1.- When did you first become interested in showing and breeding dogs? Well I was raised “IN” dogs pretty much; my mother was in it when I was just a toddler…….but I suppose the obsession with Shelties started in 1987. So that is when my avid interest in showing this breed began. My interest in dogs was way before that point as I always knew that is what I wanted to do.? ?
2.- Why did you choose Shelties? How long have you been showing and breeding Shelties? We started in Collies....and then as with so many before and after, transitioned into shelties. We started with a few selected dogs of the Banchory line and learned from there. Shelties began in 1987. ?
3.- What were you looking for in your foundation stock and how did you obtain it? We initially were looking for sound stock with good lines that produce with no problems……the hearty dogs that are strong genetically. The qualities of detail in head and so forth came latter. There was defiantly a look in my mind that I wanted to obtain but that has taken time to come to pass. I feel that it is very important to start with healthy lines though as the most beautiful dog will not be any good if it can’t produce or comes down with something down the road. ?
4.- Which dog or line has helped you the most in your breeding program and why? Well I have always had a thing for a sound dog of the Banchory line, having started with Formal Notice and Deep Purple stuff, But there are definite qualities that the sable dogs of the Heritage Spirit line have with the “cute” faces and loads of coat, etc. I think as will anything, it is more of a blend of lines and qualities from each that makes the ideal dog in my eyes. I want it all; the pretty expression, the coat, the solid well put together bodies and the fun, happy temperaments.? ?
5.- What has been the biggest problem to overcome in your breeding program? Biggest problem I think has been to learn what you want to see at what age. Often we would grow out the largest pretties pup to have it go over, and latter find that little pet we sold to be heartbreakingly beautiful. Also rolling with the punches has been hard. This breed has a way of catching you off guard and taking the wind out of your sails…. That has been the hardest, getting up, brushing off and moving on……..still learning that one.? ?
6.- How do you condition your dogs for the show ring? ( ie: diet, exercise, coat care, etc) I get asked this often, and I wish I had the secrets here as if I did I would surely be rich I do not do anything special and do not find that special food or supplements make the dog. We start with a healthy puppy, treat it with care and love and keep it clean and pest free, lots of fresh air and plenty of play time…. That is about it. If you have a nice puppy they will blossom to show off earlier promise. .? ?
8.- What do you feel is your biggest responsibility to the breed? My biggest responsibility is to keep the betterment of the breed above my personal hopes and wishes for a particular dog. I could not live with myself knowing that I produced a health issue that could have easily been culled before it was passed on. I think that we all have the responsibility to these dogs to only breed those that are sound genetically of disorders. This is not just the stuff we test for but the 101 other things that may creep up at any given time. If you continue with a know problem you know it will eventually come back to bite you in the butt. There are too many nice healthy dogs out there to breed ones that are not. I think that is the least we can do for our dogs and for those that will continue with them after we are gone.? ?
9.- With your years of experience, what words of advice do you have for the novice?? If you really love it, stick with it, it will get better and then worse………but the good will outshine the bad and the rewards are countless. Learn from everything and everyone….never be too good to listen to another’s point of view and see how you can incorporate it into something that will help you. There are plenty of wonderful breeders/exhibitors out there that are willing to share their knowledge with someone that is willing to learn. And have fun, because without that, what’s the point? ?
10.- What future goals have you set for yourself? Oh…. There are many….. I want a National winning dog, a top producing dam, and the strength and conviction to get there. I want my kids to follow in what I love, at least one of them. I want to treat people as I would like to be treated and I would like to see my dogs out there being shown across the country……. One step at a time, for now I would like my little hopefuls to grow up and look as pretty as they look today and we will go from there.