WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu

Bedtime!

2012-02-13T05:59:00.000-07:00

Last DHPP shot

2012-02-04T13:03:00.003-07:00

Today Velvet and Little Chunk went to see Dr. Walker for their final DHPP shot. They will go in for their rabies shot in a few more weeks. Here they are - cute as a couple of bugs in a rug! Today was their first day without mom Violet in tow (she's at the spa today!). They did great together. We played a little bit on lead too. Velvet wasn't too thrilled about that but Little Chunk did pretty well!

Velvet - waiting her turn.

She had a little face bath before we left for our appointment and she still hadn't dried completely.

Little Chunk charming the vet tech. :)

We're cute!

I'm getting to be a big boy!

Dr. Walker gave them a good exam and they both passed with flying colors! I got the report that their litter mates - Oreo and Gracie - had also been in and did great with their last shots and exams as well. I'm a happy momma - my babies are doing great!

And Then There Were Two

2012-01-15T21:22:00.000-07:00

Gracie and Oreo left last weekend with their forever families and so now there are two. Little Chunk & Velvet. Here they are tonight - Velvet runs a mile a minute and she can't possibly stop for the camera. And Little Chunk - doesn't that face just make you want to melt? He looks so innocent . . . don't let him fool you!

I don’t want a show dog; I just want a pet.

2011-12-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

I wish I could take credit for the following article, but I can not. I saw the link to this website on Facebook that was posted by Stephanie Schultes, a Chihuahua breeder and fellow member of the AZ Toy Dog Fanciers. The blog where I found this was: Blacksheep Cardigan Welsh Corgis. My thanks to the author for putting this so succinctly. I hear this all the time: I don't want a show dog - I just want a pet. My first response is usually - "Well I wouldn't sell you a show dog because I have no idea who you are." But further to that - this should be required reading for all puppy buyers.

I don’t want a show dog; I just want a pet.

This is one of the most pervasive sentiments that puppy buyers, especially families, express when they're looking for a dog. What they really mean, of course, is that they don't want a show BREEDER – don't want to pay the high price they think show breeders charge, don't want to go through the often-invasive interview process, and think that they're getting a better deal or a real bargain because they can get a Lab for $300 or a Shepherd for $150.

I want you to change your mind. I want you to not only realize the benefits of buying a show-bred dog, I want you to INSIST on a show-bred dog. And I want you to realize that the cheap dog is really the one that's the rip-off. And then I want you to go be obnoxious and, when your workmate says she's getting a puppy because her neighbor, who raises them, will give her one for free, or when your brother-in-law announces that they're buying a goldendoodle for the kids, I want you to launch yourself into their solar plexus and steal their wallets and their car keys.

Here's why:

If I ask you why you want a Maltese, or a Lab, or a Leonberger, or a Cardigan, I would bet you're not going to talk about how much you like their color. You're going to tell me things about personality, ability (to perform a specific task), relationships with other animals or humans, size, coat, temperament, and so on. You'll describe playing ball, or how affectionate you've heard that they are, or how well they get along with kids.

The things you will be looking for aren't the things that describe just "dog"; they'll be the things that make this particular breed unique and unlike other breeds.

That's where people have made the right initial decision – they've taken the time and made the effort to understand that there are differences between breeds and that they should get one that at least comes close to matching their picture of what they want a dog to be.

Their next step, tragically, is that they go out and find a dog of that breed for as little money and with as much ease as possible.

You need to realize that when you do this, you're going to the used car dealership, WATCHING them pry the "Audi" plate off a new car, observing them as they use Bondo to stick it on a '98 Corolla, and then writing them a check and feeling smug that you got an Audi for so little.

It is no bargain.

Those things that distinguish the breed you want from the generic world of "dog" are only there because somebody worked really hard to get them there. And as soon as that work ceases, the dog, no matter how purebred, begins to revert to the generic. That doesn't mean you won't get a good dog – the magic and the blessing of dogs is that they are so hard to mess up, in their good souls and minds, that even the most hideously bred one can still be a great dog – but it will not be a good Shepherd, or good Puli, or a good Cardigan. You will not get the specialized abilities, tendencies, or talents of the breed.

If you don't NEED those special abilities or the predictability of a particular breed, you should not be buying a dog at all. You should go rescue one. That way you're saving a life and not putting money in pockets where it does not belong.

If you want a purebred and you know that a rescue is not going to fit the bill, the absolute WORST thing you can do is assume that a name equals anything. They really are nothing more than name plates on cars. What matters is whether the engineering and design and service department back up the name plate, so you have some expectation that you're walking away with more than a label.

