2022 Hound Field Trials Breeder of the Year Jamie Sexton

I was surprised and honored to be named 2022 hound field trials Breeder of the year. I suppose I never thought I bred enough for a title such as this. I have been dedicated to trying to better the dogs I produce not only as working/ hunting dogs, but conformationally as well. I am very thankful for the many breeders that have allowed me to use their dogs or co-bred litters with them. I am also very proud of the many Jalyse dog owners that have competed and finished my dogs in the field.

My first dachshund came from the owner of the farm I worked at. The working attitude that Mandy (FC MACH4 Jalyse's Mandy CDX, RAE,MXB2, MJB2, MXF, TQX, JE) had is what I set as a goal for my dachshunds. I decided to start breeding when I had a hard time finding dachshunds with similar work ethics. My biggest challenge as a breeder has been to improve the conformation of my dogs without losing their hunting and working abilities.

I fell in love with field trials the first time I attended one. To see my dog's instinct kick in was amazing to watch. I think we may have placed once that weekend, but to watch her figure things out was fun. At first I only attended local trials, but of course was quickly addicted. In 2007 I was convinced by friends to attend the DCA national in CA, this was only made possible by finding another dachshund person to make that drive with me. This is where I earned my first Absolute. To watch my dogs figure out how to work jack rabbits was fun and the best run to watch was “Applejack’s” (FC Jalyse’s Applejack MS CDX,RE, MX, MXJ, XF, SE) run for Absolute. I have since had several great field trial dachshunds, and watched even more amazing runs. “Teddy” (FC ABS6 Jalyse’s Teddy Bear v Wilderness Run ML RA, NA, NAJ, CA) surpassed my expectations by going Absolute at the DCA 2017 national and going on to be the 2017 triathlon winner. “Ham” (DC ABS3 Jalyse’s Hampshire Hound ML OA, OAJ, OF, SE, BCAT, CGC) is my first bred-by dual champion and that has made me very proud to achieve some of the goals I have set as a breeder. My goal is to continue producing quality dachshunds with an amazing work ethic.

After years of enjoying competing with my dogs in the field, I finally had the confidence to consider becoming a judge. I had to become more observant of how the dachshund in general works. It is interesting to see the many different working styles in our breed and as a judge it all needs to be considered when watching them work. It is lots of fun to watch new field dogs figure things out or some of the amazing runs a seasoned field champion makes. I have also enjoyed the many people I have met and friends I have made. Field trials also give me a place to look for future dogs or bloodlines to consider.

Some of my great dogs have been from meeting their owners in the field.!

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC®) wishes to acknowledge those individuals who have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC.

The AKC Breeder of the Year by Sport Award is given to those who have dedicated themselves to improving the health, temperament, and performance of dogs in a given sport.

The 2022 Breeder of the Year by Sport award recipients are:

Pointing Breed Field Events: Chet and Joanne Beckley – Vizslas

Retriever Field Events: Charles Hines – Labradors

Spaniel Field Events: Randy Bartsch – E. Springer Spaniels

Hound Field Events: Jamie Sexton – Dachshunds

Herding: Dwaine and Jan Shields – Border Collies

Lure Coursing: Sarah Murphy – Ibizan Hounds

Earthdog: Beverly Novak – Border Terriers

Coonhounds: Jeff Nelson – B&T Coonhounds

Agility: Lisa Kronz and Mary Kline – Border Collies

Obedience: Kelly Kosinski – Golden Retrievers

Rally: Joyce Norris – Border Collies

Tracking: Paula Cingota – Rottweiler

“Knowledgeable breeders are critical to the continued success of canine sports. These breeders have shown a long-term dedication to enhancing breed instincts and breeding sound dogs with good temperaments,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President for Sports and Events. “Their accomplishments represent the highest level of commitment to their breeds and sports.”

Each recipient received a Breeder of the Year rosette mounted in a shadow box.

The American Kennel Club salutes these individuals for their dedication and success in breeding purpose-bred dogs.