Q: Share a little bit of your history (start showing/ breeding).
I purchased my very first Toller puppy in 2000 from Kylador Kennels and was encouraged to show my new puppy. At the time I wasn't sure conformation was for me, as I really wanted a sport dog... it didn't take long to catch the show bug and become focused on wanting to breed to improve what I had started with. I had great mentors and was so eager to learn. From my very first litter my goal has always been to produce sound typey tollers who can do it all. I have a constant eye for improvement. I proudly show my dogs to represent our breed and the breeding program I have worked so hard at.
Q: What Pro Plan Formula do you feed
I feed the Pro Plan Performance 30/20 Chicken.
Q: Why do you feed Purina Pro Plan dog food?
Tollers are an active breed and require a diet that can keep up with their needs both for calories and body condition. The Performance line gives my dogs all they need to be their best, body, mind and coat.
Q: What is the most exciting part of being a dog handler?
I only show my own dogs. These are dogs that I have bred and were born in my house. There is something really special about having my homebred dog on my leash and competing at a World Class level. The excitement for me is a result of all the decades of effort and the great dogs in my pedigree come together to produce a dog like Luca who has been recognized at the highest levels both in Canada and the USA.
Q: What’s your number one goal in your work?
My goal is always to promote my breeding program and my breed in the best light.
Q: What is your advice to other people who are starting out in shows?
Always put the dog first. For people who are competitive, winning is great, but the teamwork and condition / care of the dog should ALWAYS be priority.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about the time you spend with your dogs?
My dogs love life and me without any strings. When I am with them, I don't worry about any of life's challenges.
Q: What is the first thing on your mind when you walk into the show ring?
That I have done all the work and my dog is ready to shine.
Q: What do you think it takes to make a champion dog?
Any dog can be a champion. For me I want to have the best dog I have in the best condition in the ring to shine for my program and my breed.
Awards & Accomplishments
Luca has been an incredible ambassador for the breed. He has set many records for the breed and has shown his heart out at the biggest events in North America. He holds the record for most BIS 33 ( 32 CKC and 1 AKC ) and has won both the Canadian and American National Specialties. Luca has won Best of Breed at Westminster 2x and is proudly and exclusively breeder owner handled.
To help ensure her dogs are reaching their full potential, Christine feeds Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Chicken. Take a look at our full line of Pro Plan dog food formulas to find the one that’s right for your dogs.
Purina® Pro Plan® is the #1 brand most fed and recommended brand by dog breeders in Canada.* Learn more about what the Pro Club Breeder program has to offer, including up to 35% savings on Pro Plan dog and puppy food, a free bag of puppy food for your new pet owners and more!
*Canadian Dog Fancier survey results, November 2023
