Paul was beginning to travel more in his profession (circa 1970), and I wanted a larger pure bred dog around the house, good with our young family. We considered Laborador Retrievers and Dalmatians.

I took our first Dal to obedience school to get a better handle on her as a house dog, and was encouraged to enter her in an obedience trial. She did well and then we became interested in conformation.

Paul's company name was Century Electric, and we took the name Centurion from that.

I suppose our first dog, Crown Jewels Crystaline Jade, would be our favorite dog. She was just a love and great with our family, and she got us started in the "World of Dogs". Of course we've had many favorites since.

We acquired her from Crown Jewels Dalmatians, through a friend we met at a dog show.

Temperment is above all, then conformation and health of course.

Success as measured by the pups fitting in to their homes, we have been very fortunate. Success as measured by % of litter to finish, we had a litter of one that finished, and a litter of 16 that all survived and made wonderful pets and show dogs.

Planned breedings, not hung up on popularity, but on temperment, soundness, and conformation.

The temperments have definitely improved over the 30+ years, as well as spotting on livers. Livers are now equal to blacks in terms of markings.

It is only by the diligent efforts of many Dalmatian breeders that the temperaments have improved so much.

Early in our Dalmatian career, no one helped us as much as Bill and Fitzi Busch, with evaluation of puppies and general encouragement. As a judge, it was Bill Fetner who taught me about type and the seriousness and responsibility of judging.

Remember the contributions of those before you and respect all they have done to keep the sport alive and well.

To the new folks starting out, study and learn all you can and remember your responsibility to the breed in all you do.