Interview with Kris Benoit - Dakota Dalmatians


    

Thank you Kris for sharing your thoughts and wisdom with us! This interview was done July of 2004.

How did you get your start in Dalmatians?

I had shown horses most my life and when John and I were engaged I wanted to get him involved with something like the horse shows. Since he would never get on a horse, I decided how much different can dog shows be? I bought him our first Dalmatian show puppy, Zack, and off we went!


What got you started in dog shows?

My parents had rough collies when I was young and I trained and showed in 4-H and obedience.


Can you tell the story behind your kennel name?

How embarrassing, wish I had a good story here, but it was the name of the street our first house was on. Also, someone gave me good advise, "keep it short".


Which of your dogs was your favorite and why?

Ch. Dakota KC A Pretty Conclusion. Emma Puddles was my doggy soul mate.


Was your favorite dog bred by you or someone else?

Someone else. Ch. Fireman's Freckled Friend was still showing regularly when we first started and he never failed to stop me dead in my tracks.


When planning a breeding what are the most important things you take into consideration?

Type, temperament, health


Which of your breedings do you consider your most successful and why?

I always hope it is the next one! But looking back I'd have to say our Ch. Madurhason In Th'Catbird Seat to Ch. Duneland's Liz-Ann Newsham. The first mating we got our BIS Ch. Dakota's Victoria's Secret (Zoe) as well as two other champions, and in the second litter we got Ch. Duneland's Dakota Detente (China). Almost all our present day dogs have this combination behind them.


What do you contribute your success to the most?

Never stop learning and asking questions. Stay focused.


What significant changes have you seen in Dals?

Temperaments have improved. Bone and feet seem better overall. Tails and toplines are another story.


Do you have any comments on those changes?

Popular sire syndrome.


Did you have a mentor and how do you think they influenced you?

Yes, Anne Fleming (Madurhason), she influenced us to think for ourselves, was never negative and never said "I told you so" when we made a mistake.


You have (with this interview) the audience of most of the Dal community. What one thing would you like to most express to them?

Make no excuses . Whether it's showing, breeding or evaluating we should try to be honest and true to ourselves.


Anything else you'd like to add?

Being involved with other breeds and breeders, I must say Dalmatian people are the best!


Kris Benoit - Dakota Dalmatians