Interview with Elaine Dodson - Gemini Dalmatians


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

How did you get your start in Dalmatians?

Dalmatians happened into my life long ago, at age fourteen, because I had horses. A natural! A school friend said, "Would you like a Dalmatian? We have a six month old pup back at the farm." Thankfully, my mother said yes. Then, as I rode my pleasure horse on country roads or hitched up to the buggy, ‘Pepper’ just naturally ‘went to hock.’ She hung around the barn with me and went wherever I went. Subsequently there was always a Dalmatian in my life.


What got you started in dog shows?

A few decades and a litter or two later someone said, "There’s a Dalmatian dog show in St. Louis" I entered my pet in American Bred, earned a yellow ribbon and new hobby was born. Later, Elaine Lindhorst offered me a (real) show dog, Centurian Cierra, who had just won futurity at the national (Ventura, 1989). She became my first champion, plus earned a CDX and TDX.


Which of your dogs was your favorite and why?

Her daughter Missy became my next favorite with a CH and multiple performance titles. She taught me much.


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

Always, when breeding for my next show dog, I value temperament, then structure, knowing that proper structure for the show ring will give you physical abilities for the performance rings.


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

My last litter (2001), being the most successful one yet, produced a top twenty liver bitch, CH Gemini N’Insignia Native Star, CH Gemini Star of Apollo, and Gemini Star Salute the Flag, who just recently entered the show ring (in Mississippi) for her first point.


What significant changes have you seen in Dals?

Significant changes in Dalmatians is in better angulations, better top lines and tail sets, which perhaps gives a judge a tougher job because there are more good choices.


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

My mentor, Elaine Lindhorst, patiently helped me develop an eye and gave me much needed advice in breeding and showing.


Anything else you'd like to add?

I also voice sincere appreciation to the dal community for friendliness and for sharing of insights and knowledge. I hope that young people can be encouraged and welcomed to join our sport. Training and handling a dog in any venue is also character training for the youth, as in patience, persistence, dedication, kindness, sportsmanship, and much more. It leads to an enjoyable lifetime hobby, friends and memories.


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