Interview with Mrs. Yvett LeBlanc • Interviewed by M. Ljutic & J. Danilovic
Published in Best in Show Annual 2015
BIS: When have you got involved in dogs and how did you first come across Aussies? Which thing about Aussies was (and still is) so special for you?
Yvette: My first Aussie came to me as a gift from an older Gentleman who bred a few beautiful dogs that he had purchased in California. Little did I know that this little Blue merle Female could be traced back in Pedigree to our foundations. My love for the breed began with my Blue girl. She was a loyal and intelligent companion with so much willingness to learn and so versatile in all her ventures on our farm in 1977.
BIS: Which dog do you consider the foundation of your own breeding program?
Yvette: >My lines originated with McMatt bloodlines from Flo McDaniel. My most important foundation cross was ì BLAZEî CH Broadwayís Blaze Of Glory ROMII bred to ìWhitneyî CH Little Creeks Hug me tight.
BIS: How many aussies do you have at home (living with you) and how many you coown?
Yvette: At home we have 10 dogs living with us. 4 of these are co-owned.
BIS: How many litters approximately you have a year?
Yvette: We usually plan 1 or 2 spring litters and 1 or 2 in the fall.
COOWORKING
BIS: With how many kennels and who are the Kennels you cobreed? How important was cooperation between breeders through the time?
Yvette: McMatt, Lil Creek ,Limelite, Northbay, Tryfecta, Harmony Hill and Crofton. Are some of the kennels that we have co bred with seeking to help keep breed type, health, and versatility. These we all were very important factors.
BIS: Who has been your biggest inspiration and support? Did you have mentors and how important was mentoring through the time being a breeder?
Yvette: My biggest support was my mentor and dear friend Flo McDaniel of McMatt Australian Shepherds. Also included is my Daughter Cherri Foster and God Daughter Hayden Hadley they are So very important to our Program. Cherri is our groomer and keeps all dogs updated on Paperwork and health requirements, Hayden Hadley is our extremely talented Show handler and trainer. We are Family here at Bayouland and work as a team to become the very best we can be as breeders.
BREEDING AUSSIES
BIS: What would be the main characteristics on the dogs you breed? What are your goals in the breeding program?
Yvette: The main things I strive toward are most ideal to the breed standard. Health clearances, structure, breed type, temperament, and versatility are all important to me.
BIS: Did you change the type of the dogs you breed through the years and if yes why? How many lines did you use by now? How many generations of your own Kennel name you have in pedigree? How many dogs did you bred by now?
Yvette: I liked the type on my dogs so I followed that in my breeding program and bred to similar type dogs. I have used about 4 main lines to produce what I have today. I have up to 4 generations of my own kennel in my pedigrees. We breed about 2-4 litters a year on average mostly for our own breeding program and to show.
BIS: How did the Aussies change over the time since you first got involved with the breed?
Yvette:I think the original Aussies were bred to be strictly herding/stock dogs/farm working dogs. The breed today has advanced to be one of the most versatile breeds of dogs in the world and excels in all venues now
BIS: Is there something which you would like to change/improve in the breed in general?
Yvette: I would like to see more dogs that fit the breed standard in movement including fronts, rears, and side gait. Also would like to see a more stable temperament across the breed in general as some breeders are specifically breeding for high drive and intensity so they will excel in their performance and task at hand, which does not always make for easy dogs to live with.
ACHIVEMENTS
BIS: What do you consider your greatest achievement as a breeder?
Yvette: Owner handled my own dog to his championship and then showing him myself to the Best of Breed win and Best Bred By Exhibitor in Breed at the world-renowned Eukanuba World Championship Dog show.
BIS: Are there any specific stud dogs/brood bitches in your variety, in your country, or globally, that you think have had an important impact on the breed?
Yvette: CH Showtimeís Surprize owned by Flo McDaniel. CH Broadwayís Blaze of Glory owned by Jane Firebaugh and Nora Porobic bred by Maggie Pryor. CH Bayoulandís CrËme Brulee owned by Martha Gisselbeck.
BIS: Please mention 2 to 3 Aussies which are not owned, bred or shown by yourself, that you particularly admired, and tell us what you most admired about each.
Yvette: CH Harmony Hillís La Bamba because even being a plain marked dog he has stood out as a show dog and a sire. CH Briarbrookís Silver Sequince because of her presence and breed type and movement. CH Broadwayís Blaze Of Glory because of his impact on being a top producing sire of lovely type and wonderful temperments.
POTENTIAL ISSUES
BIS: Every breed has some common problems. Which is the most common problem in your variety seen from a breederís point of view?
Yvette: The variety of breed type throughout the different venues is a common problem.
BIS: What has been the biggest disappointment in breeding and showing for you so far?
Yvette: Being an owner handler in the ring with a nice structured dog and losing to a lesser quality dog due to known politics.
BIS: What do you think is the most problematic about Aussie FCI or AKC Standard?
Yvette: The confusion of what is considered excessive white markings.
JUDGING THE BREED AND THE DOG SHOWS
BIS: What is the most important point of which you would like a judge of your breed to be aware?
Yvette: Being knowledgeable in the breed and the standard.
BIS: What qualities do you admire most in a judge?
Yvette: Being able to judge dogs and not who is handling it.
BIS: What are the most important characteristics to keep in mind for anyone wanting to become a good Aussie judge?
Yvette:Honesty and integrity. Knowing breed standard. Having the experience in raising the breed firsthand.
BIS: If you were in charge of everything regarding the dog shows what change would you make first?
Yvette: More requirements for judgeís education in the breed standard.
CONCLUSION
BIS: What would be the most important single piece of advice you would give to all serious young breeders?
Yvette: Research the breed before starting your breeding program. Know the breed standard and gain experience from having a good mentor. Never stop learning.
