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Arlyne and Doug Smith went to the International Kennel Club show in 1987 looking for a new dog to bring home. Since these were very large shows, they decided to separate and look at as many breeds as possible before meeting up to compare notes. When they did meet, they both picked the same breed: Otterhounds. Ch Chaucer’s Sir Duff of Bearsden was their first Otterhound, a prolific sire who began their nearly 40 year love of our breed. For years Arlyne served as Chair of Judges Education and to this day, she is an enthusiastic devotee of the breed and loves to share her memories and knowledge.
Enjoy this wonderful You Tube Video recorded as a part of the Otterhound Club of America Inc. Ottertalk Series. This one was recorded in January of 2021.
"A Walk Down Memory Lane with Arlyne Smith.
Questions for Breeders |
How do you determine if a dog should be bred?
The decision to breed is in the strengths to the Otterhound Standard for my bitches, but is equally important if my males are to be used for stud dogs. |
How do you select a bitch or dog to be used?
They are selected based on the breed standard. In particular the forechest, bone and topline should be excellent because I feel we are losing these in the breed.
They are selected based on the breed standard. In particular the forechest, bone and topline should be excellent because I feel we are losing these in the breed.
What breeding system do you use? (Line breeding, Outcrossing, Inbreeding)
Rather than one system, we used the merits of the bitch and the dog as compared to the breed standard to determine matings. These dogs are bred for a purpose and for specific work they were meant to do. When bred to the standard, they are capable of doing that work more efficiently and eagerly.
Rather than one system, we used the merits of the bitch and the dog as compared to the breed standard to determine matings. These dogs are bred for a purpose and for specific work they were meant to do. When bred to the standard, they are capable of doing that work more efficiently and eagerly.
How much emphasis do you place on the pedigree when planning a breeding?
Once dogs and bitches are found worth to breed by evaluation, the homework begins.
The Hound Book Four (published by the Otterhound Club of America) is an invaluable resource since the dogs and bitches can be seen in a photograph along with their pedigrees.
Once dogs and bitches are found worth to breed by evaluation, the homework begins.
The Hound Book Four (published by the Otterhound Club of America) is an invaluable resource since the dogs and bitches can be seen in a photograph along with their pedigrees.
How do you evaluate puppies?
Our first Otterhound, a male named MacDuff, was requested to be bred to Nancy and Richard Wallens' import from England, Ch. Vision Pheasant (Mindy). This was an outcross. We agreed and after she had whelped Mike Ansell flew in from England to evaluate the litter. I had made my choice and he concurred that it was the right one. As it turned out, each of the pups was very good and the strengths of MacDuff and Mindy had prevailed. The litter was evaluated in person by a knowledgeable individual looking for the strengths of each parent to be present. In particular, forechests, bone and toplines should be evaluated because, over the years, these have changed and it would be hoped that all future breedings would look for these strengths in stud dogs and bitches.
Our first Otterhound, a male named MacDuff, was requested to be bred to Nancy and Richard Wallens' import from England, Ch. Vision Pheasant (Mindy). This was an outcross. We agreed and after she had whelped Mike Ansell flew in from England to evaluate the litter. I had made my choice and he concurred that it was the right one. As it turned out, each of the pups was very good and the strengths of MacDuff and Mindy had prevailed. The litter was evaluated in person by a knowledgeable individual looking for the strengths of each parent to be present. In particular, forechests, bone and toplines should be evaluated because, over the years, these have changed and it would be hoped that all future breedings would look for these strengths in stud dogs and bitches.
Which were your favorite dogs you have bred or that made a big impact on your breeding program?
