an interview with rosanna joubert (kamchatka siberians)
Sunday, January 11, 2009 7:44 PM                
 
All about "King" : Challenge of the Champions Winner - WODAC 2004
  
     
 

Photo © Johann Theron

SHOWDOGS: Congratulations, Rosanna, on winning the Challenge of the Champions with Ch. Kamchatka Icon King for the second year running. You are no stranger to the winner's podium, but how do you feel about this new title to add to your many great wins?
Rosanna: I am honoured that my dog has once again taken the title of Champion of Champions. He deserves it and has proven himself not only in the showring, but is also a champion producer. Two years in a row, with the same dog, different judges!!! That should say something.

SHOWDOGS: Can you describe the experience of winning this competition and how long it took afterwards for you to come back to earth?
Rosanna: I never left earth. I have always maintained that you cannot keep a good dog down. King has proven just that.

SHOWDOGS: Please tell the readers the call name and age of your dog.
Rosanna: His call name is "King" and he is 4½ years old. Born 12 October 1999.

SHOWDOGS: What are the names of his sire and dam?
Rosanna: The sire is BISS Ch. Kamchatka Thunder Fire. The dam is Ch. Kamchatka Shakti Kahn

SHOWDOGS: Were you able to pick him as a puppy? What made you choose him from his littermates?
Rosanna: There was no question about him right from the beginning. That head…, that beautiful head, the temperament, the bone, I just fell in love. I picked a few of his littermates as well, and they are also champions today. It was an incredible litter. King has everything I love in a Siberian.

 



  
 

SHOWDOGS: To what would you attribute your success over the years?
Rosanna: Patience, perseverance, knowledge and dedication. I have studied this breed backwards. I have read every book you can find on the breed, plus others concerning movement and so on. I work my dogs in harness. I have raced competitively in the past. This is a working dog. Before beauty, comes movement. Correct movement equals correct structure. I know what is correct and what is not. I live with 26 dogs and they are all together. No fighting. The temperament has to be correct. It is a pack dog.

SHOWDOGS: As is the nature of competitive sport, I'm sure you've had a taste of unkind comments aired in public. How do you tend to respond to these statements?
Rosanna: I ignore most comments and statements. It is those that feel threatened, that more often than not, have something to say. My Siberians and their consistent winning over the years speak for themselves.

SHOWDOGS: Tell us about your next "rising star".
Rosanna: Oh! I have a few, but only time can tell. I have kept a few of King's progeny and grandchildren. Already they have excelled in the showring and hopefully will continue to do so.

SHOWDOGS: How do you go about deciding on a show campaign programme? Or do you simply attend shows where and when you can?
Rosanna: I don't have a programme as such. I usually pick one or two dogs for that year and take them to every show I can. Because of circumstances, I cannot do many shows outside Gauteng. Maybe 2 or 3 shows in Durban or closer to home. I never leave my Siberians for more than 1 or 2 nights in which case, my sons look after them during that time. I do not allow anybody else to feed or groom my Siberians.

SHOWDOGS: What made you decide to share your life with Siberians?
Rosanna: Love at first sight and then came total commitment. We have a spiritual connection.
I love them and they love me. Siberian Huskies are so, so beautiful!!!

SHOWDOGS: Your kennel name "Kamchatka" is interesting. How did you happen upon this name?
Rosanna: Kamchatka means Fire and Ice in Siberian and I think that best describes the Siberian Husky Breed.

SHOWDOGS: Thank you very much for your participation, Rosanna. SHOWDOGS wishes you well for 2004 and further.

  
                     
         
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