Sherry Maclennan | Corral West

Interview with Sherry Maclennan, Breeder of Corral West

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Sherry Maclennan

1. My Name is Sherry MacLennan and our kennel name is Corral West. I started in Australian Cattle Dogs in the early 1990s and Chinese Shar-Pei before that. We had some of the first dogs recognized in the American Kennel Club (AKC) in both of those breeds. I got my first Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (PPP) in 2011; she was a pet and not showable. I then found the perfect show dog. I brought her home, and two weeks later, I was diagnosed with cancer; she literately saved my life. She also started my Podengo family.

2. There are several hallmarks in this breed, with coat probably the most obvious. There are two types: Wire and Smooth. The Wire coat is to be moderately harsh, while the Smooth is short and dense. Both coats are to be shown in a natural state; dogs whose coat has been altered or sculpted should be eliminated from competition. PPPs are a very rustic breed, meant be shown naturally.

3. I have several people wanting puppies; when people meet my dogs, they fall in love. My special, “Quiz,” has an outstanding temperament and has produced it. He never stops wagging his tail.

4. I use social media. Most of all, I think the quality of our dogs speaks for itself. People contact me and I have a really long waiting list.

5. I am a mobile dog groomer and have regular contact with the public. I have tried to use my influence with the public on why purebred dogs from responsible breeders are a good thing.

6. I have been showing dogs for a long time and have met a lot of people along the way. I do see that we do not have a lot of young people who are wanting to take over the breeding and/or showing. There are a lot of young handlers, but not a lot of young breeders. I have three daughters who have exhibited for years. They are starting to breed, following in my footsteps. I see some of the small clubs starting to go under. We ha

Sherry

Maclennan

ve seen a couple of clubs that have already folded and others that are struggling.

7. I think the 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition and the National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) are great additions; having the lifetime winner of the NOHS PPP has been an honor. New activities get more people involved.