Getting to know Timeless Aussies Kennel
Updated: Sep 12
Timeless
Karen Keller-Ross
Q1: Our family has raised and shown Australian Shepherds since the early 1970’s. My grandmother, Jeanine Perron of Taycin was approached by Kathy Crosswhite Munson to be the first Vice President of MASCUSA when it first formed in the early 1990’s. My grandmother offered me Taycins Cassiopeia, my first Miniature Aussie. Cassie went on to be the first Best in Show Miniature with American Rare Breed Association in 1999.
Q2: The foundation of our family kennel name Taycin was Taycins Chupanako. Generations later, Taycins Indiscrete Affair “Indy” heavily influenced the type, movement and temperament my kennel prides itself on. Indy was an AKC/ASCA registered Australian Shepherd that was bred to my Miniatures. His Australian Shepherd and Miniature American Shepherd offspring were very consistent.
Q3: I have co-bred with very few kennels. There have been a couple of individuals that has taken advantage of me and my lines over the years. Within the few that I have co-bred with and had no issues with are Kim Gardner of Treasures Miniature American Shepherds. I shared my knowledge and lines with her prior to AKC recognition. Julky Lenoci of Rebel Soul kennels is a dear friend. I would trust her with any of my lines. She has always been thoughough in her research and has a deep love for the breed. Deb Shambaugh of 4Paws has co-owned dogs with me for years and years. Deb co-bred BISS GCHP Timeless Slice of Life “Chloe”, with me. Chloe was the top winning MAS in 2020 (#1 Breed Standings, AKC Grand Championship Points, #1 MAS Female All Breed Standings) and 2021 (#1 Breed Standings, AKC Grand Championship Points, #1 All Breed Standings, #10 All Herding). Recently, Krista Keel and Shaye Lynn Denman of Kajun Kreek have started co-owning Timeless Dogs with me. They are a terrific mother/daughter team that has a lot offer the MAS Breed. Nicole Dalton of Brassy Acres was generous to offer me one of her Stud Dogs. I bred him to one of my girls and produced a lovely litter. Nicole got one of the puppies and I look forward to her future show career. Cooperation is very important. Trust is key!
Q4: I am a 3rd Generation Breeder, my mother, Cindy Taylor of Taycin and my grandmother, Jeanine Perron are and were my biggest inspiration. My grandmother was always very clear and what she liked and didn’t like. She studied pedigrees and was very good at choosing head type. My mom encouraged my sister, Gina Blair (Tandem Aussies) and I to show when we were young. My mom is very good and picking great rear ends, she would give input on what puppy to keep from the litter and why to keep it. I consider them to be my mentors. Very early on, I would offer to mentor new breeders. I loved sharing what I know.
Q5: The main characteristics of the dogs that I breed was taught to me when I was young. Our family has always had the moto, “We produce dogs that can and will do it all!” My goal is to produce dogs that are genetically sound, structurally sound and have temperaments that enable them to excel in a working environment as well as a family environment. My goal is to continue what my family has instilled in me by continuing to produce quality dogs that can and will do it all!
Q6: Our family has been involved in breeding Australian Shepherds since 1971 and Minis since 1993. Our type has been pretty consistent over the years. Taycin and Timeless bred dogs show up in up to 15-17 generations of pedigrees.
Q7: The MAS breed type has very much improved over the years. When I first got involved, the MAS tended to be slight of bone, straight in stifle and forward in the front assemblies.
Q8: I would like to see Breeder education, perhaps breeder symposiums to help improve the breed in general.
Q9: Prior to AKC recognition I achieved the first Hall of Fame Kennel. Since AKC recognition I have achieved the first Hall of Fame Breeder Award as well as the only Hall of Fame Excellent Breeder Award to date thru MASCUSA.
Q10: Taycins Black Bear of Thistlecreek “Bear” has contributed to this breed in the early years by helping breeders set breed type.
Q11: There are several dogs I admire in our Breed. GCHP CH Treasures Lookin4booty on the Wild Side@Cedarvalley is a well-made. He adheres to the Breed Standard nicely. He is balanced, has lovely movement, and has a great temperament with beautiful breed type. GCHP CH Alta Oceans Symphany of the Seas is a lovely, well made bitch. She has excellent breed type, outstanding movement and very correct structurally. GCHS CH Crimson’s Caught Red Handed is moderate and correct. She has lovely proportion with an excellent head type. She is athletic and versatile.
Q12: I work really hard on producing proper movement in my dogs. I see that our breed needs to work on that area as it’s been hard trying to find proper movement video for our Canine College project that the club is currently working on.
Q13: Judges need to remember we are a DQ Breed. When in doubt…wicket.
Judges Must Not consider dogs over or under the MASCUSA Breed Standard sizes, as they would then violate a member-votes Breed Standard and, in our case, a Breed Division Agreement. MASCUSA’s Breed Standard is clearly stated, defined, and measurable, with not room for interpretation regarding size.
Q14: If I were in charge of everything regarding dog shows, I would enforce the Code of Conduct Policy AKC has published. There are individuals within the dog show world that do not exhibit Good Sportsmanship and take the fun out of dog showing. People leave this sport because of other people’s bad behavior!
Q15: The advice would be find multiple breeders you look up to and reach out to them. Don’t let the behavior of a few define you or your breeding goals. Have a 3, 5, 7 year breeding goal mapped out. Have fun with your dogs!
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