Kimberley Layman | Dreamcatcher Kooikerhondjes

Interview with Kimberley Layman, Breeder of Dreamcatcher Kooikerhondjes

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Kimberley Layman: I live in Sebastian, Florida. I first became involved in dogs in 1976 and have four years as a breeder.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Kimberley Layman: My kennel name is Dreamcatcher Kooikerhondjes. I currently have three dogs.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Kimberley Layman: Cirtap’s Prinses Flow v Micra-A is an influential dam.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

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.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to me?

Kimberley Layman: Hunt Tests are not applicable to our breed.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Kimberley Layman: I compete in Conformation, Agility, Rally, Dock Diving, and Fast CAT.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

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.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed?

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.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Kimberley Layman: I don’t feel there are enough at this point.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

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.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

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!

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Kimberley Layman: They should look at the Breed Standard in the country of origin.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

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.

Are you looking for a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje 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 Nederlandse Kooikerhondje 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.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje Breed Magazine

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