Amazing Nina
Who are you?
First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be allowed to join this project – it’s a honor.
My name is Nina Grasmo and I’m holder of Kennel Sweet Chanel. I live on the countryside in Norway. Now I have eight Yorkshire Terriers at home and had my first litter in 2008. My dogs are originated from Sweden. I have been fortunate to gain the trust of big breeders abroad, which I have again built my lines from.
Kennel Sweet Chanel dogs have been Best In Show Specialty and Best Breeder of the Year the last 5 years. Several dogs have also received BIS placements, most winning Yorkshire terrier of the year in Norwegian Yorkshire Terrier Club and Norwegian Kennel Club. Also other titles like International Champions and Norwegian Junior Winners. I have also showed dogs from other breeders to get for them International and Nordic Champions titles.
Titles are nice, but I’m not breeding for them but for the lovely breed! Every breed deserves to be taken care of so that the dogs are healthy physically, mentally and by their structure.
You are a known Yorkie breeder. Why did you choose this breed?
Yorkshire terrier has always been my favorite – I love their long silky coat, intelligent eye, their active mentality and loving personality. I feel getting it all in one breed although in a small dog.
When you have chosen a show, how do you start preparing your dogs for it?
All my dogs which are used for breeding are or have been show dogs. I try to keep up a healthy structure! The condition of the dogs is important. We are daily in the forest where they get to run free. This is also mentally very important for them. They have good bodies with lots of muscles and good psyche. Most breeders wouldn’t do that because of the coat. But for me happiness of a dog is very important. I think that is one reason for the success.
Three days before a dog show I groom the coat and cut the coat where it’s necessary. Also cutting nails and dental care is important. The day before the show they are groomed to the standard and perfection.
My dogs know when they are going to a show, because when the suitcase and grooming equipment are set up, they are ready.
What is important when showing a Yorkie?
All dogs are different, one must see and know each as an individual. The coat must not be too long to inhibit the movements or the leash too tight. A Yorkie with free movement and drive is a dream for the eye.
What kind of mistakes can one do?
Everything can go wrong in the ring. You can go too fast, do not follow judge’s instruction. Or don’t have a contact between the dog and the handler. Too tight leash is often to be seen. But hopefully we learn from our mistakes and do better next time.
You also use helping hands like Alina Andersen. How do you choose them? What makes Alina good?
When I show many dogs I need help, extra hands. Helpers are often the ones who keep the dogs ready by coat and number tags. If there are more dogs in the same class, I need help also with actual handling. Usually my puppy buyers are the ones who help me. They know me and my dogs and it makes the handling easier.
Alina is a good helper who knows what she’s going to do in the show ring. She knows how to groom the dogs and have a good connection with them. I think Alina is one of the greatest young handlers.
How do you see yourself in 5 years as a breeder and handler?
In five years, I hope I’ve learned a lot of other breeders and handlers. And that I’m still breeding several healthy and correct dogs. Hopefully I have my own breeding results in the world dog show.
What else do you want to share?
There is a lot of work behind a show dog. Remember that you have the same dog home as one brought along to the dog show – good or bad results. Show respect for judges, breeders and other exhibitors. Don’t talk bad about others Respect one another and I think you will come a long way.
