Lesa Barnett | Barnett Rambling Terriers

Interview With Lesa Barnett, Breeder of Barnett Rambling Terriers

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?

Lesa Barnett: My name is Lesa Barnett. I am a Preservation Breeder of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. I am the owner/breeder of Barnett’s Rambling Teddy Roosevelt Terriers in Cumming, Georgia. My breeding program began in the late 1990s. I have been showing dogs all my life, beginning with bench showing Bluetick Coonhounds, then Rat Terriers, American Hairless Terriers, and Teddy Roosevelt Terriers. I have been showing in AKC events since 2016, but with many years of UKC showing prior to Teddies going AKC. I strive to create the most structurally sound, healthy Teddies that I can for future generations!

2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?

Lesa Barnett: The hallmark of the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is, first and foremost, a very outgoing, friendly temperament that wants to please their owner. They are kind, intelligent, and easily trained. Second, Teddies should also demonstrate a nice level topline, and good reach and drive. Shoulders should be strong and muscular without heaviness, and toes should face forward. Body length should be a 7:10 ratio. They must have the agility and speed/strength to do their job. They should not be too course or too fine in build. They should move with a lively, effortlessly ground-covering gait that gives an air of agility and power. These hallmarks are important because they are what sets us apart from our terrier counterparts. Teddies are my life and I strive for exceptionality in the dogs I produce.

3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?

Lesa Barnett: Yes, I feel there are enough puppy homes as long as we do not overproduce, and strive to produce quality over quantity. We are a fairly new recognized breed with AKC, and I think word of mouth will travel once folks meet these great dogs!

4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?

Lesa Barnett: New technologies we are using are all kinds of social media networks, a website, breeder software, health testing companies, and AKC shows. SHOWSIGHT has done a great job supporting the Miscellaneous breeds! The more publicity, the better!

5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?

Lesa Barnett: In my community, I see upward trends of people choosing mixed breeds simply because they do not understand the reason for purebred health testing, and fall for people’s marketing ploys. Education is the key!

6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?

Lesa Barnett: Trends I have noticed that worry me are the increasing prices and the decline in participants at shows.

7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Lesa Barnett: A positive change is the hard work that the clubs in the state of Florida have done to offer more and more Open FSS shows, and it is spreading across the country! I would like to see every show offer Open Shows, with nice ribbons to encourage people to come out.