Toni Koerber | Monocacy Bend Kennels

Interview with Toni Koerber, Breeder of Monocacy Bend Kennels

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Toni Koerber: I am located in Maryland. I have 20 years in dogs, 13 years as a breeder.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Toni Koerber: Monocacy Bend Kennels currently keeps 10 dogs.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Toni Koerber: GCHB Monocacy Bend’s Waterford (Whiskey) and GCH Monocacy Bend’s Time of Opportunity (Toki) have been noteworthy winners.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Toni Koerber: The most influential sire has been CH Mr. Stewarts Cheshire Winslow. The most influential dam has been GCH Time of Opportunity.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Toni Koerber: I have a small, separate kennel with large, fenced fields for exercise. The puppies are whelped in the house and they are raised in the house.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies?

Toni Koerber: I watch them interact among themselves to determine their various personalities. And how they stand and move naturally is a determining factor also. Some are natural show prospects and some are natural performance prospects.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Toni Koerber: With their owners, some are successful in a variety of AKC Performance Events, including Agility, Nose Work, Carting, Fast CAT, Obedience, and Rally. A few of my hounds have been a part of a hunt pack, chasing foxes.

Is “performance” part of my decision-making when it comes to breeding?

Toni Koerber: Conformation and structure are a part of my breeding program. A hound has to be put together properly in order to do its job.

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Toni Koerber: If English Foxhounds are in the right setting, they keep themselves exercised. I have large, fenced paddocks for them to run/play in.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Toni Koerber: Not at this time.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Toni Koerber: Unfortunately, I do not. Breeding takes dedication, time, and the love of preserving the breed and a love of the Breed Standard. This is hard to find.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Toni Koerber: Because of their size and strength, they work better in a family with older children. But they are good-natured and loving. Owners who will devote time to the hound, work with them, and have patience are the best candidates for an English Foxhound.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Toni Koerber: The biggest misconception is that they are not smart and are hard to train. The best-kept secret is that they are devoted, loyal, and healthy.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Toni Koerber: Study the English Foxhound Breed Standard and what they are bred to do. Both the English and American are bred for the same purpose, but the English is designed to hunt longer, and at a slower pace, than his American cousin.

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Toni Koerber: Talk to other breeders of English Foxhounds. That is how I learned and am still learning.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Hound?

Toni Koerber: One of my hounds took a walkabout and ended up at a Mercedes dealership… looking for a ride.

Are you looking for an English Foxhound puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home an English Foxhound dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

English Foxhound Breed Magazine

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