Martin Glover | Sandcastle Saints

Interview with Martin Glover, Breeder of Sandcastle Saints

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

Martin Glover: I live in Myrtle Point, Oregon. I have 27 years in dogs, and 25 years ago, I had my first litter.

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

Martin Glover: I’ve bred over 75 champion Saint Bernards under Sandcastle, Skydancer, Lasquite, and Kris’s Kountry prefixes.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Martin Glover:

• CH Benbarons Taboo v Yondo – SBCA National Specialty winner;
• CH Lasquite’s Denver v Lucas – SBCA National Specialty winner;
• GCH Sandcastles Indecent Proposal – SBCA National Specialty winner;
• GCH Kris’s Kountry Poker Face – SBCA National Specialty winner.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Martin Glover:

• CH Lasquite’s Inman Of Rolando,
• GCH Kris’ Kountry Poker Face, and
• Kris’s Kountry Platinum Edition v Orlando.

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

Martin Glover: I have a boarding kennel for my dogs and client dogs. Most puppies now are raised with my partners in the breed.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Martin Glover: I evaluate puppies at 8-9 weeks. I will keep a few to grow them up, to watch development.

Do I compete in Performance Events? In Parent Club Tests & Trials?

Martin Glover: No.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Martin Glover: No.

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

Martin Glover: Conditioning for me is the entire dog, mind and body; good nutrition, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Martin Glover: As with any giant breed, we have the common hip/elbow issues. Epilepsy and heart issues seem to be the priorities.

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

Martin Glover: The breed used to be well cared for, though many breeders have retired or gotten out of breeding. We do have, I believe, a handful of string breeders around the country who love this breed.

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

Martin Glover: Temperament should always be the first thing when breeding. Saint Bernard’s rescue people, not eat people. They are great family dogs that adore children, but as with any dog, they watch the children.

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

Martin Glover: The biggest misconception, I think, is many think Saints are lazy. They are not. Saints are truly a versatile breed. They don’t drool 24/7 and they don’t eat as much as people think. Their best-kept secret is their loyalty to their people.

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

Martin Glover: I want judges to know our Breed Standard. Saints are a head breed. Type should supersede anything else. We all want that sound, well-moving dog, but if the headpiece isn’t there, it is not a Saint, no matter how well it moves.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Martin Glover: Learn the past and learn the history of breeders; why they were great and why certain dogs were great. Talk to many breeders, not just one. And the most important: When looking at a breeding, never throw the baby out with the bath water.