Interview with Jeff & Mary Gregg, Breeders of Cimmerron Rottweilers
Jeff & Mary Gregg: We live in Green Sea, South Carolina. We have been in dogs for 46 years, breeding for 37 years.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: Cimmerron Rottweilers is our kennel name. We currently keep five dogs.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: The most influential have been Heidi, Breeze, Blue, Zack, Gem, Hondo, Fargo, Maggie, and Ringo.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: All dogs that we own live in our house. The puppies are whelped in our bedroom and stay there until 8 weeks old, except during the day when they are up and moving around on their own. During this time, they have a puppy playpen in the living room and a covered porch with many playthings, and they are also out in the fenced yard for regular puppy breaks and playtime where we introduce many new things.
We watch puppies every day for their movement and aptitude, their self-stacking and conformation, and we start stacking them and gaiting them at three weeks. We assist with delivering the puppies, hand-feeding puppies, and we are constantly handling them and socializing them and we have never had a c-section delivery.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: My process is by watching their development from birth to 8 weeks old when they go to their forever homes. I pretty much see the prospects at 2 to 3 days old, evaluate at four weeks, six weeks, and eight weeks, and use the Volhard method of testing at seven weeks.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: We prepare them by working with them at home and other places like I would handle them in the show ring. No special preparation is needed. There is supposed to be no trimming, other than a bath for the show ring; stacking, checking bites, gaiting, and hands-on examination.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: Yes, health-related concerns include hearts, JLPP, eyes, hips, elbows, and a long coat. We test for all health concerns. No special nutrition is needed.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: There are too many different opinions from newer people and those who don’t normally show in AKC on what the standard says and how our dogs should look. As an example, in Labrador Retrievers, there are those that are field dogs and those that are AKC show dogs. There has always been a difference, and differences of opinion between show and working type dogs. Prime things of concern are sickle hocks, cowhocks, front and rear angles not matching, splayed feet, east/west fronts, down on pasterns, poor toplines and bottom lines, eyes not dark, and mouths too pink, not mottled, or black. Concerning trends include sickle hocks, over- and under-angulation, heads with muzzles too short and pushed-in like a Bulldog, hound-looking heads, muzzles too narrow, lack of fill under the eyes, and a lack of stop as the muzzle intersects with the forehead.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: When properly raised and socialized, the breed is absolutely well-suited to be a family member. The best candidates are strong-willed individuals who are committed to the dog as they would be to a child, are willing to train and socialize, and who would love the dog as they would love you back—110 percent.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: Many have retired or passed away, but there are still some. Some others in the past 15 years, who want to take over, would change the breed to suit their own interest and type. In the past, we had more true experts in the breed who were mentors concerned with the preservation of the breed and improving the breed. We called that the “Golden Age” of the breed.
Jeff & Mary Gregg: They are very willing and can do anything—and I mean anything. The most recent is “Ringo.” At Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, while waiting to be examined, he was hamming it up with the judges and dignitaries sitting ringside, wanting to be petted, wanting to give out kisses, and showing off by jumping up in the air and spinning around. It’s impressive to see a 125-pound dog that is so agile and happy, and who wants everyone around them to be happy.
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
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Read and learn more about the loyal Rottweiler dog breed with articles and information in our Rottweiler Dog Breed Magazine.
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