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Kimberley Layman is the breeder behind Dreamcatcher Kooikerhondjes. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, the sires, the dams, and more!
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Kimberley Layman: I live in Sebastian, Florida. I first became involved in dogs in 1976 and have four years as a breeder.
Kimberley Layman: My kennel name is Dreamcatcher Kooikerhondjes. I currently have three dogs.
Kimberley Layman: Cirtap’s Prinses Flow v Micra-A is an influential dam.
Kimberley Layman: My puppies are whelped in the house and raised in the house using a combination of Aviddog, Puppy Culture, and my own acquired knowledge.
Kimberley Layman: Hunt Tests are not applicable to our breed.
Kimberley Layman: I compete in Conformation, Agility, Rally, Dock Diving, and Fast CAT.
Kimberley Layman: I believe it’s important to get physical and mental stimulation. Strength and conditioning using wobble boards, fit balls and discs, ladders, etc., keeps the dogs engaged and gaining confidence as they get better and better at the task. I keep these sessions short so that they end while the dogs are still engaged and wanting to work with me. Running and playing ball or Frisbee, agility lessons, and swimming will all help to keep them well conditioned.
Kimberley Layman: There are a few things that we test for: Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), which is a bleeding disorder; ENM Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy, thought to be a recessive degenerative spinal disease; Polymyositis, which is a systemic, noninfectious, possibly immune-mediated inflammatory muscle disorder; and cataracts.
The complete health testing also includes hip X-rays and manual testing of the patellas for luxation. Nutritional needs are not special, but should be an excellent quality, well-balanced diet.
Kimberley Layman: I don’t feel there are enough at this point.
Kimberley Layman: The best candidates are those with a lot of experience. Respect for the dog’s space and reading the signals are very important.
Kimberley Layman: The biggest misconception is that they are mini Golden Retrievers, Labs or Setters. The best-kept secret… they are smarter than Border Collies!
Kimberley Layman: They should look at the Breed Standard in the country of origin.
Kimberley Layman: Not sure it’s amusing, but the way they reach for your arm and bring it towards them to have you pet them is certainly endearing.
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.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the friendly Nederlandse Kooikerhondje dog breed with articles and information in our Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Breed Magazine.
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