Interview with Beth White - Melody Kennels


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

How did you get your start in Dalmatians?

My husband had them when we were married in 1971. I had Collies at the time, but I learned to show with one of his liver males who I did finish, named Ch. Melody Charie Brown CD.


What got you started in dog shows?

My husband had been showing for about 6 years at the time. I had already done obedience with my collies and had trained them for conformation although I had never competed with them. It was a natural leap.


Which of your dogs was your favorite and why?

I can't honestly say that I have had an all-time favorite. Ch. Melody Ring of Fire of BB CD was an extra special dog. He was a tremenduos showman, a tremenduous mover and he taught me alot about dog psychology. Also, Ch. Melody Rocky Top Cheerio CD was my soulmate. We lost him way too early.


Was your favorite dog bred by you or someone else?

Ringer was a stud fee puppy my husband took and we purchased Rocky from the breeder Penny Linke


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

Structure, health and temperament, not necessarily in that order. We consider the parents, their siblings, and each of their parents.


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

Ch. Melody Sweet CD to Ch. Melody Dynamatic (her grandson) which produced Ch. Melody Up Up and Away CD and also Ch. Melody Crimson and Clover. Pooka produced 15 Ch. and Clover 10.


What do you contribute your success to the most?

Not going with the current popular stud dog, but rather the dog that best suits our bitch. And, selecting for proper movement and aiming to get that often illusive good shoulder.


What significate changes have you seen in Dals?

I think loss of good strong, level toplines, loss of muscling in the rear, and loss of size and type. The temperaments have improved greatly, as have pigment and hearing, however.


Do you have any comments on those changes?

The breed has changed considerably since many people bred to the popular stud of the day, no matter what the pedigree is. We have all too often quit linebreeding, much to the detriment of the breed.


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

My husband Jack.


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

I've been involved in rescue since 1989. We know the breed better than anyone and I wish more than anything that every breeder would rescue, if even just a little...it saves a life and is ever so rewarding.


Anything else you'd like to add?

Feed well, train well and love those doggies!


Beth White - Melody Kennels/Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado
"Saving just one dog may not change the world, but it will change his world"