OLD ENGLISH

Sheepdog Jere Marder

Lambluv Old English Sheepdog

Firstly, could you give us some background about yourself? When and how did you start breeding Old English Sheepdogs?

InChristmasof1969,myhusbandflewtoNewYorkand came home with a surprise - an Old English Sheepdog puppy. We loved and spent many wonderful years with Bridgette. Following her, I got my first show prospect in 1977 from the breeder Caj Haakansson of Bahlamb Farms. Caj played an instrumental role, both early on and to this day, in my understanding of the

“Lambluv” originated as a term of endearment given to me by my husband, Michael. The word carried so much meaning that I named my breeding program after it. Now, decades later, “Lambluv” still means the world to me.

I wasn’t exempt from challenges at the start. Living in a large apartment in downtown Chicago, I didn’t have the lifestyle that could amply support a breeding program. I was limited in the litters I could produce, so careful research and consideration were necessary to ensure I matched up animals based on both genotype and phenotype. My first litter was in 1982. I was selective in the sheepdogs I introduced into my program. Ch. Rholenwood’s Taylor Maid, whose pedigree doubled up on my foundation dog, Ch. Bahlamb’s Beach Boy, was a prime example. Introducing this pedigree allowed me to make five years’ worth of progress in breeding. In addition to my efforts, I was fortunate to have loyal owners for my dogs, which allowed me to continue progressing my program remotely. Without the trusted members of the “Lambluv Family,” I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish as much as I have. Networking with my co-owners granted me access to a larger gene pool than I could facilitate and own by myself.

Where did your first dogs come from?

In 1977, I met Caj Haakansson, a Swedish native who had moved to Maryland. My communications with Caj increased as he became my mentor. The first acquisition of my program was in 1978, my foundation: Ch. Bahlamb’s Beach Boy, or “Ricky.” Ricky was shown by Jack Funk and rose to #1 Old English and #1 working dog in 1980. He also broke the Best in Show (BIS) record for OES. Over the 40-plus years I’ve bred, I’ve produced over 20 BIS dogs and over 125 champions, all tracing back to “Ricky”.

What is your breeding policy? Do you work with other kennels, have joint ownerships, or rent dogs in or from other kennels? Or do you prefer to have your stud dogs for yourself?

A: I’ve never operated as a kennel; my dogs have always lived at home with Michael and me. However, living in downtown Chicago limited the number of dogs I could keep. Through careful networking, I was fortunate to find loyal and trustworthy owners who could provide a home for my dogs while still allowing me access to them, so I could continue the Lambluv breeding program. I’ve bred within my own lines and introduced new lines, depending on what I felt was necessary to progress the next generation of healthy and sound Old English Sheepdogs.

Which dog do you consider the foundation of your own breeding?

“Ricky,” Ch. Bahlamb’s Beach Boy, is the obvious choice for my foundation, but among the dogs that I’ve produced, it’s hard to narrow it down. A very influential dog, I believe, came from five generations in, Ch. Lambluv’s Desert Dancer, or “Yoshi.” Yoshi was the embodiment of my breeding philosophy. A magnificent dog, he accomplished a lot in his time. He broke the world BIS record for OES with 64 Best in Shows. Yoshi played a significant role in advancing my program.

What kind of selection do you prefer in your breeding program - line breeding, inbreeding, or outcross?

As the old saying goes, “there are no crystal balls in dog breeding.” My philosophy in breeding has always been to advance the breed with each generation. In my program, I had the opportunity to develop and line breed my line, with the option to outcross as needed to bring in certain desired traits that might be lacking.

What would you say was your greatest achievement as a breeder so far?

I’ve been blessed to have the success I’ve had over the years. One of my greatest achievements that comes to mind was winning the herding group at Westminster not once, but twice with dogs I’d bred. Additionally, I received the honor of the award for most group ones twice, won the national specialty five times, won the herding group at the AKC National Tournament, and in 2003 won the AKC herding group breeder of the year. These accomplishments were all achieved with dogs that I had bred, with the exception of my foundation dogs: Ch. Bahlamb’s Beach Boy & Ch. Rholenwood’s Taylor Maid.

How do you interpret the standard? Do you accept that other breeders have different points of view as to what an Old English should look like, or is there just one correct type?

As a member of the judges’ education committee, we’re strict in upholding the verbiage used in the breed standard. According to the standard, there is only one ideal type of Old English Sheepdog, but individual interpretations result in varying styles of breed specimens. The breed is profuse, but not excessively coated, so grooming can play a large role in the varying styles. This underscores the importance of hands-on examination by breeders and judges to ensure the structure of the dogs adheres to the hallmarks of the breed.

