breeder/Owner Handler: Keylee Grenier

Interview with Breeder/Owner Handler: Keylee Grenier

I ’m Keylee Grenier. My breed is the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. I am on the Board of our regional club, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of Southern California (CWCCSC), as well as a member of our national breed club. I am also an AKC Breeder of Merit.

1. How were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

Keylee Grenier: I grew up with purebred dogs and we had Brittney (Spaniels) for hunting. I like many other breeds and I’m a retired horse trainer, and one of my customers had a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. I didn’t know there were two types of Corgis. When I got my first Cardigan, I had to agree to my breeder’s conditions to either show in Conformation or do a dog sport in order to get my puppy, and she followed up with me monthly… and then at six months she called me and said it’s time and asked, “Are you ready?”

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Keylee Grenier: I have been in Cardigans for 11 years. I’ve always handled my own dogs and have been breeding for eight years.

3. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

Keylee Grenier: I have quite a few mentors who have helped me; Lee Whittier, for sure. I’m so glad I found her. As a breeder? Kathy Steele, I lean on her, with her knowledge of pedigrees and her time in our breed, and Devra Tanner. They are there for the ups and downs. I am very fortunate to be in a breed that has a lot of mentors who are willing to answer questions at any time.

4. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Keylee Grenier: Yes, I attend handling classes—practice makes perfect. I’ve attended Valerie Nunes Atkinson’s seminar and wish some of the other ones were closer to me.

5. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Keylee Grenier: Absolutely! Yes, I have found all of these resources to be helpful.

6. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

Keylee Grenier: Yes, I do compete in NOHS, and yes, rankings are important to me.

7. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Keylee Grenier: The Bred-By Class is very important. We have a lot of time and emotion invested in that puppy. Bred-By gives me a class to showcase my best puppy. Specialties are also very important. I love that I can see a lot of different Cardis at one show, and network and mingle with other breeders.

8. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Keylee Grenier: No, not if you show your best example of the breed. I also think judges have begun to take us seriously.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Keylee Grenier: I truly think, at this time, we are the backbone. Without Breeders/OH who participate, the numbers would drop drastically. Since Cardigans are probably 85 percent owner-handled, I would say it would suffer immensely.

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)? Why are you wanting to breed? To improve what you have? Do you have a breed mentor?

Keylee Grenier: If not, find one.

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Keylee Grenier: My goal as an Owner Handler is to bring the best example of my breed to the ring. A victory that has eluded me? The Cardigan National.

12. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Keylee Grenier: One of the first times that I was in the OH Group ring with my Cardigan, she was losing interest in the bait I had. So, I had a squeaker to perk her up. I didn’t have any pockets, so after the down and back I shoved it into my waist band. I started the go around, and with every step I took it would squeak. The judge was laughing, as were all my friends. I was horrified. Needless to say, I have not carried a squeaker since.