1.- When did you first become interested in showing and breeding dogs? I began showing dogs at the age of 5 years old when I won 1st prize for "Fattest Dog". I seriously began showing in the mid 70's and bred my first litter of AKC Doberman Pinchers a few years later. I had Dobies and Afghan hounds for a number of years. Shelties came into my life and there has been no other breed for me since then.
2.- Why did you choose Shelties? How long have you been showing and breeding Shelties? I began showing and breeding Shetland sheepdogs in 1990. To date I have bred 12 Home bred Champions and numerous highly titled performance dogs.
3.- What were you looking for in your foundation stock and how did you obtain it? Having bred Arabian horses for over 30 years I needed to have an asthecially pleasing dog and love the coat. Structure and temperament are first and foremost with me. My foundation dogs came from long time breeder and sheltie judge, Mona Simmons of Simmore Shelties. Mona taught me so much about the breed as well and other long time breeders and I am forever grateful to them.
4.- Which dog or line has helped you the most in your breeding program and why? My foundation dogs came from the Heritage Spirit line and I doubled up on that through T.C. I then took those girls to some of the Daval line with great success. My AOAC line began with Banchory. These dogs provided the look I wanted and have helped my line to become what it is today.
5.- What has been the biggest problem to overcome in your breeding program? Probably head detail, although our heads are pretty they, at times, have lacked some of the finer detail we all like to see. Structure and movement are most important to me. It is my belief that it does not matter how pretty a dog is if it can not move to do the job it was intended for. Even if that dog never sees a sheep in it's life it should still be able to move correctly.
6.- How do you condition your dogs for the show ring? ( ie: diet, exercise, coat care, etc) I have over an acre that is fenced and landscaped with lots of trees and lawn in my backyard. I do not have kennels and all the dogs are house dogs so we play and run the yard daily. I also take them on walks we me around the neighborhood. All the dogs are in excellent muscle tone and weight. For coat care weekly line brushing and keeping them clean is best.
7.- What do you feed your dogs, do you give any supplements? I feed a high quality kibble and occasionally make my own dog food to add to it. I don't use supplements any longer but do give each dog a fish oil capsule daily.
8.- What do you feel is your biggest responsibility to the breed? Preserving the integrity of this wonderful breed is and has always been my goal. Fads come and go but keeping the Sheltie true to itself matters most. I do all genetic testing before I decide to do a mating and feel very strongly about spaying and neutering all but the best of the best.
9.- With your years of experience, what words of advice do you have for the novice? Try to find a mentor that is honest to help you get started. Most new- comers to the breed are taken advantage of with people selling them mediocre dogs who are unlikey to win much. Research breeders until you find one in your area who will honestly help you to get started in the right direction. Go to shows and watch and see what dogs do the most winning. Watch movement and read all you can about that subject. You will eventually find a look you like and then you should be determined to have it. Don't be talked into purchasing a second rate dog just because "well known breeder" offers it to you. Most of all, be patient. It takes years of hard work but it is so worth it.
10.- What future goals have you set for yourself? I have applied for my AKC judges license to judge Shetland Sheepdogs and Jr.showmanship. I love this breed and hope I can continue for many years to do what I love so much.