What three qualities do you think are the most important when you look at an Old English?

I think of three important breed hallmarks:

• A capacious, squarely formed head with a welldefined stop.

• A topline with a rise over the loin.

• A thickset, square, pear-shaped body.

• As an honorary fourth, my mentor instilled in me the importance of the unique movement of the Old English Sheepdog. Due to the way the breed is built, the Old English is characterized by its trademark rolling gait.

Which faults would you not tolerate in your breed?

To me, an incorrect front assembly is the most troubling. We want dogs that are broader at the rear and narrower at the point of the shoulder, creating a pear shape. The breed should move, converging towards the center line. They should not stand four-square or have level toplines, and should be free of any sidewinding gait. Additionally troubling are rear assemblies resulting in high kicking or bicycling actions that waste energy. Dogs portraying these traits may often be out of “balance,” which is incorrect. These are all examples of traits I’ve attempted to avoid in my own breeding program.

Would you say there is a difference in dogs and dog type in Europe and the USA? What is the difference in AKC and FCI Standards?

After attending and/or participating in five FCI world dog shows, I’ve noticed a few differences in terms of balance. For one, the FCI standard emphasizes pigment and a natural tail. The FCI standards also call attention to preference in markings and white placement, while the AKC has no prejudice towards markings. Generally speaking, dogs shown to the FCI standard have a more natural outline and coarseness/ length of coat compared to dogs shown in the AKC. As far as balance, I felt the dogs shown in the FCI were customarily larger with more leg. In general, I feel the breed is losing its squareness worldwide.

How has the breed changed over the years? Would you say it has gone to better or worse?

From a breeder’s standpoint, the pendulum has swung both ways over the years, matching the style or current fad being shown in the ring. Overall, I’ve noticed a decline in balanced animals, a decrease in square specimens, and an increase in rectangle or reverserectangledogs.Side-gaitshavealsodecreased in balance with dogs shown that lack reach in the front or over-extend in the rear. These are traits that have always existed, but I’ve noticed they have become more prevalent. We as breeders have to be aware of the problems in the breed in order to work together to resolve them in future generations.

Can you describe an ideal Old English?

Cajsaiditbest,“Ifitdoesn’thaveagoodtemperament, it’s not an Old English Sheepdog.” Sheepdogs, or bobtails as they were once referred to, are funny, playful dogs that easily get along with people and other animals. These traits do not make them good kennel dogs, but great companions to have in the household with the family. As history states, the OES worked as a drover dog with the flock and shepherd, still maintaining that herding instinct today. The Old English Sheepdog is a square-balanced breed that should stand wider in the rear than the front, presenting a pear-shaped specimen, thickset with a slight rise over the loin. The dogs will have a natural, profuse double coat with coarse guard hairs.

Please name 3 of your all-time favorite winners bred by you and 3 not owned nor bred by you.

This is the most difficult question of all. There have been so many beautiful sheepdogs over the years.

Bred by me: Ch. Lambluv’s Desert Dancer (Yoshi), Ch. Lambluv’s The Devine Miss M (Bette) and GChP Lambluv Gambolon Blue Thunder (Elvis).

Bred by others: GChB Wynward’s Remember that (Bart), Ch. Bahlambs Brazen Bandit and Ch. Whisperwood Wise Guy.

What homebred dog of yours comes closest to your ideal?

I’d have to say “Yoshi”, Ch. Lambluv’s Desert Dancer.

He was a beautiful dog with a lovely head and arch of neck, a square, correct topline, and extreme side movement. Yoshi always came to a stop with the wide-set rear and narrower front, creating a true pear-shaped dog. He loved to show and was a great companion for us.

What would you say is the secret to continued success in breeding Old English?

Persistence. Breeding animals is often one step forward and five steps back, especially when you’re breeding out. We’re always trying to solve “the puzzle” and achieve the masterpiece dog. You want to fill in the blanks, yet also never double up on what you’re avoiding, pulling reference to the above term “the puzzle”. Breeders don’t want to give up the positives. Without persistence, success, and loyalty from those I worked with, I don’t think I would have continued for over 40 years.

What advice would you give to a new person in the breed?

Do your research when choosing a breeder from whom you’d like to get a puppy and follow their mentorship. If you have enough respect to pick that breeder, then have the respect to listen to their advice and knowledge. Carry an open mind and be willing to listen to opinions beyond your own.