Meet the Breeder/Owner Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch

Meet the Breeder/Owner Alexandria Mithell-Lynch

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

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: My old boss, who was an Obedience person, took me to an all-breed dog show with her. I was way more interested in the showing part than I was the Obedience part. I saw my first Ibizan Hound a year later at that same show and fell in love.

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

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve had dogs all my life, but I got my first show dog about 25 years ago; I only showed him a few times. I got my first true show dog years later. She ended up being my foundation Ibizan bitch, “Enya,” Ch. Nahala DaVinci Chaotic Conception FCh. I’ve been an Owner Handler from the start. I finished Enya and I’m currently showing a bitch four generations down from her (Breeder/Owner/Handler).

3. Do you attend show handling classes? Have you attended in-person handling seminars?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve been to a few handling classes, but I’m mostly self-taught from watching handlers in my early years and tips from my mentors. I also adjust my handling for each dog.

4. Have you found virtual learning tools to be helpful? Videos? Websites? Social Media? AKC Canine College?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I’ve rarely used them, although I did watch YouTube in my early years. I think they 100 percent can benefit new people or those looking to learn new skills or ways to take it to the next level.

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

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I do compete in the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS). My Ibizan “Hugo” was the No. 1 National Owner-Handled Hound a few years ago. I do feel rankings are important. I’ve been ranked in both Owner-Handled and the regular Hound Group. I’m very proud of being a Breeder/Owner Handler.

6. How important is the Bred-By Class to you? How important are Specialties?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: The Bred-By class is the most important class, even more so at a Speciality. I’m proud of the dogs I produce; I want the judges and fellow exhibitors to see what Nahala and Nahala/Heron and Hound are producing. Specialties tend to pull a large entry and represent many different kennels. A Specialty win, to me, can be more important than a large entry all-breed win. My breed doesn’t have many Specialties outside of our National Specialty, and each of my National wins, at all levels, has been very important to me as a breeder and exhibitor of my breed. Specialties are also a great time to see what else is out there.

7. Is it a challenge to compete with your breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: No, it is not a challenge to compete with my breed as a Breeder/Owner Handler, and I will do all that I can to make sure that never changes.

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

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: My start in the breed came from my mentor; I got my first Ibizan from DaVinci Ibizans. I have loads of respect for my co-breeder, Heron and Hound, but honestly, I talk to all breeders, whether we breed in similar ways or not.

9. How important is the Breeder/Owner Handler to the future of the sport? To your breed?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: The Breeder/Owner Handler is extremely important to the future of the sport. My breed is very Breeder/Owner Handler and Owner Handler friendly. I hope it always stays that way.

10. What advice would you give to Owner Handlers who are thinking of breeding their dog(s)?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: Read your Breed Standard. Talk to multiple breeders. Take your time. You can go backwards if things go bad. Make sure you look at all things included in breeding, not just at the dogs in front of you.

11. What are your goals as a Breeder/Owner Handler? Is there a victory that has eluded you?

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I just want to continue to enjoy my dogs, and breed functional Ibizans that also make great pets.

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

Alexandria Mitchell-Lynch: I was showing to a breeder-judge. She had always appreciated my dogs and has been at shows for big wins with my MBIS-winning male. This time, I was showing his two-year-old son. Let’s say his son is much more “spirited” than his well-trained and professional father. On this day, Chip didn’t want to stand still for a stack. He spent more time vertical than horizontal and he was having a good old time, while I was sweating. Chip kept it together during the exam until the judge was about halfway down his back… then he decided he wanted to jump at me. The judge looked at me with a smile and asked, “First dog show?” We both laughed, as clearly it was “The Chip Show” and I was just along for the ride. A year later he is still as spirited as ever, but he makes everyone laugh and smile. Both his father and Chip were bred by myself, but they are completely different dogs in personality. Both are fun-loving and outgoing, but Chip does things his way.