In a groundbreaking interview for the Legacy Breeder series, Julie Roberts shares her extensive insights from over five decades of experience in breeding English Springer Spaniels through her kennel, Eldamar. Sarah, the interview host, seeks to uncover the knowledge and history associated with long-term breeders in the ESSFTA, starting with Julie’s journey into the world of dog breeding.

Throughout the interview, Julie reflects on her 53 years of breeding experience. Although she no longer actively breeds, she collaborates with various kennels, including Dartek and Journey, and has achieved notable success. Julie estimates that she has usually bred about one litter a year, with an emphasis on producing sound temperaments, an aspect she considers part of her legacy. Sarah and Julie delve into the evolution of Springer temperament, noting significant improvements over the decades from the challenging behaviors seen in the 70s and 80s—referred to as “springer rage”—to the generally more positive and manageable dispositions observable in the breed today.

Julie highlights notable successes, including her dog Kayla’s national win in 2003 and several champion producers, emphasizing her strong bitch line stemming from her foundation dog, Neogahbow’s Magic Marker. She recounts how her bitches Star and Spinner contributed significantly to her legacy, each producing multiple champions and demonstrating impressive show careers. Julie underscores the importance of various health clearances, including for elbow dysplasia and PRA, reflecting on how such measures have benefitted the breed. She stresses the significance of breeding for not just conformation, but also for good temperament, which contributes to a dog’s ability to thrive as a family pet, performance partner, or show contender.

The interview further explores Julie’s approach to breeding, including her evaluation of conformation, structure, and the importance of lineage. In terms of breeding strategies, Julie shares her preference for line breeding over inbreeding or outcrossing, elaborating on the risks associated with each method. She emphasizes the need to meticulously evaluate potential mates based on soundness, health, and overall temperament while also trusting one’s intuition in making breeding decisions. The discussion wraps up with Julie offering wisdom to newcomers in the breeding field, encouraging them to seek comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience while considering the long-term implications of their breeding choices.

Overall, this enlightening interview with Julie Roberts not only celebrates her legacy as a breeder but also serves as a rich resource for current and aspiring breeders looking to navigate the complexities of responsible breeding practices.

TIME STAMPS

0:00_Start
0:07_Introduction
0:32_Can you tell me about your kennel name?
1:33_How Did You Decide Springers Was the Dog for you?
2:29_How long have you been breeding ESS?
2:44_Are you still actively breeding?
5:00_What do you consider your legacy as a breeder?
5:55_Describe what springer temperaments were like?
6:18_Anne Pope on Springer Rage
7:34_How would you describe Springer temperaments today?
11:57_What would you consider your biggest successes?
13:44_Who were your mentors?
15:17_What was your foundation?
15:30_When did you feel ready to breed?
16:36_How has health testing changed?
18:48_Did health considerations impact your breeding decisions?
20:54_What are your primary objectives when planning a breeding?
21:22_How important is temperament when you are making breeding decisions?
21:41_Is the ESS a difficult dog to breed successfully?
22:08_What are qualities of a successful breeder?
22:27_If you knew then what you know now would you do anything differently?
22:48_Were you an owner handler or did you hire professionals to show your dogs?
24:07_What advice do you have for someone starting out in Springers?
24:28_Puppy Puzzle
24:58_Dogsteps
26:12_Fronts and Structure
28:05_Developing an eye for a dog
29:20_What age do you like to evaluate puppies?
30:20_What qualities are you looking for?
31:00_What faults in a puppy are you willing to live with?
32:35_Thoughts on inbreeding, line-breeding, and outcrossing.
33:20_Risks of in-breeding, line-breeding, outcrossing?
33:58_Have you used frozen or chilled semen?
34:09_Multi-sired liters?
34:15_Repeat breedings?
34:52_Qualities in a stud dog or brood bitch.
36:37_Pedigree vs Intuition
38:11_How important is it to have a mentor?
38:48_Have you personally mentored new comers to the breed?
38:57_Do you want someone to continue your lines?
39:30_How do you feel the breed has evolved?
39:46_Have you seen changes in structure, health, or temperament?
41:06_What’s the most important advice you have for a new breeder?
42:12_Conclusion and thank you