We talk with Colin and Angela Howells of Dayglyn Kennels, Pepperell, Mass.

Editor's note: Colin and Angela Howells have been breeding and showing German Shepherd Dogs for 30 years. In 1996, they took home a black and red puppy named "Dallas," who would become the #1 producing German Shepherd Dog of all time, among many other accomplishments.

Kennel Name: Dayglyn

Location:  Pepperell, Mass.

Occupation:  Kennel owners

GSDbyDesign: How many years have you been involved with GSDs?
Colin: 30 years

GSDbyDesign: How did you get started in your breeding program?
Colin:  We bought our first GSD puppy in 1978 in the UK, not show quality but very smart and did very well in obedience. We had our first litter in 1981, UK-German lines. We kept two, one male and one female. We came to the US in 1982 with our dogs. We tried to show them in conformation with some success but not what we were expecting to do. We bought our first American-Bred GSD, a Bitch call "Selina," from Rose Quigley, who was our first Champion. Our Second American-Bred dog was "Teaka," who turned out to be AOE AM/Can Sel CH Mirheim's Mystique ROM CD TC, and our foundation bitch, bred by Mary Vurma. What a nice start we had.

AOE AM/Can Sel CH Mirheim's Mystique ROM CD TC OFA "Teaka"

Photo courtesy the Howells Breeder: Mary Vurma   Owners: Angela and Colin Howells AOE CH Waltraut's That's Black Jack CD TC ROM x Can CH Mirheim's Brat ROMC/ROM

GSDbyDesign: Who are some of your all-time favorite GSDs - of your own breeding or otherwise?

Colin: Of course our #1 would be "Dallas," a once in a lifetime dog to own, not just as a show dog or as he turned out to-be the #1 producer of all time, but as dog he really was something special. We always tell people you do not know Dallas unless you live with him. There are many dogs over the years we have admired and you could talk a lifetime about them.

One that I have as one of my favorites was GV Banker, a dog with great character who helped our breeding program. I was fortunate to get up close and personal with GV Quick who I just loved. We must not forget our beloved Dallas daughter,

"Holly," AOE Can GVX Sel/Am CH Alfaro Cupid of Stormfield HS TC.

GSDbyDesign: Please describe how you came to own Dallas - how you chose him (or did he choose you?).

Colin: It was purely by chance that we got "Dallas." When Maryellen (Kish) bred to R-Man (1999 GV 3X Sel CH Welove DuChien's R-Man OFA ROM) we told her if she had a male available, we would be interested in getting one from her. One Sunday afternoon, we called Maryellen. The pups were 9 weeks old then. She told us that there was only one male left available, but she thought we might like him. Two weeks later, we went to see the litter. I guess they were all there, less two that had already left. Well Maryellen did not tell us which one was available when she let the pups out to greet us. But there was this handsome black and red puppy with a great big head jumping up at Angie's legs. “O' my,’ she said. ‘I would love to have this guy.’ Well, he turned out to-be the one, and the only one available. The rest is history.

GSDbyDesign: What is most important to you in a GSD?

Colin: Temperament, Character, Structure - in this order - because you can have a great performing dog, but without good temperament and character, we are not promoting the GSD we should be.

GSDbyDesign: What problem(s) do you think are most prevalent in the breed?

Colin: Temperament has got better! I think we are lacking in character, even though we are still excited to see a good moving animal, there should be and still needs to-be more attention given to the total dog. We see more and more mediocre dogs shown now than ever before, and we think this hurting our breed.

GSDbyDesign: When you select a puppy, what are you looking for (be as specific as possible)?

Colin: Most of our puppies we pick what we like to keep back at five weeks. Most of the time, our choices do not change. At that age, we look for balance and good under drive – two things that we have observed that do not change. And all our good ones have come from that formula. The extreme puppies at a young age have never worked for us, but that could be our line too.

GSDbyDesign: Who was/is the most influential person in your breeding program?
Colin: Mary Vurma and Maryellen Kish

 

GSDbyDesign: Who is your most recent up-and-coming star? What makes him/her catch your eye?

Colin: We have a young male out of Fletcher and Lacy(CH Dayglyn's Chantilly Lace). He is just full of himself, a very nice mover, lots of attitude, all male.

GSDbyDesign: What is the best thing about being involved in GSDs?

Colin: That answer has to-be the DOG there is no other breed like them.

GSDbyDesign: What are your goals in the breed?

Colin: Well after being in the US for 25 years, we are coming to the end of our showing days. We are very thankful for what we have achieved, and the dogs that we have owned and campaigned over that time.

We decided last spring that we have had our last litter at Dayglyn. We have co-owned bitches that we help in breeding to continue our legacy. But at some point, you have to think ahead and consider your commitment to the dogs.

GSDbyDesign: Any final comments?

Colin: It has been a trip for us. We have enjoyed doing what we have done and meeting people near and far with many great memories. People who are no longer with us who we miss very much. GOOD TIMES!

The German Shepherd by Design will be conducting interviews of notable breeders and handlers throughout 2008. If you would like to be featured on our website, contact Becky at gsdbydesign@aol.com.

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