Derek

Derek, from our 2023 Riker x Briar litter, is an outgoing, enthusiastic, and friendly boy with a wonderful temperament that makes him a joy to both live and work with. He has a natural charisma both in and out of the show ring and has also competed successfully as a Junior's dog with local youth handler Emma, where the pair made an outstanding team.

Derek made his show debut in June 2024 and quickly made his presence known, earning 11 points—all majors—toward his AKC Championship in just two weekends. At only 7 months and 1 day old, he was awarded a Novice Owner-Handled Best in Show. He completed his AKC Champion title in May 2025 and continued his success as a Special, earning his AKC Grand Champion title in June 2026. Along the way, he also earned his AKC National Owner-Handled Series Bronze Lifetime Achievement title in May 2026, recognizing his continued success in Owner-Handled competition and, in July, topped a highly competitive Owner-Handled Sporting Group to earn a Group One at the Cook Inlet Kennel Club NOHS Regional.

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In the field, Derek earned a NAVHDA Natural Ability Prize I with a score of 105 in August 2024. He completed his AKC Junior Hunter title in August 2026 with four straight qualifying runs, including three runs earning perfect scores of 10s across the board. With accomplishments spanning conformation, field, and performance venues, Derek also completed the requirements for his GSPCA Versatility Certificate in August 2026.

Outside of the show ring and field, Derek has earned his Rally Novice, AKC Community Canine, Canine Good Citizen Urban, Trick Dog Novice, and Virtual Home Manners titles. We plan to continue building on his field and performance accomplishments, including returning to NAVHDA testing in the future.

Derek has completed all recommended health testing and has earned his CHIC number through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). He sired his first litter in March 2026, with a second litter due in September 2026. We look forward to watching his influence continue through his offspring and future generations. His combination of sound structure, stable temperament, and natural working ability reflects the qualities we strive to preserve in our breeding program.