Keeping a group of dogs looking and acting like their breed is hard, HARD work. If you do not get the impression that the breeder you're considering is working that hard, is that dedicated to the breed, is struggling to produce dogs that are more than a breed name, you are getting no bargain; you are only getting ripped off.

~~~~~~~~~~~

There's a lot more where that came from - please have a seat, visit this page and be prepared to be educated!

Eight Weeks Old

2011-12-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

Violet x Magic puppies - as stacked up as I could get them to be - at 8 weeks old:

Little Girl

Big Girl

Little Boy

Big Boy

The Girlz

2011-12-05T21:24:00.000-07:00

Just chillin'

Why Does Everyone Want A Cheap Girl Puppy? Or - My Rant On Why Boys Are Best And You Get What You Pay For.

2011-12-04T16:16:00.001-07:00

Violet & Magic's litter is nearly 7 weeks old! They are growing so fast! Next weekend they will get their first shot. Each puppy is amazing. All of them are beautiful. This is going to be a tough decision for me - I'm not sure yet which puppy or puppies to keep for myself.  I have had a lot of calls for puppies but I have only chosen one solid home for one of my babies. Why? Because that person did their homework. That person knew that a quality dog was worth the investment. And she was at the right place at the right time to get the only girl that I knew would be available out of this litter for a pet home. And you know what - she still doesn't know which of the two girls she will be getting yet. But either way she won't be disappointed.

I don't play the waiting list game with the next litter just around the corner.  I don't have the puppy galleria that most "breeders" have on the internet. I am not like most "breeders".

I do this for me - I don't breed puppies for money making purposes. Believe me - each litter is taken at a financial loss. I am looking for my next show prospect and the next generation of my breeding program. I get first pick - ALWAYS. Not everyone understands this. But that's what makes me different from most every breeder here in the valley of the sun.

I do this to move forward with a lineage of dogs that are healthy and sound. Not to line my pockets with money to pay my bills (I have a real job for that). And because I want the best for myself, that means too that my puppy buyers get the cream of the crop of puppies. To me it's about the future, about making sure the dogs I breed are healthy and sound for their lifespan - to be champions - to produce champions - because those champions will be everything a Shih Tzu should be. They will look like a Shih Tzu and act like a Shih Tzu. I do my very best at screening for health issues as well. To make sure that sound, typey package can live a long and healthy life - for ME. And the gravy of that to the pet buyer should be obvious. Today, as my only solid puppy buyer was visiting the litter, she even commented how all of the puppies in this litter would be hard to choose from. They are all that nice. And she was right. And that makes me proud. I have worked hard to produce the very best I can - and it shows in the puppies I breed.

One weekend of showing dogs costs close to as much as the selling price of one of my puppies. FYI - to go on the road to show - gas money, hotel, pet sitter for the kids still at home - for a four day show weekend, that totals to about $700. The show circuit in AZ is limited so travel is necessary to complete a title on a Shih Tzu here. The reason a breeder should show their dogs is to get a fair evaluation of their breeding stock. That's the purpose of showing dogs. When someone tells you they don't show because it's just a beauty contest or it's political or that it's a waste of time and money - well they are simply giving you excuses - they are more interested in their own bottom line than whether or not you get a sound, healthy puppy.

The costs to breed a litter - to health screen my bitch, to bring in the right dog or health screen my own boy, wellness care for a pregnant bitch, proper nutrition, x-rays to determine how many puppies are actually in there, have the puppies vet checked and dew claws removed and have their shots given by my vet, well that total cost is almost as much as the selling price of one of my puppies. I don't have ten or twelve girls that I breed continuously to any of a number of boys I may have, nor do I fore go appropriate veterinary care, so that I can have a steady stream of $350 puppies available to anyone that calls or emails me. If that's what you're looking for - you've contacted the wrong breeder.

Ninety percent of the calls I get are for girl puppies. Why is that? Boys make fabulous pets. Here's a newsflash for you - boys are easier to housebreak than the girls! Boys will only be lifting their leg or humping your leg or their toys if you a) don't have them neutered young enough and/or b) you allow obnoxious behavior of your pets.  The fact is, boys make better companions than the girls. Boys are sweet and just want to be loved. And like I told one lady that contacted me recently - if you want a girl puppy from me you either have to be in the right place at the right time or be willing to wait a LONG time. There are no guarantees that a girl puppy will ever be available out of this house as a pet. Why? Because the best girls don't go to pet homes, they stay here. Because I only breed usually one litter per year, to prepare for future generations I have to keep the girls unless there is an obvious fault - like mismarking of coat or lack of pigmentation, or an obvious structural fault (which has rarely been the case in this house). Typically there are more boys than girls born - for whatever reason - that's just the way the numbers fall. But everyone wants girls. For all of the wrong reasons IMO, but to each their own.

So if you are reading this and you want a girl puppy out of this current litter - sorry - they are taken. And if you're looking for a $350 puppy, I don't have any available.

After Lunch Bath Time

2011-11-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Violet is a wonderful momma dog to her babies. She is definitely in her zone. The puppies are becoming more animated and they are starting to do some serious toddling around. They are more aware now of everything around them and they are starting to interact with each other too. This week toys will be introduced for playtime. The other dogs in the house continue to show more interest in the nest, especially Samantha and Kiki. Kiki constantly is standing up to be nose to nose with the pups and they are now starting to toddle over to that side of the crate to visit with Kiki. The next couple of weeks will be fun!

Nap Time!

2011-11-13T14:17:00.002-07:00

Ok - I've had enough for lunch! It's time for my nap!

Show News

2011-11-13T14:15:00.003-07:00

Kiki continues to do well in the show ring. Last weekend after winning the breed, she placed third in the group at the AZ Toy Dog Fanciers puppy match. This weekend she won the breed on Friday at the Canada del Oro Kennel Club show in Tucson. Here she is resting after her win.

Dinner Time!

2011-11-07T19:08:00.002-07:00

The puppies will be three weeks old tomorrow!

Kiki's First Win Picture

2011-11-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Kiki's win picture from the AZ White Mountain KC show.

WoTeH'sin Island Style

"Kiki"

A Few Pictures

2011-11-01T05:36:00.002-07:00

Babies Have Arrived!

2011-10-21T19:37:00.001-07:00

Born 10/18 to Violet and Magic - four beautiful babies! Three black & white and a surprise gold & white! Two girls and two boys! Here they are lined up for their first breakfast together!

Mom and babies are doing well! For a live web cam feed go here. The passcode to view will be in my twitter feed located below on the right sidebar. The passcode will change daily. The webcam will not be on 24/7, so check back if the feed is not available.

