Traci Mitchell is an AKC of Merit Bronze breeder, breeding black and tan Coonhounds and the occasional Smooth Fox Terrier. The name Carline is Irish Gaelic, meaning Little Champion in honor of her first Smooth Fox Terrier.
She divides her time between Southern California and Southwest Iowa. She has lived in California her entire life but purchased a ranch in Iowa four years ago.
AKC: How did you get started in dog breeding?
Tracy: I am a second generation dog lover; my mother had Basset Hounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds. My daughter (third generation) grew up competing in junior shows and the conformation ring, and now my grandchildren are starting to compete in Pee Wee events.
AKC: What is the most important thing to know about Black and Tan Coonhounds?
Tracy: Black and Tan Coonhounds are excellent family dogs; they love to lie on the couch. Health testing is very important no matter where you get your puppy.
AKC: What is your favorite question to ask potential puppy buyers?
Tracy: What made you choose the black and tan coonhound breed?
AKC: What are the main qualities you look for in potential owners?
Tracy: Loving people who will give a puppy a great home for the rest of his life.
AKC: What is the best advice you would give to beginning breeders?
Tracy: Do not breed for the sake of breeding. Have a plan and a vision of what you want to achieve. Breeding quality rather than quantity is the best solution for any breeding program. Never let profit be your main goal.
AKC: Do your dogs participate in AKC sports?
Tracy: My dogs participate in conformation, support and performance trials. They have won numerous championships, Scent Work titles, FastCAT titles and much more.
AKC: What is your favorite thing about breeding dogs?
Tracy: The excitement of the next generation of beautiful dogs and their potential to be excellent pets, show dogs and performance dogs.
AKC: Do you have a favorite breeding story?
Tracy: Not really, but I’m proud of McFly, a dog I co-raised. He won Best of Breed in the Veterans class (he is 8 1/2 years old) at the 2022 American Black & Tan Coonhound Club National Specialty, as well as the Stud Dog class with two of his sons. During COVID, I introduced him to Scent Work, Barn Hunt, and FastCAT. He won six titles which, combined with his conformation championships, earned him a place in the AB&TCC Versatility Hall of Fame. He is only the second dog in the history of the breed to achieve this honor.