Sue Riegerix | Holy City Boykin Spaniels

Interview with Sue Riegerix, Breeder of Holy City Boykin Spaniels

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?

Sue Riegerix

1. I’m Sue Riegerix, and I have been training, breeding, and showing dogs for about 45 years. I live in Charleston, South Carolina, and my kennel is Holy City Boykin Spaniels.

2. The hallmark of this breed is its versatility. I hunt my dogs. We do Obedience, Rally, Agility, Dock Diving, and I obtain CGC and Therapy Dog titles. I have a two-time Westminster Kennel Club Breed Grand Champion with a MACH (Master Agility Championship) and RACH (Rally Championship). Not all breeds can do that. This is a medium-sized dog; a constant companion, ready to go at a moment’s notice. And, they have an off switch. This breed loves to work, train, travel, and be my partner. I can scoop up two under each arm, and off we go to our next adventure. They are medium-coated, so not too much grooming is needed. The different climate change of cold to hot is not a problem.

3. Not really. There are always homes, but not always the right home. I pride myself on finding that forever home. The home is more important than showing or money.

4. Testing and health clearances are a must. More research and funding are needed. New diseases pop up and there isn’t enough funding for new research or collective data. By the time we get data and funding, it could be two generations that have been bred or lost to something new.

5. Yes, it’s looked down upon, as if purebred dogs are not helping the community of stray and rescue dogs. Instead of holding backyard and fashion trend breeders accountable, they’re disparaging those dogs with healthy parentage. I get shamed for breeding, even though I have good temperaments and healthy dogs that are close to the Breed Standard.

6. Yes, trends are dangerous. A trend can take a Breed Standard in the wrong direction and make it popular. Then the Standards are altered, and that might not be good for the breed overall. A great trend is physical therapy and chiropractor clinics popping up. The need is there and now treatment is available.

7. Highlighting a dog’s versatility is a positive change. Just look at Westminster 15 years ago. You would have never seen Obedience or Agility. Now you are seeing the showcase of what dogs are capable of doing at their best. And if they keep going, it’s only going to get better.