Kiki Takes Best Of Breed

2011-10-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we travelled to Show Low, AZ to show at the AZ White Mountain Kennel Club Show. I had never been to Show Low, only having been as far as Heber in 2010. The drive from Phoenix is a very pretty drive north up to Show Low which is at a 6,000 foot elevation. All was nice and sunny until we hit Payson, and then the rain started. Not a good sign. It rained most of the remaining drive into Show Low.

After checking in to the hotel there was a slight break in the rain, so we headed to the show site. We met up with Carol and Gail Page, who were setting up their grooming area/tent. They were kind enough to let me share their space, saving me the grief of bringing my own tent to set up. By this time it was nearly dark but we decided to play in the rings a bit. I was concerned because Kiki wasn't so thrilled to be on grass and in general she looked like she just wanted to go home. So after a trip around the ring, and a short time on the table, we left and went for dinner. Awesome margaritas! :) After dinner, it was back to the room and it was time for Kiki's bath. THAT was fun! And finally at midnight it felt good to lay down and rest.

Saturday the weather was perfect! In the 70's and sunny. We got to the show site at about 8:45am. I had my coffee in hand and some wonderful boy scouts helped me get my gear to my set up. Carol and Gail followed shortly thereafter and I got busy finishing the grooming I started at 5am on Kiki.

I was still concerned that Kiki would hate her first real show experience, but made the best of the time with her. I made it a priority to keep her happy and I treated her to some of my leftover grilled chicken from dinner - an incentive to keep her tail wagging! When we stepped into the ring, I squeaked her toy and her tail went up over her back and away she went, taking the breed win! I was, and still am, thrilled that she did so well! The grooming didn't stress her (or me for that matter) and she had fun in the ring! Yeah!

We had to wait some time to get a picture taken so here are a couple of candid shots.

Admit it - I'm adorable!

When is that photographer guy gonna be ready??

This was the first show I had done is a while so my grooming skills need some brushing up! No pun intended! But what is more important than a perfect topknot is that your puppy has fun in the ring!

My thanks to Dr. Lee Anthony Reasin for Kiki's first point. As always sir, it was a pleasure to show to you!

Unfortunately on Sunday the rain returned, and I was already feeling a cold coming on, so I picked up my gear from the show site, getting drenched in the process, and we made it home by noon. And even though we cut our weekend short, we had a good time.

First point down, fourteen more to go!

Meet Kiki - WoTeH'sin Island Style

2011-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Here she is at 6 months old.

CH Xeralane's Johnny Angel x WoTeH'sin Booty-N-Charm

"Kiki"

Sam's Finishing Picture

2011-07-30T12:30:00.001-07:00

Champion Samantha

2011-07-09T17:12:00.002-07:00

It's been a while since I posted about Samantha's travels with Greg Larson. Pictures have finally arrived and my schedule has finally given me a day to catch up!

After winning her first weekend out with Greg in late March, Sam consistently won or took reserve at almost every show. Here she is winning her first major with Greg in North Dakota early in June. She went on to win her second major two weeks later in Minnesota and her final point the next week in Illinois I believe. Not sure of all the dates - I can barely remember what day it is today!

Anyway here she is with Greg and judge Paula Hartinger. Thank you Paula for this nice win!

Many thanks to all of the judges that put Sam up, to Greg Larson for his lovely presentation and to Tiger Allen for flying Sam to and from Minneapolis. She'll finally be home this week!

Samantha will not be bred until 2012. I'm still looking at my options there. Whoever the lucky boy will be - you can rest assured he will be special! ;)

HELP! Two dogs in need!

2011-05-19T20:45:00.001-07:00

These adorable Daschund brothers need a foster or furever home. Gil and Bert are 5 years old and need to be placed in a home by Monday, May 23rd. They are currently located in Phoenix, AZ. They were fostered by a family who had an emergency and could not keep them and then went to a temporary foster who needs them re-homed by Monday because of too many pets in her household. Can you or anyone you may know open their heart and their home to these sweet boys? Please email me if you are interested in more information or if you have access to an open rescue/foster situation.

Samantha's Third Point

2011-04-09T13:18:00.004-07:00

Samantha is out being shown by Greg Larson. This was her first point with Greg going Best of Winners. The judge that day does not like hairspray - so here she is au'natural!

It's Dinner Time!

2011-03-02T20:27:00.001-07:00

It's A Girl!

2011-02-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that Violet had her ONE puppy on Thursday morning at 4:30am - a black and white girl! Momma and baby are doing quite well. Their check-up at the vet today went great!

CH Xeralane's Johnny Angel x WoTeH'sin Booty-N-Charm

For anyone wondering - this little girl is staying right here for now! :)

AKC Breeder Of Merit

2010-12-30T19:04:00.002-07:00

I am excited to announce that today I was formally notified that I have been honored by the American Kennel Club as a Breeder Of Merit! AKC notes that the Breeder of Merit Program honors breeder/exhibitors' dedication and hard work as they continue to produce dogs that are healthy, capable, and beautiful.

To qualify for this honor, a breeder must meet the following requirements:

    * Has a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events.
     * Earned at least 4 Conformation, Performance or Companion event titles on
       dogs they bred/co-bred.
     * Member of an AKC club.
     * Certifies that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam
       as recommended by the Parent Club.
     * Demonstrates a commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies produced are
       AKC registered.

I am proud to have achieved this recognition!

Will There Be Puppies On The Way?

2010-12-11T14:47:00.001-07:00

I am excited to announce my latest breeding!

Group Winning Champion Xeralane's Johnny Angel has been bred to my girl Violet - WoTeH'sin Booty-N-Charm. You can follow the links for pictures and information on both dad and mom. I'm hoping for February babies! For more information, please email me at wotehsinst@aol.com.

Thank you to Earl Takahashi and Adrian Agard for helping me make this breeding a reality. It's been in the planning stages for some time.

For now, fingers are crossed!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T14:42:00.001-07:00

Not much going on here on this traditional holiday. Except we are being nontraditional. No turkey. No gravy. Shrimp cocktail was for lunch. Salmon with broccoli for dinner shared with the mutts! Chocolate dipped raspberries for desert. Yum! :)

I had wonderful news today! More on THAT later! :)

Here is hoping that you and yours have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday - traditional or not!

Fat and happy!

2010-10-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

I'd say she's happy!

Little Miss Perfect 10

2010-10-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures as promised. Almost 8 ounces this morning. Now to just come up with a name . . .

So There WAS A Puppy In There!

2010-10-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

One single puppy.

Sally didn't think Holly was pregnant, but just to be sure she took Holly in for an x-ray last week. And there it was - a single puppy. I didn't post anything because I didn't want to jinx anything. I've been telling Sally all week not to worry. Things would go smoothly.

