Luvn Chr-Lys English Toy Spaniels | Dawn Charley

Luvn Chr-Lys English Toy Spaniels | Dawn Charleyshared insights on his journey in our community and sport.

1. When were you first introduced to the sport of purebred dogs? To your breed?

I bought My first English Toy Spaniel as a pet in 2003.

2. How many years in dogs? How many as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

My first show dog was purchased in 2005.

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended any handling seminars?

I do attend handling classes and I’ve attended three handling seminars by George Alston.

The George Alston seminars taught me a lot.

4. Do you compete in the National Owner-Handled Series? Are rankings important to you?

I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series and am currently No. 1 in my breed, and yes, I am trying to stay No. 1!

5. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are specialties?

I have finished all of my dogs, bred by myself, in Bred-By. You should be proud of what you have bred, and show them off.

6. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed(s) as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

There are many of us [Breeder/Owner Handlers] who compete in NOHS. It gives us an extra opportunity to show off the dogs we are proud of.

7. Who have been your mentor(s) as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder?

As a Breeder, my mentor has been one of the best friends I’ve made through the dogs. Shelly Hepler has taught me so much about grooming, breeding, and the breed in general—the good, the bad, and the ugly.

8. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the dog sport?

I think NOHS is a great opportunity for Breeder/Owner Handlers to shine. It gives them the opportunity to show off their hard work and love for their breeds.

9. What are your goals as an Owner Handler? As a Breeder? Is there a milestone that has eluded you?

My goals as an Owner Handler and as a Breeder are the same: Breeding healthy, typey dogs, and doing the best to improve my breed, and showing this off through my breeding program and by exhibiting my dogs to their best!

10. Is there a funny story that you can share about your experiences as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

In the photo above, it was a cold, windy, miserable day. I could not ask any more from this boy as he shook and shivered, but he continued to do what I asked of him in the ring. Love my boy!