storey

Storey Christine Smith has been associated with "the sport of purebred dogs" (primarily Australian Shepherds and Border Collies) for nearly 30 years. Operating under the kennel name Black Rock, Storey has bred, trained, or shown dogs in virtually every venue available to dog enthusiasts. Storey places particular emphasis on the breeding and showing of superior conformation ring specimens, believing a dog who is physically and psychologically sound will be able to more easily perform the myriad of tasks that may be assigned.

Black Rock dogs may be found all over the United States competing in obedience trials, stock dog trials, agility trials, search and rescue teams, the show ring, hospital pet therapy programs, and certifiable couch potato programs. You will not, however, find a Black Rock dog up for adoption in an animal control facility, humane society, or private shelter. Storey guarantees each Black Rock puppy owner she will be available through the life of their dog for solutions to problems, answers to questions, and if necessary, the return of any Black Rock dog at any time -- no questions asked -- should the owner no longer be able to keep their animal.

As a breeder, Storey looks for superior traits in both sire and dam which complement each other while minimizing faults. She believes in moderating extremes and will not, for example, breed a large headed male to a Collie-headed female in the hope of producing normal topskull and muzzle features.

Storey is an approved American Kennel Club judge of Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Junior Showmanship, and frequently presents seminars about the general care and conditioning of dogs to youth groups. Storey has written for Dogs In Review magazine as well as other dog fancy journals. Formerly a member of the New Mexico Stewards Association and the Rio Grande Kennel Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serving the club as Public Education Committee Chair, Match Chair and as a member of the board of directors, she now resides in Ohio.