VALEDICTORIAN RETRIEVERS

Thank you for your interest in Valedictorian Retrievers.

I having been raising and training my own dogs - first chesapeakes then labs - for hunt tests, field trials, and hunting to the best of my and their ability since 1985.

Over the years I have come to realize that intelligence is probably my number one non- health related attribute in a hunting and competition dog because most of todays top pedigrees have some combination of great prey drive, athleticism, intelligence, and temperament. These are all prerequisites and necessary, but intelligence will take a dog to the top of the game. Without intelligence, we cannot train these dogs to such high levels of skill as to be competitive in field trials, obedience trials, agility, and detection work.

To me intelligence is not just comprised of smarts - but also a dogs desire to be a team player. A dog can be smart, but want to control the show. Intelligence includes biddability/tractability, good eye contact, focus on the trainer/handler/owner while also focusing on the job at hand

When I breed a litter, I focus on producing all the characteristics a family, hunter or competitor is looking for; prey drive, marking ability, temperament, health, good working conformation and coat, and intelligence. My breeding dogs must be healthy with OFA hips/elbows/eyes and genetic testing. They must prove they have the intelligence and innate abilities to complete the training needed to achieve at least an intermediate level hunt test title (AKC, HRC, or NAHRA). They must be physically sound and capable of working in tough conditions.

With almost every litter Ive had I always breed with the intention of keeping back a pup or two because I believe strongly in my breedings. If I would not want to keep a pup out of a breeding, why would I expect someone to buy a pup out of that breeding? This is my opportunity to see what I am producing as a breeder. Normally I sell these pups as young started dogs, occasionally one makes the cut and stays with us to become a competition and breeding dog.

Remember Intelligence Matters!

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