LoyalBlitz began with our first doberman, Tesla, from Shadeko Dobermans. Through her, we have learned much more about dog training and the show ring, and also found more dog sports/activities to enjoy. She inspired us to get more involved in dobermans as a breed. We also have to thank the various trainers and handlers that have helped us in our journey, including Karen Bryant, Kelly Marquis, Michelle Scott, Shawnee Rustad, Caroline Lewis, Tim Corun, Matt Arpano, Mitch Fletcher (K9 Heeling), and the many trainers at Catoctin and Salisbury Kennel Clubs. We also are thankful to other breeders and breed enthusiasts for sharing their knowledge with us as we have expanded into becoming breeders ourselves.
Kathy has had dogs most of her adult life, starting with Brittanys (3 in total) from 1999 onwards, a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) in 2003, and a brittany mix in 2007. Most of these were from rescues, and Kathy was heavily involved with American Brittany Rescue for several years before life got busy with human children. Kathy dabbled in AKC activities (agility and conformation) but never got seriously into competition. Her first Brittany and GSP were both registered therapy dogs. After the GSP passed, she and her family decided to try a different breed for the next dog, and ultimately landed on dobermans as a breed that would be able to excel at many different activities. Kathy tried showing Tesla in AKC conformation but found that working with a professional handler was more productive, and decided to focus on working with Tesla on obedience and supporting Kaydin in training and competing with Tesla. Gradually Kathy became more interested in breeding dobermans with goals of producing healthy dobermans with correct structure per the breed standard and the temperament to be great family companions, with natural protective instincts, as well as compete in various performance sport venues.
Kaydin grew up with the family's two Brittanys, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and a brittany mix. When the family decided to get a doberman, Kaydin learned more about basic obedience training and tried some junior showmanship with Tesla. Kaydin eventually found that Rally obedience and Agility were more fun, and started training and competing in AKC events as part of the junior program. We then found a 4-H club devoted to dogs, and Kaydin learned a lot through being in both dog and horse 4-H clubs. Training and competing with our dobermans was a core part of Kaydin's 4-H project. Kaydin also developed our kennel name as part of their 4H project, so that is how LoyalBlitz came to be.