Lynyrd Cannon

Lynyrd Cannon
Lynyrd, whose official name is Champion Bernkastel’s CallMe Th’ Breeze HSAsd, PT, HT, RN, CGC, is a dog who’d make any owner proud. Those initials after his name mean he’s more than just a pretty face. They’re herding and obedience titles. This 4-year-old Rottweiler is truly an ambassador for an unfairly maligned breed.

Owner Robin Cannon handled Lynyrd to impressive wins in the show ring starting when he was just a puppy. He won Best of Breeds, beating older, nationally ranked competition like it’s done all the time.

It isn’t.

Lynyrd is a gorgeous Rottie.

“I’m a HUGE fan of the Southern Rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd,” says Robin, explaining her star dog’s name. “One of their songs, Call Me The Breeze, describes being on the road as a musician, which is not so unlike being on the road showing dogs…you are always on the go. Plus his movement is effortless, like the wind. Thus, the name….”

When Lynyrd had done everything he could in the show ring, Robin wasn’t about to leave him home. “Rottweilers were originally bred to herd and guard livestock,” Robin explains.

So Lynyrd went off with his auntie, fellow Paducah Kennel Club member Kim Broster, to learn the fine points of herding.

And learn he did! He has already earned multiple High In Herding Trial awards.

“Lynyrd exhibits an exceptional working ability on stock,” beams Robin. “He possesses the stamina and power to move sheep and also the finesse to herd ducks.”

In fact, Lynyrd can go from the show ring to the herding field to being a lap dog. “Rottweilers aren’t a breed for everyone,” Robin says. “They love to be with their people and are happiest when they have a job to do. Rottweilers are strong and powerful and sometimes stubborn. But they are not aggressive. They require some level of obedience training and daily exercise. A bored Rottweiler will find something to do, when left to its own devices. Rottweilers also shed a lot for a short-coated breed.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are so many things Robin loves about Lynyrd, especially his wonderful temperament around other animals and people.

“He is how a Rottweiler should be: aloof, loyal and a true clown,” Robin says. “He thinks the world is here to entertain him. Lynyrd is ready and willing to do any task and loves to please. He has given me the opportunity to educate the public on the history behind this wonderful breed through his herding abilities.”

Robin suggests that anyone thinking of adding a Rottie to their family should do their homework. American Rottweiler Club is a great place to start.

“Rottweilers are truly a breed bred to work with man, whether tracking, search and rescue, herding, obedience, therapy dogs or carting, they are an all-around working dog. Asserting yourself as the leader at an early stage of the relationship is a must.

“Lynyrd is my once-in-a-lifetime dog,” Robin adds. “Through him, I was introduced to the world of herding — watching dogs do what they were bred to do and do it well. I have been introduced to many wonderful people that I otherwise wouldn’t have known. I have forged lasting friendships with them.”

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