Lesa Barnett
1. Thank you for asking for an interview. I love to talk Teddy! I have been enjoying dogs and the show world since I was a child. I spent most of my childhood bench showing and hunting with my dad. My journey with the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier began almost 28 years ago. I purchased a Rat Terrier puppy sight unseen from a friend of a friend. When she was delivered to me, I said, “That is that not a Rat Terrier!” Ginger was a gorgeous, short-legged Type B Rat Terrier, aka Teddy Roosevelt Terrier! We were instantly in love and looked for several years for more! I eventually came across Weebits Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, owned by Tom and Teresa Otto in Ohio. I loved their Teddies. Teresa is who was instrumental in getting me back in the show ring and creating a passion unlike any other! I had met my best friend and we celebrated many great breeding accomplishments together. She is greatly missed! I live every day to honor Teresa and all the joys she brought to my life! My kennel name is Barnett’s Rambling Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, from the joy of watching these great little dogs ramble through my woods.
2. In my opinion, I am concerned about the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier’s breed diversity. So many of the dogs are coming from one kennel. If you look far enough back in pedigrees, many of the same dogs were used repeatedly in the lines. We need new genetics, and it is not too late to bring in some new outcross lines! But the question is, are you willing to do the work with the Rat Terrier crosses to bring the short legs back into new genetics while we can?
3. As a preservation breeder, I have been showing AKC FSS and MISC since 2016 when we got access through AKC. So far, Weebits Teddies through Sara Flour, Tammy Stephanie, Mandi Politino-Dickey, and myself are the only Teddies that have attended AKC Royal Canine National in Orlando in December. To me, it is sad that so many will show up for UKC events but very few for AKC. Now AKC numbers are increasing, with a few showing across the country. The number of Open Shows has increased, especially in Florida, and it is spreading, giving more opportunities to show. I am also encountering more judges who have seen our breed.
4. Challenges for Teddy breeders with full status is getting everyone in the breed to agree—or at least agree to disagree. One person should not control everything and disrespect others with an opinion who have loved this breed for so long. As a preservation breeder, a challenge is with others just breeding for the money rather than to help improve structure and health. Health testing is critical and should guide what we do moving forward. As an exhibitor, it is my job to educate judges and other show folks about the
wonderful Teddies.
5. Social Media has been good for our breed. Without Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and SHOWSIGHT, the Teddies would not be known as well as they are today. It gives us the opportunity to share our breed emerging!
6. The biggest challenge I see facing the dog show community is the cost of showing, traveling, lodging, and all expenses entailed. Inflation is making this a sport that not all can afford. Also, basically, owner-handlers are at a big disadvantage when competing with professional handlers.
7. Positive changes I have seen is more AKC FSS and Open Shows in my area. As a MISC show person, I feel a little more welcomed by most regular breed show people. They ask questions and often say this will be my next breed.
