Be the Expert That John Q. Public Needs

Michelle Santana - Foxfire Dobermans

35 Years in Dobermans, inherited the love of the breed from her mother, Michelle Santana is dedicated to the future of her favorite breed.

While Michelle tried a brief stint in Collies, she returned committed to her mother's breeding program, and describes Doberman's as:

Labor Intensive, Destructive, Strong... and intent on following you into the bathroom

Michelle and her Foxfire Dobermans have been honored with the AKC Working Group Breeder of the Year Award and a Dogs in Review "Winkie" for Breeder of the Year.

Mentor - Bill Shelton

Bill Shelton is considered by Michelle to be a strong influence and mentor for her as an owner-handler, breeder, and exhibitor.  She mirrored his handling style, and listened as he spoke of purposefully bred dogs or breeding for preservation of consistent and reliable traits, type and temperament.

Doberman's Historical Tradition

Dobermans are a silhouette with the cropped ears, docked tail, strength and angles that cause pause to an intruder.  Historically a personal protection dog, the upright ear and short tail made it difficult for a perpetrator to grab or defend against the Doberman.

Mentor a Junior, Mentor you Buyers, Mentor a Breeder

Juniors

Juniors are the key to the sport and Michelle encourages experience Breeders to support them.  Give them a GREAT DOG to compete with, teach them how to BREED, pay for a junior to compete in the bigger competitions.

Buyers

Be a Mentor to your puppy buyers.  Let them know that you are available and the FIRST resource.  Encourage them to compete in dog sports, have fun in barn hunt or even consider showing.

Breeders of the Future

Mentor a future breeder. Take it upon yourself to teach one or two people so the knowledge is passed down.  Breeding is hard work.  We need others willing to carry our breeds forward.

John Q. Public Needs YOU!

OMG!  Yes.  Mentors in the breeds need to be the educated voice in the public Facebook groups, so answers to questions don't come from the people who don't.

Teach the public.  Be the VOICE that they hear.

Shout Out to John Engstrom - You Asked!

Listener John Engstrom wrote and asked for a Michelle Santana interview - and Pure Dog Talk listened!