The American Kennel Club Announces 2018 Breeder of The Year Group Honorees

Hound Group: Robert Urban, Foxfire Black and Tan Coonhounds

Robert Urban grew up in an extended family that hunted with both Beagles and Foxhounds and he quickly became infatuated with coonhunting. He attended his first AKC dog show in 1973 and knew in his heart that he would someday combine his two passions: hunting and dog shows.

After stumbling upon a dog book with a photo of an AKC – registered Black and Tan Coonhound, Urban became the proud owner of his first Black and Tan Coonhound, “Indy,” officially known as Ch. Twinlakes Blue Indigo. He became a member of t he American Black and Tan Coonhound Club (AB&TCC) in 1981 and by 1985 he was the chairman of the first of four National Specialties as well as one regional specialty over the years. Urban has held multiple positions in the AB&TCC including: president, vice president and board member, and he wrote the breed column for the AKC Gazette for 24 years. He has been involved with judges’ education since 1994 and was on the committee that produced the AKC breed video in 1990. In 2012, Robert became the AKC Delegate for the AB&TC C, whose subcommittee played a role in the implementation of AKC Reunite’s Pet Disaster Relief program. Urban became a Life Member of the AB&TCC in 2006.

Robert has won four National Specialties over the years. In 2008 and 2014 this was accomplished with a sire (’08) and his daughter (’14) and then a great – grandson in 2017. Two of his hounds have also accounted for five (to date) all – breed Bests in Show. These were won by National Specialty winners as well.

Working Group: Victoria Weaver and Pamela Marsh, Gamegard Rottweilers

Victoria Weaver came to the United States in 1980 and soon after began her breeding program with a Rottweiler bitch imported from the U.K., Gamegards Black Britt. She bred several champions between 1985 and 1992 and the breeding program was effective, with close to 90 conformation champions, almost 40 obedience and performance titles, as well as several highly recognized therapy dogs. At the American Rottweiler Club (ARC) Nationals in 1992, the BOB, WB and Best Puppy were all Gamegard bred. Gamegard managed to produce some very successful dogs including BIS, BISS Ch. Gamegards Moonraker and BISS CH Gamegards Quiet Man v Lynos.

Weaver was a long – time member of the ARC and served on the board for two years. She was also a member of the Medallion Rottweiler Club (MRC), past President of the Co lonial Rottweiler Club (CRC), as well as a board member and has served as specialty chair and co – chair numerous times over the years. Pamela Marsh joined Gamegards in 1997 and the pair feels very fortunate to have bred BIS, BISS Gamegards US Marshall RN, CGC, a wonderful dog and a great producer of 168 champions.

Terrier Group: Laurie Zembrzuski and Gaby Gilbeau, LAMZ Bedlington Terriers

The LAMZ Bedlington Terrier kennel was establis hed by the mother and daughter team of Laurie Zembrzuski and Gaby Gilbeau. LAMZ Bedlington Terriers have earned over 140 titles and designations in Conformation and Performance events. LAMZ is home to nine different all – breed group winners, earning over 40 Terrier Group 1’s, which were all owner – handled. LAMZ has also produced 24 different Terrier Group placing Bedlington Terriers.

The Bangharts believe that mentoring is a vital part of the education process regarding understanding and breeding any dog. One of the greatest rewards they receive is seeing Chows that they’ve bred complete their championships, owned and handled by newcomers to the breed. They’ve recognized that one of the best venues for learning was through membership and active participation in the national Chow Chow club, the regional clubs and the all – breed clubs. They have held working positions at each and continue to learn from and enjoy these associations.