And so far - they have.

Born to CH WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys (Holly) out of CH WoTeH'sin-S'Dandi Black Tie-N-Tails (Tuxedo - a singleton puppy himself!) one single baby girl - black and white - arrived tonight - of all nights - 10/10/10! No C-Section required! Thank you God! And thank you Sally! You are an amazing friend and mentor!

Momma, puppy and Sally are all doing well. Pictures to follow.

Now to come up with an appropriate name!

We are truly blessed this wonderful October evening!

A Call For Rescue

2010-09-25T17:34:00.001-07:00

Today I got a call from Buffalo, NY of all places. The lady told me about a Shih Tzu that needed to be rescued from the North Tonawanda, NY SPCA. His name is Bandit and he is 9 years old. If anyone is in the Buffalo, NY area and can find a place in their heart and home for this little guy - please either contact me or call the shelter directly. I have put the word out as far and wide as I possibly can. Being in AZ limits my abilities.

Where is this poor little guy's breeder? This is the stuff that infuriates me.

If you are breeding dogs for anything other than for yourself and improving the breed, you are breeding for the wrong reasons. People that breed for an income stream, to fulfill a market - you are part of the problem. You rank right up there with puppy mills in my opinion. A couple of you visit this blog - you know who you are. I'm not the bad guy just because I call you out on it either. If you don't know - or care - about every puppy you've ever brought into this world - you are scum - in my humble opinion. If you've let puppies or brood bitches die because you don't have the money for appropriate veterinary care, why are you breeding in the first place? How can you look at yourself in the mirror?

If you are in the Buffalo, NY area - there is a poor soul that needs you. Please heed the call.

Disappointment

2010-09-21T19:13:00.001-07:00

When you only plan on one litter every year, maybe two, each breeding is of monumental importance to the future of your breeding program. Usually if you breed this infrequently, you have only a few brood bitches on which you've chosen to build your line and move forward. You have taken care to keep or purchase only the best in your opinion and every breeding happens for a reason. You may on occasion breed a bitch back-to-back (and recent studies I've done with reproduction specialists say it's not a taboo practice). I still hate to do it, but will do so when cleared by my vet AND the situation warrants.

But here are two things you can take to the bank - if the bitch isn't REALLY ready she won't take and everything happens for a reason.

Suffice it to say that Sally believes Holly is not pregnant. :( We were very hopeful and all of the early signs were there. But unfortunately, it was not meant to be.

If the bitch isn't ready - she won't take.

So what is the next move? Hmmmm . . . interested readers will just have to wait and see. But I can tell you this - I have a few possibilities that are VERY exciting.

Everything happens for a reason!

Stay tuned! :)

Gimme a sign!

2010-08-28T14:13:00.002-07:00

Week three since being bred and Holly has decided she won't eat her food without a little sumthin-sumthin on top - ground beef or chicken.

The picky eating phase of pregnancy maybe??

Stay tuned!

:)

My grooming 101

2010-08-15T16:34:00.011-07:00

When people ask me how to keep a Shih Tzu in full coat, my answers are simple. Start with a well bred coat, brush daily and find products you like that enhance the coat texture and make your job easier.

I never lie about what I use and nothing I use is a secret. The fact of the matter is that anyone can keep a Shih Tzu in full coat - you just have to brush it. The products you use are a matter of personal preference. Put 10 Shih Tzu exhibitors in a room and I will bet you that you will get 10 different answers about what they use. Some of them will tell you the truth. :) What I have found though is that some products make life a lot easier than others. There are things to use for bathing, for staining, for damage repair, etc. Today I'm going to focus on bathing. Why? Because I just groomed out my two girls - Samantha and Sabrina - and they look FABULOUS. Too fabulous not to share.

The well-bred coat part of the formula is probably the most difficult part. I am lucky right now because I have some fabulous black & white coats to work with. They are strong, silky and forgiving. Staining is minimal and texture is to die for. These things make my job a LOT easier!

Here are my "secrets" that aren't really secrets. Ask anyone that knows me, they will tell you these are my tools of choice.

My favorite shampoo:

Best Shot Ultra Wash. Of course I follow with:

Best Shot Ultra Plenish Conditioner and:

Best Shot Ultra Vitalizing Mist.

And YES - all of these products have silicone in them! OH.MY.GOD. How can anyone use a silicone product?? It breaks coat! It dries coat!

Forget what you have read about silicone on Shih Tzu coat. Silicone today is engineered to be friendly to coat. This stuff ROCKS in my opinion. It leaves a finish that you just don't get with anything else. And believe me, in the past 12 years I have tried A LOT of product. I have used this stuff exclusively for the last 6 years. Judges lift up the coat on my dogs, feel it and several comment about the luxurious texture. The coats drop nicely from the body and the undercoat is extremely manageable. The coats stay cleaner, longer. The coats do not break. My dogs run the house, on tile, but their yard is crushed rock over hard packed AZ dirt. To say AZ is dusty is an understatement. And DRY. This climate is killer on everything. And this stuff is amazing.

I never strip the coats, I just do the same thing with each washing session. And I rinse COMPLETELY until the rinse water runs clear between both shampoo and conditioning.

After bathing I wrap the dog in a couple of towels and sit with them for a few minutes to soak up some of the water. Then I put them under the dryer. I use a tourmaline, ceramic, ionic blow dryer, 1800 watt on low heat and low speed. It is a model by Revlon which I bought at Wal-Mart. Yes it's for humans. I have a dryer holder I bought several years ago called a Hair Maid. That way both of my hands are free to work on the dog.

My brushes:

I call this my Mason Pierson knock off. I once spent the big bucks for a Mason Pierson brush. Loved it! LOST IT at a dog show. Or someone ripped it off. Whatever - it disappeared. So I sought out a knock off. You can buy this brush at Ulta. It is a pocket sized brush and costs about $17. I LOVE this brush. It works well on separating the spider webbing in undercoat without damaging it.

If I find some matting I will break it apart and work this brush thru it. If it is a stubborn mat, I will spray with the Ultra Vitalizing Mist and work it in then leave the mat to soak. I'll make my way back to the mat in question after a few minutes.

After I have worked thru any matting, I then go to:

My trusty Chris Christensen Fusion Brush. The handle is a dried ash and it is light as a feather. The bristles are brass plated with finished ends. This means two things - the brass plating eliminates static electricity. The finished ends are smooth and round. These two things eliminate coat breakage. I personally work with pocket sized brushes. I hate full size brushes in general. I find the smaller brush allows you to concentrate on getting a good blow out - nice and straight. And it forces you to get into all the nooks and crannies - to get out those mats that love to hide under arms and in back of ears.

I follow with a teflon coated Greyhound comb and then use a small slicker to ease out any pin mats that remain.