My favorite dog was BIS CH Chaucer’s Sir Duff, MacDuff, but for reasons other than the winning side. MacDuff was the alpha in the Bearsden Kennel. Having males together was never a squabble because of the respect the younger dogs had for him. No breeder could ask for more. As the bonds between the dogs are also there. I have witnessed grief in littermates particularly when MacDougal, Am, Can Ch Bearsden MacDougall Argyle died. Mac Andrew, Ch. Bearsden MacAndrew John Dhu was also a champion, but not as keen on showing, and he was literally inconsolable at his littermates death. He missed MacDougal so very much and he was lost to us several months later. Unconditional love.
The breeding of MacDuff and Ch. Billiken's Amanda Grizzlet (Amanda) is quite a story. Doug and I were staying at the Mayflower Hotel across from Central Park. We alerted the front desk personnel of the purpose of Amanda’s visit. When they arrived, Amanda sat down and let Duff know she was not ready. Our reputation for never leaving Duff with anyone was well known and after a lovely dinner Betsy Conway and Donna Emery asked if we would consider leaving Duff with them. It was hard decision but it did make sense and we agreed.
When we returned to Midway airport without Duff, the Sky Caps wanted to know where he was. We told them about the breeding and one of them said he wanted to be there when Duff returns because he was sure Duff would be asking “Where are the broads?”.
We had returned home on Wednesday, and Thursday evening Betsy called to ask if we had reprimanded Duff for humping. I said yes because he’s a bad boy! In the background Donna was coaching him with “Go Duff, Go!” and he did. A beautiful litter with future champions and even a Canadian Best In Show was born. I flew in when the puppies were 8 weeks old and returned with Oliver, Ch. Scentasia's Oliver O'Bearsden, renamed MacGregor and Dreyfus, Ch. Scentasia's Phantom of the Opera for Susan Donahue. Betsy and Donna kept a lovely bitch, Ch.Scentasia’s Kiss Me Kate. MacGregor and Kate went Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex at the Otterhound National Specialty in Nebraska.
My favorite dog was BIS CH Chaucer’s Sir Duff, MacDuff, but for reasons other than the winning side. MacDuff was the alpha in the Bearsden Kennel. Having males together was never a squabble because of the respect the younger dogs had for him. No breeder could ask for more. As the bonds between the dogs are also there. I have witnessed grief in littermates particularly when MacDougal, Am, Can Ch Bearsden MacDougall Argyle died. Mac Andrew, Ch. Bearsden MacAndrew John Dhu was also a champion, but not as keen on showing, and he was literally inconsolable at his littermates death. He missed MacDougal so very much and he was lost to us several months later. Unconditional love.
The breeding of MacDuff and Ch. Billiken's Amanda Grizzlet (Amanda) is quite a story. Doug and I were staying at the Mayflower Hotel across from Central Park. We alerted the front desk personnel of the purpose of Amanda’s visit. When they arrived, Amanda sat down and let Duff know she was not ready. Our reputation for never leaving Duff with anyone was well known and after a lovely dinner Betsy Conway and Donna Emery asked if we would consider leaving Duff with them. It was hard decision but it did make sense and we agreed.
When we returned to Midway airport without Duff, the Sky Caps wanted to know where he was. We told them about the breeding and one of them said he wanted to be there when Duff returns because he was sure Duff would be asking “Where are the broads?”.
We had returned home on Wednesday, and Thursday evening Betsy called to ask if we had reprimanded Duff for humping. I said yes because he’s a bad boy! In the background Donna was coaching him with “Go Duff, Go!” and he did. A beautiful litter with future champions and even a Canadian Best In Show was born. I flew in when the puppies were 8 weeks old and returned with Oliver, Ch. Scentasia's Oliver O'Bearsden, renamed MacGregor and Dreyfus, Ch. Scentasia's Phantom of the Opera for Susan Donahue. Betsy and Donna kept a lovely bitch, Ch.Scentasia’s Kiss Me Kate. MacGregor and Kate went Best of Breed and Best Opposite Sex at the Otterhound National Specialty in Nebraska.
Who were people that were influential in your breeding background? Why?
