Kim Studley | Hanlon Standard Schnauzers

Interview with Kim Studley, Breeder of Hanlon Standard 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. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. 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?
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?

Kim Studley

1. My Name is Kim Studley. I live in the Central Valley in California. My husband, Lonnie, and I have been involved in Standard Schnauzers since 2008. We have been breeding dogs since 2010 under the kennel name “Hanlon.” I am a Bronze Breeder of Merit. We need two more to reach Silver.

We have championed most of the 23 champions ourselves. I started out really interested in Performance events. I got side-tracked with breeding and showing in Conformation. My current girl, Hanlon The Best Of Times, is working on her Rally training.

2. I often get questions from people who say they just want a Performance dog or a family dog. More often than not, the best Conformation dog is the best Performance dog. Sometimes I see a really nice young dog that lacks coat or is missing a testicle… then it’s off to the Performance ring for them.

We temperament test all of our puppies at seven weeks old and structural evaluations take place at eight weeks. I like to show the best two or three in my litter, when possible. I used to show most of the litter, but I now prefer to just promote my best puppies.

3. I think, overall, our breed is in decent shape. I would like to see better shoulder placement and layback that reveal a beautiful neck and smooth shoulder transition into the body. Rears could be stronger. We could use more “butt behind the tail.” We have seen an increase in size lately. I like a big dog. I always carry an AKC wicket when I am showing a dog at the top of the Standard. The only trend I see that is concerning is the new owner’s inability to critique their own stock. It is vital that we look at our dogs with a critical eye, so we may breed to improve attributes and not double up on faults.

4. I think the sport of showing dogs is shrinking. Dogs are a lot of work. It takes time and money to be successful. I look to the sport as a fun activity for me and my dog. It helps me train and socialize my young dogs. It keeps me active. These are the benefits I relay to my families when encouraging them to show.

5. Social Media can be good and bad for the sport as well as for society as a whole. It does give us access to people in all regions of the country. We can share our plans and direct new people to find help.

6. I am happy to see the educational classes offered through AKC. Seminars are a wonderful tool for new breeders to use.

I look to the sport as a fun activity for me and my dog. It helps me train and socialize my young dogs. It keeps me active. These are the benefits I relay to my families when encouraging them to show.