Mrs . Patricia Craige Trotter of Carmel , California , registered her first litter of Vin- Melca Norwegian Elkhounds in 1951 and her most recent litter in 2020 . All her breeding stock descends from her original bitch acquired in 1949 from an expert bear hunter . Her breeding program produced the top sire and dam in the breed ’ s history as well as the breed ’ s top winners , including Ch . Vin-Melca ' s Vagabond who became top dog all breeds in 1970 .
PATRICIA TROTTER
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT THE SPORT WOULD BECOME A LIFELONG PASSION FOR YOU ? When I was still a schoolgirl . From my first dog-a mixed breed-I participated in children ’ s community pet shows . Even as a child I knew dogs were my calling . My first purebred was a black Cocker Spaniel called Melody that I exhibited . She was followed by my first Norwegian Elkhound from bear hunting stock named Candy . From my family name Vincent and these two precious girls came the kennel name Vin-Melca . Candy is in the extended pedigree MANY generations back of every single Elkhound to carry the Vin- Melca designation in the ensuing seven decades . Her first litter was whelped in 1951 .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER TO PEOPLE NEW TO THE SPORT ? If you are starting to show your dog ( s ), prepare them and yourself accordingly for the competition of the conformation ring or any other endeavor you choose . Your time in the ring is very limited , so using your preparation time wisely is a must . Seek out instructors and classes designed to help you progress in your chosen activity .
Be willing to study and learn ! Accept constructive criticism and advice on your breeding stock from breed experts when you get to that point . How else can you learn ? Do not let dog show results nor the love of the individual blind you to what is correct for your breed . Dog experts , including your competitors , will become increasingly helpful to you when they recognize your sincerity and dedication .
Most of all , I wish for you to have the enjoyment from our wonderful hobby that it ’ s brought to my life . The fact is , dogs give you life , and they make your life better !
TELL US SOMETHING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON ’ T KNOW ABOUT YOU ? That I am a diehard sports fan and NFL football is my favorite spectator sport . As a youngster my father took my brother and me to Washington Redskin games . It has been my pleasure to see games in person that featured such great quarterbacks as Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana . Tom Brady ’ s 2021 Super Bowl is a message : Benefit from doing something you love for as long as you can ! There is truth to the concept that if hard work doesn ’ t kill you , it will keep you going .
Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds won 11 Hound Group firsts at Westminster , all handled and either owned or bred by Mrs . Trotter . She also handled top ten all-breed dogs on 10 different occasions while teaching eighth grade U . S . history in Carmel , CA . In addition , 42 Vin- Melca Norwegian Elkhounds have won all-breed best in show honors to date . Mrs . Trotter achieved more recognition for her role in the fancy with the Gaines Girl Show Dog Fancier award in 1952 , the AKC Hound Breeder of the Year award in 2004 , and the AKC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 as well as the Anne Rogers Clark Purina Pro Plan Hall of Fame award . She retired from teaching when she married Charles Trotter of Nashville , Tennessee in 1994 and joined him in judging dogs across the country .
As a judge , Mrs . Trotter believes the true purpose of the dog show is to select breeding stock . By working in concert with each other , she believes breeders and judges can continually improve all breeds . Mrs . Trotter is approved to judge all Breeds , Groups , Junior Showmanship , and Best in Show . She judged the 2009 and 2019 Hound groups . This will be her fifth judging assignment at Westminster .
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