Interview with Elaine Gewirtz - Firebuster Dalmatians



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

How did you get your start in Dalmatians?

We bought our first show dog in 1971. He broke his leg as a youngster which ended his show career but was our beloved pet for 14 years. When he died we bought "Jenny" a show female who I finished myself.


What got you started in dog shows?

The breeder we bought Jenny from showed and encouraged me to begin.


Which of your dogs was your favorite and why?

They're all wonderful and the lights of my life but if I have to choose I'll pick my Bob--multiple BIS, BISS, DCA RWD, DCA AOM, Westminster AOM, and #1 Dal in 2001. He and I are really tuned in together and the dog I love doing things with. He's fun to be with and so loving. Plus he gives THE BEST kisses!


Was your favorite dog bred by you or someone else?

I bred him.


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

Health, temperament--if I'd want to live with any of the puppies I'd produce through that mating, and any conformation characteristics my bitch needed. I pay close attention to overall type and structure and of course movement--good going and coming and sidegait.


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

All of them of course! Just kidding. If I have to choose then probably when I bred our CH Kramer to my CH Plenty which produced 6 all-Bilateral hearing puppies. They all could've finished but I selected 4 who did. 3 of them won Specialties, including Reba who was DCA BOW and Jill who was DCSC BOW the day before and the day following the National, and Will who was Best in Sweeps and took the Breed from the classes.


What do you contribute your success to the most?

Mother Nature's good graces, having a plan in mind, being patient and persevering.


What significant changes have you seen in Dals?

Smaller males overall, dogs who don't move as well up and back, and straighter shoulders.


Do you have any comments on those changes?

Too much attention is being paid to breeding dogs who are animated rather than being sound.


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

Over the years many different breeders have freely shared their knowledge with me and I am eternally grateful.


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

There are many different breeds I would love to have but I keep coming back to Dalmatians. I love their personality and am always surprised by their antics. It seems you could have hundreds of them and each would be different but I sure don't want to find that out first hand!


Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for this opportunity.


Elaine Gewirtz - Firebuster Dalmatians