Patty Brill Harbison – Clifftops Lakeland Terriers

Patty Brill Harbison – Clifftops Lakeland Terriers

Breeder Interview by Allan Reznik

Where did you grow up?

Patty Brill Harbison: In the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio.

Do you come from a doggie family? And, if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin?

Patty Brill Harbison: I’ve had at least one dog my whole life, but we were NOT a “doggie family!” My parents were the type who ran out to get whatever breed of dog was featured in the latest Disney movie. The first family pet arrived after 101 Dalmatians came out, and I don’t have to tell you how THAT went! It broke my nine-year-old heart to send Cleo back to her breeder. Next came The Ugly Dachshund movie. We had several well-bred Great Danes, and the breeder showed them for us. My parents weren’t interested in the showing part, but I was intrigued. I said to myself, “One day!”, and I made a promise to myself that I’d do it right.

Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence.

Patty Brill Harbison: At the outset, I want to say that I think I’m proof that one can start something later in life and do a good job if one puts one’s mind to it. Never let anyone tell you you’re too old to try something new.

The purebred show dogs are an empty nest thing for me. Our family had had a succession of enormous, heavily-shedding Herding breed mixes, and my husband wanted less hair in the house.

We settled on Sealyham Terriers, but the only one I could find was a show prospect boy from Allen Smith. Remembering my childhood interest with showing the Danes, I jumped on it, then got a lovely bitch puppy from Goodspice lines. I was mentored by Margie Good and Pattie Kennedy. They were so patient and kind with a completely clueless newbie. I didn’t even know how to hold the lead. In Lakelands, Jeff Braddy, Maripi Wooldridge, Tracy Szaras, Terri Alloway, Pat Rock, Jo-Lynn Heffernan, and Klayton Harris have all given invaluable advice and feedback.

In particular, Terri and Margie prepared me to toughen my skin for the heartbreaks that breeding can bring. I had zero idea how to groom, but Jeff, Peggy Browne, and Klayton all helped. (Thanks, Klayton, for not laughing at me too hard!)

The Clifftops Lakelands are successful and well respected. What breeding philosophies do you adhere to?

Patty Brill Harbison: I’m still pinching myself about the success I had so quickly. A lot of luck was involved, and I didn’t do it alone. The switch to Lakelands happened after the Sealys died too young, from a breed-linked problem. I did a lot of research on which breeders had the best Lakelands, and was fortunate enough to co-own my foundation bitch with Tracy, who mentored me in the beginning. Philosophies?

A. Start with the best foundation bitch you can find.

B. Take advice from more experienced breeders. Never sacrifice temperament for breed type. Get someone else to evaluate your litters. Jeff Braddy has been my guide through most of this and a lot of the credit is due to him.

C. If you can’t have a kennel (I couldn’t), be open to co-ownership. I’ve co-bred with Demonica Baker (Well-Red), Jeff (O’Brady), and our new star, Alissa Crane (Crown). Demonica was my co-breeder on a number of litters, including our Westminster winner, and she does a world-class job of whelping and caring for young puppies.

Know when to hire a handler! Tracy Szaras, Rebecca Cross, Leonardo Garcini, Kate Berry, and Jody Paquette have all shown my dogs to big wins that I could not possibly have done myself. I’m proudest of the successes I had handling my own dogs, but I’m not fooling myself about my abilities there.

How many dogs do you typically house? Tell us about your current facilities and how the dogs are maintained.

Patty Brill Harbison: Due to age and orthopedic problems, I am winding down after a too-short career. My dogs have always lived in the house with me and my husband, and we’ve never had more than three adults at one time. Right now, it’s just my spayed girl Lollypop and my boy Haiku from my last litter. He was the only survivor from his litter, he turned out far better than I’d hoped, and I decided to end on a high note.

Please comment positively on the present condition of your breed, and what trends might bear watching.

Patty Brill Harbison: I think we’re in reasonably good shape, but it’s a struggle in a low-entry breed with high grooming requirements. Entries at our National have been strong the last few years, and we have a few young people coming along. When I got Cookie, the top-winning Lakies were on the large side and it seemed like dogs were getting too big. The last big winner was distinctly on the small side, and suddenly a bunch of tiny dogs were showing up. Now it looks like the pendulum is swinging more toward the middle. I’d like to see the WHOLE range of sizes within standard be equally okay. I’d like to see more emphasis on movement when it comes to breeding decisions, and less emphasis on grooming in judging decisions. Artfully-applied grooming chalk has nothing to do with breeding potential.

The sport has changed greatly since you first began as a breeder and exhibitor. What are your thoughts on the current state of the fancy, and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport?

Patty Brill Harbison: I’ve only been doing this for 20 years. Lakelands have been a handler-dominated breed for as long as I’ve been active, and I think an overemphasis on grooming is part of that problem. It was great to see a couple of top awards go to owner-handlers at our most recent National Specialty.

Where do you see your breeding program in the next decade or two?

Patty Brill Harbison: Sad to say, I’m almost at the end of my personal involvement in breeding. Age and orthopedics are telling me, “no mas!” I’m delighted that Jeff (O’Brady Lakelands) is still very active, with several dogs we co-bred and co-own. Alissa Crane of Crown Kennel is just beginning, but a puppy from her very first litter went Reserve Winners Bitch at Montgomery! I am listed as co-breeder, but it’s really all Alissa’s doing. Demonica is also still breeding, with stock that traces back to my Cookie, and a lot of her dogs are having success in performance events.

Finally, tell us a little about Patty outside of dogs… your occupation, your hobbies.

Patty Brill Harbison: Long-retired lawyer, proud grandmother, serious cook and gardener, and political provocateur.