I work thru the entire coat, starting with the head first. I stop when the headpiece is dry and I band it. I have a couple of combs I use - mostly the full sized Greyhound mentioned above, but on the face I use an orange rat tail comb I found at Sally Beauty Supply. It's called a "bone" comb. Someone tried to tell me it was made of real bone, but it isn't - it's just orange plastic. But its gentle around the face and I find the rat tail easy enough to use to separate the topknot sections and the facial furnishings. If I want to get fine detail around the face, I use my small 5" greyhound, also teflon coated, that has one side that has teeth almost as close as a flea comb. It works well to get around the eyes and making sure there is no "gunk" left around the delicate eye area. I use lubricating eye drops on a cheesecloth type towel to go around the eyes if they need detail cleaning. And follow with the small Greyhound comb.

For more detail work, I have another rat tail comb with a metal tail. I use this for parts down the back mostly and not around the face.

Once thru with the head, I start on the body. I work from the front show-side paw and work from the bottom up, move to the back paw the same way and then the side coat on the show-side. Then I work the tail area and back skirt. Then move from back non-show-side paw to front non-show-side paw. Finally the chest area. Then I go back thru the whole coat and spot dry whatever wasn't completely dry from the first go around.

My philosophy is that if you take the time to do a good blow out - you will spend less time ironing on show day. And on non show weeks, taking the time to do a good blow dry means less matting I believe.

Anyway - those are my wash day "secrets." Take them for what you feel they are worth, but don't say I don't share any of my trade secrets! ;)

Here are Samantha and Sabrina.

NOTE: I did not receive any gain, financial or otherwise, from endorsing any of the products mentioned above.

The things people search for

2010-08-15T11:24:00.005-07:00

I'm not the most technically savvy individual, but I know enough to be dangerous. :) One of my most recent finds has been to see where all of you lovely people come from that visit my humble blog.

I know some of you find me through Facebook links. Welcome to all the new visitors!

My personal friends find me because that's what friends do! ;) Thanks for keeping me on your radar!

Some of you find me because you are part of the WoTeH'sin family. Thank you for stopping by!

Some of you find me because you want to keep track of me for one reason or another. You know who you are . . . and now, so do I! :D

And some of you find me through the wonders of search engines. And search you do. For things I would never imagine would point to my blog!

You see, one of the things that my newest technical finds actually shows are the links from which people visit! And if it's from a search engine, many times - most actually, it shows what the individual was searching for when they found me. And trust me when I tell you that this information has been incredibly entertaining recently. LOL

To the person in the southeast that wants to find out how to paint on eyestripes - I have three comments:

1) You should breed for eyestripes - not paint them in.

2) If you must paint them in - ask your MENTOR the various practiced enhancement methods and try them in the privacy of your own home to see what works best, if at all, for your dog. Don't search for it on Google. There is not one SKILLED exhibitor/handler out there that would actually post this on the internet for God's sake! Do you really think that someone would publicly post a practice that specifically is cause for ring dismissal??

3) After a most recent FB exchange regarding RESPONSIBLE breeders educating the puppy buying public, you're lucky I have some discretion! :) Do you tell your puppy buyers you paint on eyestripes? Just curious . . .

Could there be the pitter patter of little paws in the near future??

2010-07-26T20:19:00.007-07:00

CH Tuxedo

CH Holly

Fingers crossed! :)

Update:

We'll know soon! Puppies would be due in early October!

Say hello to MyLee!

2010-07-11T14:59:00.009-07:00

Some of you may remember that I flew out to Michigan to pick up a puppy earlier this year. I was ever so hopeful that this puppy would be a male that was exactly what I was seeking in a second male for my breeding program here. I had planned this breeding for YEARS and the pedigree - well - it is incredible. But you know what they say about the best laid plans and best intentions . . .

Before I went out to Michigan I had a call from a lovely lady who had lost her Shih Tzu a short while ago. She had actually found me by searching for the breeder who bred her last pup. My first champion girl, Booty, as it turns out was co-bred by the breeder of her treasured baby and Jean found me by searching the internet to locate Jamie. She was, in fact, doing her homework. She had found other breeders and other puppies, but she just didn't get the feeling they were the right breeder or puppies for her.

We spoke for some time and I knew Jean and her hubby would make perfect parents for a little one of mine. We talked about possibilities and I hoped she would wait until my return from Michigan before she made any decisions about purchasing a puppy. You see, most people think it's a marathon to get a new baby in their home and heart. Most people don't stop and think about the ramifications of buying from someone other than a responsible breeder - they merely want to fill that void in their heart and/or home. So they buy from people that have puppies readily available whether or not the "breeder" is actually responsible. It's easy to say "well they seem okay" when you have that cute little face staring back at you.

Here's a newsflash -- ALL PUPPIES ARE CUTE -- even if they are poorly bred examples of ANY breed!

So I brought home my little guy, who I called Miles, and I watched him for several days. Sadly, I knew he would not grow into the dog I needed to move forward in my breeding program. Some people would say I just wanted the money and sold this puppy. But believe me when I tell you that this was NOT the case. I spoke to Jean and while skeptical about a male, she was thrilled we could work out an arrangement for her to get her new bundle of joy.

So Miles - who is now called MyLee - is living the spoiled good life in Kingman, AZ.

In a recent email, Jean writes:

"Just wanted to bring you up to date with Mylee. He is doing great. He is completely housebroken. He jumps on me and barks when he wants to go out. Is growing like a weed and is very healthy. He has had all his shots now.

We just came back from a trip to Calif. and he did really good. No accidents in the house while we were there. He ran and played and wore himself out everyday. We took his crate, so he had his bed every night. Our kids tried to talk us out of taking him home, but we told them we would have to stay too, so they let us bring him home. lol . . .

He is so active, we never know what he is going to do next. But we both really love him and he makes us laugh all the time. . . . He is so smart. He knows to come, sit, and stay already. As you can tell, we think he is the smartest dog ever born. lol . . .

Take care and thank you for MyLee.

Your friend,

Jean"

Talk about a great feeling! Thank you Jean for giving my baby a great home! And keep those pictures coming!!

And Jamie - if you read this you have GOT to get in touch with me! I've had a few people call me asking about you and I really would like to get back in touch. I have so much to share with you!

Flagstaff Kennel Club

2010-06-13T18:55:00.006-07:00

Samantha took WB and BOS both days this weekend at the Flagstaff Kennel Club shows for her first two points! She had a great time and I think she's figured out that everyone who meets her thinks that she is absolutely adorable!

Thank you judges Raymond Bay and Robert Widden for Sam's first two points!

Samantha is on her way!

What would YOU do?

2010-06-11T19:10:00.003-07:00