The people that most influenced me were several, but Louise DeShon for her vision and knowledge of our breed that was so willing shared was a gift. MacDuff was out of Hoot, Am, Can Ch Avitar Follyhoun Kahootz and when MacDuff went over Hoot for Best of Breed at a Purina Invitational, Louise came to me with tears in her eyes and said “Arlyne, I knew it would happen one day, and I am so glad it is you and MacDuff that have done it.” I can think of no one more gracious and generous in spirit. My mentor and best friend over all the years. I knew I could consult with Louise and get honest, thoughtful appraisals. No malice or fudging, but honest evaluations of the merits of a dog.
Eibhlin Glennon and Bev Krejsa have also been such a positive influence – often when they were not even aware of it. Bev Biren Yanover in Canada has taught and shared with me over the years. I cannot leave out Dorothy MacDonald, one of the greatest Hound Judges of all time. Our friendship grew over the years and was also a God given gift.
The people that most influenced me were several, but Louise DeShon for her vision and knowledge of our breed that was so willing shared was a gift. MacDuff was out of Hoot, Am, Can Ch Avitar Follyhoun Kahootz and when MacDuff went over Hoot for Best of Breed at a Purina Invitational, Louise came to me with tears in her eyes and said “Arlyne, I knew it would happen one day, and I am so glad it is you and MacDuff that have done it.” I can think of no one more gracious and generous in spirit. My mentor and best friend over all the years. I knew I could consult with Louise and get honest, thoughtful appraisals. No malice or fudging, but honest evaluations of the merits of a dog.
Eibhlin Glennon and Bev Krejsa have also been such a positive influence – often when they were not even aware of it. Bev Biren Yanover in Canada has taught and shared with me over the years. I cannot leave out Dorothy MacDonald, one of the greatest Hound Judges of all time. Our friendship grew over the years and was also a God given gift.
Why do you think it is important to attend the National Specialty?
National Specialties are important because they are the showcase for not only developing one’s eye for the attributes of a dog, but for choosing or mentally eliminating the specimens that you feel would be improvements for your future breedings.
National Specialties are important because they are the showcase for not only developing one’s eye for the attributes of a dog, but for choosing or mentally eliminating the specimens that you feel would be improvements for your future breedings.
How many generations do you track in a pedigree and why?
A minimum of five generations of pedigree is traced, if possible, to study and consider for breedings. I recommend breeders become students of Otterhound history. It is fascinating and worthy of your time.
A minimum of five generations of pedigree is traced, if possible, to study and consider for breedings. I recommend breeders become students of Otterhound history. It is fascinating and worthy of your time.
Do you have a personal set of rules that you use for breeding?
My personal rules are relevant to my love affair with the breed. My philosophy not to be just an observer but a participant in life by enlarging my understanding of friendship and commitment.
Describe the balance and structure you look for when breeding an Otterhound.
The balance and structure I look for comes from Captain Bell-Irving, Master of the Hounds, Dumfriesshires, Scotland Lockerby. He preferred the taller dog because he could walk in fast moving waters before he had to swim which added to his endurance. This is reflected in the correct structure and the balance shown in our dogs and bitches.
My personal rules are relevant to my love affair with the breed. My philosophy not to be just an observer but a participant in life by enlarging my understanding of friendship and commitment.
Describe the balance and structure you look for when breeding an Otterhound.
The balance and structure I look for comes from Captain Bell-Irving, Master of the Hounds, Dumfriesshires, Scotland Lockerby. He preferred the taller dog because he could walk in fast moving waters before he had to swim which added to his endurance. This is reflected in the correct structure and the balance shown in our dogs and bitches.
What is your most important advice for a new breeder?
My advice for any breeder is to take time to know our breed’s illustrious history. Be patient in making breeding decisions and look at many dogs and stud dog owners, not just one. Do your homework!
My advice for any breeder is to take time to know our breed’s illustrious history. Be patient in making breeding decisions and look at many dogs and stud dog owners, not just one. Do your homework!
