Call Name: Polly
Scottish Deerhound
Breeders/Owners: Lynne Bruce & Heidi Gervais
Handler: Heidi Gervais
Interview with Lynne Bruce
How long have you been showing dogs? I have been breeding and exhibiting dogs for 45 years.
Who are/were your mentors? My mentor was M Eileen (Rusty) Kingery of Benachie Deerhounds fame.
When and where did Polly first enter the show ring? Polly was shown briefly from six to eight months, starting on Vancouver Island.
Did Polly show early potential? Yes, she did. She definitely had the conformation, but to be a great show dog you need to have the temperament. Deerhounds are not normally an exuberant breed. Polly was a crazy puppy and would jump around for joy. Heidi was a big part in letting her be herself and especially to have fun in the show ring. Heidi was a big part of making her the best show dog I have ever had.
What motivates you to continue showing dogs? Deerhounds are an endangered breed in North America and many other countries in the world. They can no longer be used for their original function so, unlike sporting dogs, there is no desire for people to own one to fulfill their original purpose. There are other similar sports that you can participate in with Deerhounds such as lure coursing, which gives people an idea of a hound's potential. I am interested in maintaining and preserving the breed for their original function so showing them is a way for Deerhounds to be in the public eye. I would hate to see them become extinct.
What does Polly love to do when not showing? When she is at Heidi's, her number-one thing is going to the beach and running with her friends, who can never catch up to her. When she is with me, she is on the lookout for squirrels or anything furry she can chase. She has a very high prey drive, which I value greatly.
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