Imagine - someone tells you that they want to learn and improve in an area of their life. They become your student.

Along the way, they tell you that they have raised the bar on their own expectations. As they have progressed, they tell you that they have set higher, more honorable goals. You feel you have made a difference and you ignore the skeptics out there that tell you that a leopard doesn't change its spots.

You eventually find out that this person lied to you. They looked you in the eye and LIED TO YOU. And not about just one thing - but a MULTITUDE of issues.

And then when all of their lies unravel - YOU become the bad guy.

What would YOU do?

Shih Tzu Reporter - Spring '10 - Mr. Victor Joris

2010-04-20T20:16:00.004-07:00

Paying It Forward

Nancy Manelski
WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu

Purpose. What's yours?

Anyone can breed dogs. Take a look through your newspaper or better yet, take a trip to the humane society or your local shelter. Point and click your way to petfinder.org. It's eye opening really. If everyone that bred a litter of dogs stated their purpose, I think you would find that most wouldn't even touch upon betterment of the breed they took the time to propagate. And that is so sad.

About two years ago, I had an older dog for which I eventually wanted to find a forever home. We can't keep them all even if they are titled. And it pained me to place this dog because he was well on his way to a championship and he had already had a rocky road during his short life. He had some beautiful qualities. But for various reasons, I knew he didn't carry the necessary genetic make-up I needed to work with down the road. It seems cold, but those were the facts. So I was wrestling with the thought of spending more money showing him when I knew I would never breed him.

I had numerous conversations with a lady that got my name from a trusted source. She was looking for a dog to show. Actually, she wanted a bitch, but she found herself, or so she said, drawn to this dog. During our many conversations, this person told me she had no interest in breeding, she want to start showing dogs with her daughter as a hobby of sorts. A mother-daughter thing, if you will. Her mother showed a larger breed and it just seemed natural that she got involved similarly but with a breed she loved. All things sounded good. But as our conversations continued, I found myself trying to "sell" my dog to this lady. I found myself trying to convince her that he was the right dog for her to show. When I realized what I had reduced myself to, it was at that very moment that I picked up the phone and called her and told her that the dog was no longer for sale. He was staying here.

I found myself doing something someone with my purpose should never do. A sales pitch.

Eventually, this dog finished his American and International titles and he now resides in Phoenix in the home of one of my professional colleagues. He has a loving home with his new daddy and he has a brother too - another Shih Tzu with whom he plays his days away. He is happy, he is healthy, he is loved - and he is neutered.

This was a dog that was deserving of a championship title for many reasons, but in my house he was not a dog that needed to be bred. My purpose is not to breed because I can, my purpose is to breed only the best that I am able and move forward. My purpose is to give back. And this dog didn't fit into this plan.

So many people forget that even though a dog is titled, maybe that dog still isn't worthy of producing further generations in your house. So, if you won't use a particular dog to breed, is it really necessary to place that dog somewhere else with the potential to procreate? I guess that depends on who you are and who the buyer is, but again I urge you to take a trip to your local shelter before you sell something with breeding rights, especially to someone you really don't know. And how well do you really know someone with whom you've only shared a few telephone conversations and email exchanges? I can tell you that sometimes you may think you know someone because you have shared a relationship for years, but really, when it gets down to it, you don't know them at all. And do you want someone to have full access to everything you've work so hard for sitting in their living room waiting for the next lady in waiting if the price is right?

The lady that I caught myself pitching to, the one that just wanted to show for fun and not breed anything? She's got a full-blown website now with multiple brood bitches and puppy nurseries. This person is eager to share with anyone that will listen the horrors of showing dogs. Yet she promotes the multiple champions in her pedigrees. She concentrates on producing the "Imperial" Shih Tzu and offers the exotic colors of latte, mocha and chocolate. I think I fully understand her purpose.

What is your purpose?

I am pleased to present AKC Judge #5542 - Victor Joris:

- What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?

The first purebred dog I bought was a fawn colored Chihuahua. It was a present for my two nieces. He lived to the ripe old age of 16. I can never remember when growing up there was not some breed of dog in the house or yard. We had at different times Am Staffs, Smooth Fox Terriers, Chihuahuas, Rat Terriers, a Beagle and years later, of course, the Shih Tzu. Currently a very smart little Rat Terrier is the house dog. I spent many years brushing coats and it was time for a polyester breed.

- Why did you originally decide to breed and/or judge Shih Tzu?

It was difficult for me to have a dog for many years as I traveled a great deal and felt it was not fair to own one. Later when traveling was not so necessary, I was lucky enough to accidentally meet the Shih Tzu at a garden party on Long Island in 1970. It was love at first sight.

I have always been fascinated by the Orient and all things Chinese from the time I saw the movie "The Daughter of Fu Man Chu", when I was about 10 years old. I devoured all of Pearl Buck's novels and any books in the library I could get my hands on concerning China. Fortunately later I was able to acquire 2 books by Princess Der Ling, Lady in Waiting to the old Dowager Empress and several more written by different authors who had spent time in close contact and with first hand knowledge of the Imperial Court in China. The fact that the Shih Tzu had Chinese heritage was a very big plus but I had already made up my mind that the breed was for me regardless of its origin.

I bought my first Shih Tzu from Reverend and Mrs. Easton of the famed
Chumulari Kennel. He was a double grandson of BIS American Canadian CH Chumulari Ying Ying ROM, the first Shih Tzu to go BIS in the US. Ying accomplished that on the first day Shih Tzu were allowed to compete for points at AKC shows, September 1, 1969. My puppy's pedigree contained all the foundation dogs and bitches of the Chumulari line. He was one of a litter of seven and actually I think it was more that we selected each other because I knew nothing about the breed, although I knew he was a special little dog (not something I would recommend now). He was bought as a pet but time proved that to be wrong. He finished his championship quickly and became a multiple BIS dog, also acquiring a Register of Merit. His registered name was CH Chumulari Chin Te Jih, translated from Chinese, Golden Sun. He was the first Shih Tzu to go BIS at Eastern in Boston defeating 2,500 dogs.

Shortly before Reverend Easton died I visited with him and Peggy in New Paltz. He presented me with all his books, research and photographs used in his and Joan Searly's book "This is the Shih Tzu". He also granted me, with AKC approval, the right to co-own the Chumulari prefix with Mrs. Easton, registered with the AKC in 1965. Mrs. Easton is well and lives in New Paltz, NY with 4 Shih Tzu. We keep in touch often.

- Give us a brief synopsis of your dogs/kennel and show "career".

