For Michaelle Sande competition with dogs began 25 years ago with Kayla, her
yellow Labrador Retriever who was the first female in Idaho to receive the
coveted Golden Duck Band for 5 qualified hunt tests. In 1995 Michaelle watched
an AKC dog show and was hooked from that moment. She decided upon miniature
longhaired dachshunds as her breed of choice and spent the next two years
researching breeders. In 1998 she bought her first show dog which she jokes
finished its’ Championship in spite of her lack of handling skills. She went on
to put Champion titles several of her own dogs as well as many dogs for others.
She also competed in Brace with her miniature dachshunds and achieved 25 Best
Brace in Show awards. She and her husband Ken have traveled all over the country
and Canada competing with her dogs, including at the Eucanuba Invitational. She
recently got her granddaughter into the sport, proving this is a family thing.
Michaelle is a member of Dachshund Club of America, National Miniature Dachshund
Club, and founding/life member of North Idaho Hunting Retriever Association.
Michaelle joined CDA Dog Fanciers in 1998, quickly became very involved. She has
served as President, Secretary, and Show Chair multiple times; she also serves
as the club's breeder referral and legislative liaison with the AKC. She helped
develop the club's SAFE Program that is given at many local schools. She enjoys
teaching conformation classes, and knows that giving people knowledge to avoid
simple mistakes gives them a better chance of winning. She watches her students
in the ring at shows and enjoys seeing their progress. She is also happy to help
anyone enjoy the sport she loves. Michaelle’s next goal is to get her puppy from
England ready for the National in April.