Tina McDonnell & Lydia Frey
1. Growing up in North Carolina with Sporting dogs, it seemed a natural route to continue into adulthood. I (Tina) was introduced to English Springer Spaniels while living in Texas, but after relocating back to North Carolina, I met the Pointer breed and never looked back. We’ve had Pointers in our household for 25-plus years now and have been actively breeding for over 20 years. I asked Lydia Frey to join Southern Pointers about 10 years ago, so it is a joint venture. All of our dogs carry the prefix of “Southern,” which seemed appropriate, living in the South.
2. The hallmarks of our breed are the head and the tail. Interesting note for Pointers is that two styles of the head are acceptable: parallel planes and dish. There should be a pronounced stop on both styles, and with the “dish,” the nose is slightly higher at the tip than the muzzle at the stop. The tail, heavier at the root and tapering to a fine point (referred to as a “bee sting”), extends to the hock or above. Most importantly, it is to lash side to side. All of these hallmarks are what make a Pointer look like a Pointer.
3. When we decide to breed a litter, we do it for us; to further our pedigrees and improve on what we have. Puppies are always a joy to have. They definitely keep us on our toes, and each litter teaches us something different. As preservation breeders, we do our best to be aware of what is happening in the marketplace. Usually, there’s a waiting list from a previous litter for us to contact for the current litter. Since our breed has different colors, and people may have a preference, they might have to wait for an upcoming litter.
4. We have been working to integrate new items to make life easier for both ourselves and our owners. Our website is updated on a regular basis, and we are adding suggestions for nutrition, training tools, toys, bedding, crates, etc. When we place a Pointer in a household, the owner knows they can reach out to us 24/7/365 (phone, text, email) with any question or concern, on any topic. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find one. We work with multiple veterinarians (general medicine and specialists) and have “resource mentors” who help us to be more successful with our owners.
5. I feel communities have a better concept of purebred dogs because more breeders are taking the time to educate. With dogs now visiting cafes, shops, and other venues, it’s a perfect scenario to do such.
6. A trend I am noticing is clubs pooling their resources and having more circuits than just shows on the weekends; also, more clubs holding specialties, supported entries, and their national at an all-breed show. Personally, if the judging panel is good for my dogs, I’d rather be in one place for three to four days than just two days.
7. We are getting more spectators at AKC (American Kennel Club) events. It’s great to offer owners so much more than just Conformation shows. I started in Obedience and had no clue about dog “shows.” There should be more to a dog and owner relationship than running in counterclockwise circles. Offering more to dog owners gets, and keeps, them involved. Fast CAT, Lure Coursing, Hunt Tests, Dock Diving, Rally, and Scent Work are just some of the activities that our owners participate in. The sport is about having fun with our dogs and our friends. As long as that continues to happen, the sport will grow.