I never showed my own dogs, they were shown throughout their careers by Mrs. Jane Forsyth. When Mrs. Forsyth retired, Dee Shepherd showed my Shih Tzu.

I met Mrs. Forsyth at Progressive dog Club at the old McAlpin Hotel where the Progressive Dog Show was held. Why I entered, I do not know. I knew absolutely nothing about showing a dog, but I was convinced I had a special little dog. I was ready to leave when I asked Mrs. Forsyth if she would show Sunshine. She took him and won a 4 point major at his first show. I think there were about 20 entries. The point schedule was much different at that time. From then on I took him to every show and groomed him for the ring. My dogs were never kenneled.

My first dog show was Westminster. I lived in New York City at the time and directly across town from Madison Square Garden. You could say it was a local show for me and certainly an eye opener. I have since attended 37 Westminister shows and was entered in three. Two of "Sunshine's" puppies finished there, a bitch and dog, and his grand daughter went reserve another time. The dog, Li Ning, finished the last time they allowed class entries in 1987.

I bred very few litters and almost only on bitches with Chumulari in their pedigrees. I did use "Sunshine" on several 'beautiful bitches' that were outcrosses. I have currently frozen sperm of "Sunshine" stored in Pennsylvania. It has been there for over 25 years.

My dogs lived to be quite old reaching 16,17 and 18 years. I never placed them in homes but kept them until the end. "Sunshine" and one of his daughters, CH Miss M. Monroe both lived to be almost 18 years old.

When I retired, I stopped breeding and showing except for a bitch, CH Chumulari Answered Prayers, that I had bred, who was a group winner from the classes. I then decided to apply to judge.

- Why did you decide to pursue judging?

I am interested in all breeds but am approved to judge the Toy group and 7 Non sporting breeds and BIS. I am fascinated with the history and background of all the breeds I judge including those I am not approved for.

- When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?

We all know there are no perfect dogs. Each judge has their own opinion as to which fault they consider the least or the worst and the ones they can live with. Like all judges, I have my own opinions.

I prefer a Shih Tzu who is not at the extreme of either end of the standard. I want a level top line, a must for me, a good broad mouth and certainly one with a beautiful round head. I do not like white of eye showing and do not want a long giraffe neck or a square dog or one raced around the ring at break neck speed. It isn't a race. To me it's a red flag - the handler is attempting to hide incorrect movement or a fault. I like the dogs shown on a loose lead at a normal gait.

- Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.

Type is the most important thing I look for when breeding or judging. The word type is a very difficult word. Most people when asked about type will interpret it, rather than define it. You can ask 6 people to define type and get 7 answers. Type is what distinguishes one breed from another. It's great, when judging or breeding, if you have a Shih Tzu with superior type who also has correct conformation and temperament.

- If you could address someone just coming into the sport of dogs, specifically conformation and Shih Tzu, what advice would you give a novice?

My advice to any newcomer would be to study the breed at shows, watch the competition, ask questions and learn much as they can about the breed.

Do not buy the first dog that comes along. You would not buy a car if you could not drive so don't buy a dog you know nothing about. Keeping a Shih Tzu in show coat is a monumental task even for a seasoned breeder and almost impossible for a newcomer. Most likely as a novice, a breeder will not sell you a show quality bitch. They will keep those themselves. Later if you prove to be a dedicated owner and have proved yourself within the breed you may be able to acquire a first class bitch from a breeder eager for you to show and finish a bitch of their breeding.

The conformation ring is a very tough place for a newcomer or a long time exhibitor and regardless of the quality of your dog you will not always win. If the same dog won all the time there would be no need for shows.

- In the US, the Shih Tzu is currently in the Toy group, in Canada, Non-Sporting. There is a movement by AKC to possibly move the Shih Tzu into the Non-Sporting group in US competition. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?

I think the breed should remain in the Toy Group, but would caution many breeders that some of the dogs I have seen recently are much too large weighing closer to 17-18 pounds with to much leg. I do no consider those Toys. I prefer a smaller or middle sized Shih Tzu with good body and substance rather than a big coarse one and definitely NEVER ONE OF THOSE SO CALLED CHINESE IMPERIAL DOGS, which I consider sub-standard Shih Tzu.

- What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?

Long, flowing coats are beautiful but they have nothing to do with the conformation of the dog. It just means that someone is an excellent groomer. I do not like the muzzle shaved, it destroys the soft Oriental look the breed should have nor do I like painted eye stripes or an overblown topknot that never moves. If you want dark eye stripes breed for them. A judge could excuse you for changing the appearance of the dog by artificial means.

I think groomers have carried the art of grooming to extremes. They have created a cosmetic caricature of a beautiful, active, lively little dog with painted eye stripes, ironed coats and top knots that defy gravity all held together with mousse and spray. A clean dog, well brushed with a simple topknot is how the breed should be shown in my opinion.

- Where do you feel breeders need to concentrate and improve?

It is vitally important that the SHIH TZU HEAD NOT BE LOST. If the head is lost there is no way to retrieve it and whether you or anyone else agrees, the Shih Tzu is a "Head Breed". Of the 18 faults listed in the current AKC standard, 12 apply to the head. I think most of us who fell in love with the breed did so because of the incredible beauty of their gentle and trusting faces. Do everything possible to maintain the beautiful round head, which is the foremost breed characteristic of the Shih Tzu.

These comments are solely my own from studying the history of the breed and observations at countless shows over the last thirty-eight years. They may or may not differ from other breeders and judges. Like other judges and breeders who are still around, we were privileged to see and compete with many of the original imports and pillars of the breed.

Victor Joris

Common Philosophy

2010-04-18T13:15:00.005-07:00

This was posted by a new friend I've connected with on Facebook. Kristina Estlund is a Terrier breeder from California and she also writes for "Showsight" magazine. One of my recent puppy buyers is a mutual friend. My thanks to Christi Johnstone (Jack's mom) who "introduced" us and to Kristina for allowing me to re-post this:

Great Rules To Buying from a Breeder

From a Pit Bull Breeder Site:

If you must buy from a breeder, here's some things to watch out for. If the Pit Bull breeder you are looking at does not have at least 9 out of the following 10 criteria firmly in place, run away as fast as you can.

*Are "Into" Dogs. In other words they actually do something with their dogs. They don't have them tied up or has house pets.

*Their dogs are show dogs, sport dogs, etc... and they have titles to prove it. Pups' pedigrees are filled with dogs who have obtained show titles/working certificates; never breeds dogs without "papers"

*Supports Pit Bull rescue. What? They actually care about the breed? Yes. If they don't support rescue directly or the idea of rescue. They need to really look at why they are breeding.

