Interview with Mladen Ercegovic

What are you hoping or expecting to see when you come to judge our Specialty in November?

I hope and expect that I will see high quality.

When and how did it all start at "Try The Best Kennels"? Where does the name come from?

Try The Best is actually another name used at the time of registration of Mladers kennel. At that time I was also organizing the first club in Croatia, called Terrier Tipa Bull (TTB), which is the same abbreviation as Try The Best. When I closed Mladers kennel, I reused that name.

On the cover we see Int. Ch. Asta-Alma SCHH I. Why did you choose this picture?

She was my first female. She is the foundation of Croatian breeding.

Which self-bred dog are you most proud of and why?

Again my first female Asta-Alma. Her daughters are ancestors found in almost every kennel in Croatia.

As a breeder and judge, what do you like to see in a dog?

I like to see a harmonious dog, with a powerful skeleton, great movement and a stable character.

When and why did you decide to become a judge?

In 1994, when I realized that many judges did not know the breed well. I wanted to contribute to improving that.

What do you like more: breeding or judging?

I prefer breeding.

Which developments have you seen in the breed over the years? What improvements are needed?

American dogs should be used more in Europe. European breeders should cooperate more.

What is your all-time favorite dog and why?

Every dog that produces quality offspring is a favorite. From my own breeding it is Mlader’s Mad Max.

There are many favorites in the breed: Ruffian Hercules of Har-Wyn, Ruffian Sky Bolt, Pattons Red Rock Skillet, Royal Court Winning Colors, Alpine’s Highwayman, Fraja EC Young Rider, Fraja EC Golden Boy and my favorite BENMAR’S RING MASTER.

Are there characteristics typical for your breeding?

I personally focus on the good qualities and try to avoid faults. I aim to maintain harmony between strength and elegance.

Do you have any advice for young breeders?

Young breeders should listen to experienced breeders, especially successful ones. They must learn to be objective and recognize better dogs. They should also avoid overproduction.

Do you have any concerns about health or temperament in the future?

I do not have major concerns, but I believe it would be good to make Ataxia testing mandatory, as adopted by the Croatian Kennel Club following my suggestion.

Not every country has the same awareness, culture and love for the breed as seen in Holland.