In this interview, meet Calvin, a beautiful Shetland Sheepdog (a.k.a. Sheltie) who, in addition to completing his championship, as also earned titles in agility and herding. Julie Iverson DVM has another 'use' for Calvin; using his undercoat to spin yarn, creating a variety of knitted goods.
1) How many years have you been involved in showing dogs? The Shetland Sheepdog breed?
Answer: I got my first sheltie when I was in veterinary school and was primarily interested in obedience at that time. I didn't start in conformation until about 12 years ago. I've never had that many dogs but I have achieved Championships on 4 generations and am working on my 5th. Although I grew up with Boxers, this is the only breed that I have had as an adult.
2) What can you tell us about this breed, and how did you become interested in the Shetland Sheepdog?
Answer: I originally was looking for a dog that I could do obedience with as I wanted to be involved in a dog activity that would allow my to relate to my future clients. In my research I fell in love with the Shetland Sheepdog.
It's a small breed that is agile, highly intelligent and very willing to please. But the best part is the beautiful sheltie expression when they gaze into your eyes.
3) Does your dog do any other types of training (obedience, agility, search and rescue) or therapy work?
Answer: All of my dogs do equally as well in performance as they do in the conformation ring. I currently have two Champion Versatility Excellent dogs and one with her Champion Versatility title. This means that they have obtained a Championship and have also won titles in agility and herding. Several of my dogs have also done therapy work.
4) Do you incorporate your veterinary practice with the dog show world (or vice versa) in any way?
Answer: Being a veterinarian and a competitor in the dog show world I'm able to help my clients by understanding the challenges they face. It might be jumping problems in agility, movement issues in conformation or questions regarding breeding. I often find myself being sought out at shows when there is an issue with a dog and I try to be help out when I can.
5) What else can you tell us about Calvin?
Answer: BISS GCh/Can Ch Homespun Casual Blues PT NA OAJ NF VCX "Calvin" is being shown at the Garden this year. Calvin is a Champion Versatility Excellence dog. This means that he has completed his conformation Championship plus titles in both agility and herding. Not many shelties have achieved this designation.
After he completed his Championship, Calvin's handler Katie, who started out as a junior handler in my area asked if she could special him. She has handled him through 55 Best of Breeds, 9 Best in Specialty shows, and numerous group placements. They have been quite a successful team!
Calvin was also RWD at our National Specialty from the 9-12 class. I took him up to Canada where he finished his Canadian Championship and in between all the conformation shows we went out and obtained his herding and agility titles. Pretty terrific for a dog that is only 3.
My kennel name Homespun was inspired by my spinning wheel. I often spin yarn from my sheltie's hair which I knit into mittens, hats and scarfs. I also enjoy sheep herding with the dogs as well as training in agility.
He's a great dog to live with and at the end of the night likes nothing better then to snuggle.
Thank you, Dr. Iverson, for sharing your enthusiasm for the Shetland Sheepdog breed, dog shows, and how it all relates to your career as a veterinarian. Best wishes for this year's show.
