AKC National Tracking Invitational
September 20th and 21st, 2003 - Asheville, NC
Lynda McKee - CH CT Tifflyn The Funseeker VCD2 MX MXJ (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)

Comments from the Judges
Mr. John F. Barnard of Lombard, IL and Ms. Joyce Klamut of Dover, OH

"This dog encountered difficulty at the start and after a heartfelt team effort by the handler to engage the dog in tracking, it was unable to negotiate the track." Video Clips: Click on image for caption and larger view.

More information on Lynda McKee

Lynda McKee has been involved with Pembroke Welsh Corgis since 1968. Although her background stems from conformation she instantly got hooked on tracking. In 1985, she earned her first Tracking Dog (TD) title.

CH CT Tifflyn The Funseeker, VCD2, MX, MXJ, "Cruiser," is one of the top champion tracking dogs in the country and one of 10 dogs that will be competing at this unique event, owned and handled by Lynda.

Lynda is a versatile handler, owner and breeder of purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Cruiser's litter was the second for Lynda, which stems from a long line of experienced tracking dogs. Cruiser's mother and grandmother were both Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX) titleholders and breed champions also handled by Lynda. Cruiser is the first Pembroke Welsh Corgi to become a Champion Tracker (CT) titled dog, the highest and most difficult AKC tracking title to attain. He is also the first CT dog to hold a conformation breed champion title.

Ms. Mckee's talented handling has earned her dogs nearly 60 AKC titles. They have earned five conformation titles, twenty-seven agility titles, eleven obedience titles, 2 herding titles and fifteen tracking titles. She has handled and trained Cruiser to all of his titles.

Cruiser earned his Tracking Dog title at only nine months old, on the very first test he entered, proving his natural talent for the sport. A year later he passed his TDX test, on his first attempt at this new challenge. In 1997 Cruiser earned his Variable Surface Tracker (VST) and Champion Tracker title. Lynda describes Cruiser as an endless worker, deciding when to stop on his own, not when someone tells him he is done.

Lynda says that Cruiser has taught her more about tracking than she has ever taught him. She enjoys observing him in action and sets up situations just to watch him work. Cruiser is meticulous when he tracks, making sure to check all possibilities before committing himself, and he never likes to stop following the track. Cruiser is Lynda's best friend and soul mate; they share a true bond found between participants of AKC Companion events.

When not tracking, Lynda is active in several dog clubs and writes the Pembroke Welsh Corgi column for the AKC Gazette. She has a Doctorate in mathematics education and teaches high school math at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. She is eagerly looking forward to the Tracking Invitational and thanks all those involved in making this great event happen. Lynda resides in Hiram, Georgia.