Interview With Breeder/Owner Handler Kathy Lopez Breach

Interview With Breeder/Owner Handler Kathy Lopez Breach

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I was first introduced to my breed in the year 2007. I spent time searching for information on the breed and, through the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, I found individuals who helped me to connect to several Yorkshire Terrier clubs. I was introduced to the sport of dogs after I bred my first Yorkshire Terrier that I was able to begin showing in the year 2011.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I have been in dogs 16 years and, with the exception of one time, have shown my own dogs. I bred my first litter in 2007.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I do attend handling classes and have attended one in-person handling seminar given by Greg Strong.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I have used several virtual learning tools related to the health of the Yorkshire Terrier, which have been very informative. I have also watched videos of actual shows in my breed on social media, which have been very helpful.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I do participate in the Owner-Handled Series but have not taken the opportunity to compete more than a few times in the Owner-Handled Group rings. I plan to do so more in the future. At this point, I’m not focused on the rankings but am hopeful about being able to compete in Group rings in the future.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: Because I am a breeder, the Bred-By Class is very important to me as are the Specialties. I feel that the most meaningful competition as a breeder is at a Specialty. It is here that the Breed Standard of the Yorkshire Terrier is defined. It is a privilege to be among many of the finest Yorkies in our breed and with many very seasoned, well-respected Yorkie Owner Handlers. It is a learning experience on many levels.

I feel that the most meaningful competition as a breeder is at a Specialty.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I would say that I do feel that way at times. It can be intimidating to be in the ring with Professional Handlers and very seasoned Owner Handlers as well. I have been humbled, but have learned very much from those well-respected Breeder/Owner Handlers who have many years in our breed.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I am so blessed to have had very seasoned, experienced mentors who have helped me very much. Shirley Patterson has shared her wealth of experience in the breed and has been such an inspiration and a source of information to me every step of the way with both showing and breeding. Diane Weil helped me find one very high-quality foundation bitch from a show breeder in Hungary, Katalin Szakacs, Devils of York. Diane has an incredible eye for a dog and has been such an encouragement through the years during difficult times. Teresa Cuchiaro trusted me enough to allow a stud service with her beautiful GCH Carasel’s Bettino.

All three of these women have incredible knowledge of the Yorkshire Terrier breed in terms of breeding and showing, and have been willing to extend themselves as mentors.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I feel that the Breeder/Owner Handler is very crucial to the future of our sport. It all begins with the breeder’s ability to adhere to the Standard and bring breed-worthy dogs into the ring. The Yorkshire Terrier is a difficult breed and it is the Breeder/Owner Handlers who will continue to define the future of our breed.

What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Kathy Lopez Breach: I would give the advice to find sound mentors who are able to share their expertise with you and stand beside you no matter the hardship. They must be honest individuals who will tell you the truth, which you may not want to accept. Finally, listen to them. They have many years of expertise behind them and are full of wisdom. They have faced many situations that you are experiencing and that you will no doubt experience in the future.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: My goals are to continue to work on my grooming and handling skills, and to compete in the Owner-Handled Group rings.

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

Kathy Lopez Breach: I remember, at my first match, the person taking the entries asked me if I had “a dog or a bitch?”

And I responded, “Aren’t they all dogs?” It was an eye-opening experience that the dog world has its own language!

Are you looking for a Yorkshire Terrier puppy?

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.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Yorkshire Terrier dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Yorkshire Terrier Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the Yorkshire Terrier dog breed with articles and information in our Yorkshire Terrier Breed Magazine.