Dan Smith has been breeding, showing, training and handling German Shepherd Dogs for nearly 50 years. His wife, Marilyn, has been in the breed nearly 30 years; first as a groomer/doubler/jack-of-all-trades for her late husband, Billy Rossi, and more recently as the other half of Darby-Dan German Shepherds.

Although each has a history of wins in the breed, their joined forces have brought a new level of success. It began with Jim, then came Eve, and her progeny, and now Eve's grandchildren.

 

Kennel Name: Darby-Dan German Shepherds

Location: Saugerties, NY

Occupation: insurance agency owner

 

GSDbyDesign: How many years have you been involved with GSDs?
Dan: 47 years 

 

GSDbyDesign: How did you get started in your breeding program?
Dan:  My dad and I had Beagles and English Setters. I decided to get a dog that I could train in my backyard. In 1961, I bought my first German Shepherd.

 

 

 

 

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

Dan:  Lance, Bernd, Mike, Dallas, CH Darby-Dan’s Audi SchH1 ("the one and only"), Eve (2000 SE BIF Sel CH Darby-Dan's Eve ROM OFA [Jim x Eko-Lan's Fracas] and Jim (1999 North American Vize Seiger 2X VA Can Sel Am CH Jim vom Fiemereck SchH3 Kkl1a OFA ROM; more info). 

 

 

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

Dan: The most important qualities are true character and working ability.

 

 

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

Dan: Lack of true character, reproductive issues, bloat and digestive problems.

 

 

          

GSDbyDesign: When you select a puppy, what are you looking for? Be as specific as possible.
Dan:  Character, proportions, the balance of good angulation, and athletic ability.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: Tell us about choosing Gator, campaigning him and ultimately showing him to Select.

Dan: Gator was the best male side-mover I have ever seen. I put a Major and four singles on him myself. Terry Hower finished him. Unfortunately, he died at 4.5 years old of Toxic Gut.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: Who was/is the most influential person in your breeding program?

Marilyn: That would have to be Dan. He had a certain way of doing things and I didn’t argue. After we had a couple of litters together, I developed an opinion and participated more.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: What do you find to be the best thing about being involved in GSDs?
Marilyn:  The people. I wish I could say it has always been about the dogs. I have a lifetime of friends in this breed.

 

 

 

GSDbyDesign: What are your goals in the breed?

Marilyn: At this stage of the game, I would like an AOE. I also want an All-Breed Best in Show, and I would like a Grand Victor or Grand Victrix that I bred, although that’s not the most important.

 

 

GSDbyDesign:  What contributions to the German Shepherd Dog do you want to be remembered for?

Marilyn: I hope when I’m gone that people remember me as a really good grandmother, a good mother, a very good wife, a wonderful friend, and someone who had a couple of good dogs along the way.

 

 

The German Shepherd by Design will continue its popular series of interviews with notable breeders and handlers throughout 2009. If you would like to be featured on our website, or if you know someone who should be highlighted, contact Becky at gsdbydesign@aol.com.
 

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