Kayley Paylor & Theresa Daykin of In Stride share their achievements and insights into breeding and promoting versatile Azawakhs.
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Kayley Paylor & Theresa Daykin
1. I live in the Seattle area in Washington State. I’ve worked professionally in dogs for just under 15 years and have been exhibiting dogs in Conformation and Performance for seven years. My oldest litter turns four this year, and I breed with my partner, Theresa Daykin, under the kennel name In Stride.
My foundation dog was owner-handled to two invites to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show; the year we attended he was rewarded with an Award of Merit. One of my bred-by boys also earned an invitation to Westminster. I have produced one American Kennel Club (AKC) Grand Champion, four AKC Champions, seven United Kennel Club (UKC) Champions, an Owner-Handled Best in Show and No. 1 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Azawakh two years running, seven bred-by dogs that have been ranked in AKC, the third Azawakh AKC Field Champion, the first Azawakh to earn a Tracking Dog title, and the first Azawakh Disc Dog worldwide. I have the first Dual Champion in the breed who is also a Grand Champion Bronze. I also have dogs titled in Agility, the first Azawakh titled in Flyball worldwide, and the first Azawakh to title in Scent Work worldwide.
2. Size: Taller than long, specifically 9:10 length to height. Appears leggy, due to open angulation and less chest (chest is only 40 percent of total height). Dry Skin & Musculature: Tight-fitting skin, with flat endurance muscle, in correct condition; a minimum of 3 to 5 ribs should be visible.
Movement: TRAD (Tremendous Reach and Drive) is explicitly faulted; the breed should move without hackney motion, and their toe should not extend beyond the nose at a trot. Correct movement is an essential point of the breed.
Temperament: A guarding breed in disposition first and foremost; approach with respect. Temperament is more at home in the Working Group than in the Hound Group. Everything about the breed’s structure is designed to survive in scorching Sahara Desert-like heat.
On the surface, Azawakh might appear similar to a Saluki or Sloughi; however, the breed-specific proportions and movement are distinct from those other breeds and are specifically why Azawakh were able to thrive in their countries of origin.
3. I have multiple people on my list waiting three-plus years for a specific pairing. I announce my plans well in advance and have always had enough interest. I have a litter due in June 2025, if confirmed, and hopefully will be breeding my first bred-by girl at the end of this year.
4. I went to school for design, so I do utilize a lot of announcement ads of my own creation. I maintain a robust social media presence. However, the feedback I have received indicates that the thing people most appreciate is an extensive website.
5. I am a professional dog trainer, and I have seen a general shift toward bringing home purebred dogs after meeting mine.
6. Within Conformation, I haven’t noticed any particular trends recently that are a departure from years past. I do feel like there is a perpetual tendency to reward the generic at all-breed shows. I would also note that there tends to be a general minimization of Performance events.
7. I’ve seen many successful Owner-Handlers in recent years; many of my puppy owners and myself included. Not specific to Conformation, but to the purebred dog fancy as a whole, I feel that AKC has done a good job making events accessible to more average pet owners with activities like Fetch events and Fit Dog.
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