*Knowledgeable about every aspect of breed, including health issues/defects; they research genetics and health issues when choosing their breedings.

*Offer continued help with their dogs. If you have a question, you should be able to pick up the phone or sign online (email) and get an answer. For a very, very, very long time after you get your pup.

*Have a list of reputable references. If they can't provide you with at least 5 or 10 references, leave.

*Breedings are planned 1 to 2 years in advance and they rarely breed. Rare meaning like once every year or three.

*Only breeds proven, stable, mature dogs. Not puppies or young dogs under the age of two.

*Does all genetic testing and does not breed dogs that have not been completely tested and shown free of common defects.

*They want to meet you and your family. Not just once, but they want to get to know you.

So you see, I'm not the only one out there that believes in this philosophy. Do your homework before you buy a puppy!

Fired up

2010-04-18T11:57:00.002-07:00

In the matter of just minutes my heart broke today. Then I got angry.

Sundays, in fact weekends in general here, are very laid back. I value the time I get with my dogs and as such, I don't plan much for weekends. I know - I'm boring!

So after a leisurely morning waking up and loving on the kids, I took off in search of my favorite treat - an iced coffee - large - lots of ice - brought home to be flavored with my secret recipe of sugar free items to make it nice and tasty. I know I could brew it myself, but it's just not the same. But I digress . . .

So as I'm driving thru the neighborhood, I see a sight that just broke my heart. There he was, a man sitting in front of his house with a pen full of puppies for sale.

Now I know that it's a free country and all of that. And it is unfortunate that people have come to a point in time when they seek any means they can to make money. Including breeding their pets. But the sign of the times doesn't make this any easier to look at.

Most people think that dogs are a commodity. I suppose the over abundance of animals out there available make it seem as such. But believe me when I tell you that pets - beloved animals we live with - should not be seen as a commodity. This is the reason there are shelters and euthanasia and the need for rescue. It's a catch 22 that just isn't improving and it is the force behind our government getting involved in an area of our lives in which it should not. It's not just puppy mills that are the cause of this problem. It's the backyard breeder that is the root cause.

Yes, it's a free country - and that's why on my way back home as I drove by - I stopped. And I begged the people looking at those puppies to seek out a responsible breeder from whom to get their next beloved family member.

All puppies are cute. Poorly bred or well bred - they are all adorable. The difference is that well bred dogs ARE NOT A COMMODITY. They are planned well in advance, they are carefully raised and they are NOT put out on the front stoop with a for sale sign in front of them. They have breeders that breed for the right reasons. Those puppies don't end up in shelters because their breeders take the time to find out about the people that adopt them. Responsible breeders are there to answer questions, or even in an extreme case, to rehome those puppies that become adults if and when the need ever arises. Responsible breeders only breed for themselves and betterment of their breed. They don't breed to fulfill a market or make a few bucks on the side. Responsible breeders have jobs and lifestyles they can afford without the need to sell a few puppies to make some extra money.

And that guy on the corner? He won't be around for you or your dog in the future. He'll take your money and try to pay his next bill with it. You just got what you paid for.

Lili

2010-04-17T16:28:00.002-07:00

Samantha

2010-04-06T14:05:00.003-07:00

Sabrina

2010-04-06T14:04:00.002-07:00

Jack

2010-04-06T11:04:00.002-07:00

Zoey

2010-04-06T10:55:00.009-07:00

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T13:50:00.002-07:00

Well, I would post a picture, but my computer crashed and my files are out of reach at the moment. And that free backup service I was using - yeah, about that. Thank you Qwest for your outstanding service, as usual.

I've contacted a company to recover what they can from my old hard drive and in the mean time bought a new computer. Sigh. I'll also be researching alternate back-up methods to prevent this from happening again in the future.

The good thing is that I just bought one mean machine! Can you imagine a 1TB hard drive??? Good Lord! Plus 8MB RAM and loads of other goodies. It's fast. Hopefully it will serve me 9 years like the last computer did!

So Happy Easter wishes to everyone - despite our computer problems!

Puppy update

2010-02-21T11:25:00.003-07:00

We have boys! Three beautiful boys. Sadly we lost two puppies but I am forever grateful to Sally for doing everything possible to make this delivery the best for my dear Holly. It is always sad to lose young babies - it is the one thing as dog breeders that hurts almost as much as losing one of your older dogs to disease or age. Sally once told me that if it ever stops hurting to lose a newborn, it's time to get out of dog breeding - and she's right. It's like a piece of your heart goes with that baby to the bridge - but you know you'll get it back when you pass on to your afterlife and you are reunited with your babies. It still doesn't make it any easier.

So boys! Lovely, perfectly marked boys! Three of them from which I can choose. This boy is an important element to my breeding program because of his pedigree. And I can't believe I have three perfect babies from which I can pick! I am blessed! I can not wait to see them, and I am planning my trip to Michigan to do just that! I simply can not wait to see them move - it should be beautiful!

There they are up above - no names yet - still thinking about that. So for now, just enjoy the picture of CH Rush x CH Holly baby boys!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T21:43:00.002-07:00

Puppy News!

2010-01-23T19:56:00.004-07:00

Hopefully I don't jinx this but while I lay here recovering from yet another cold, I have news of the pitter-patter of little paws on the horizon! Today Sally called me to tell me that Holly - CH WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys - had a pre-delivery xray and there are five babies in there!

Holly has been living in Michigan for some time now with Sally and the S'Dandi crew. The last time she was bred, sadly it didn't take - I think that secretly Holly just loves Sally's home cookin' and decided she wanted to stay even LONGER so she didn't have any babies. But this time around Sally timed the breedings perfectly and we are keeping our fingers and toes crossed for a smooth delivery!

Holly is Magic's full litter sister and he sends his best to his sis! Oh and he says, I have a champion kid already that is a Best Puppy In Specialty Show winner - let's see what ya got!

Holly is shown above finishing her championship with Sally in Traverse City, MI

I know there's a cookie in here . . .

2009-12-28T20:47:00.003-07:00

Thank you God for putting these lovely puppies into my life at the right time.

Rest In Peace My Little Sweet Pea

2009-12-14T18:25:00.004-07:00

I lost a piece of my heart today.

Reeves had been declining at a faster rate lately it seemed. This weekend I knew it was his time and my little sweet pea fell asleep for the last time in his little bed just after midnight. Before I went to sleep at 12:30am I held him close, hugged and kissed him one last time and told him I would miss him forever and that it was okay to run to the bridge. When the radio went off this morning the song playing was "Stairway To Heaven." I knew before I even checked, at that moment, my little boy Reeves was gone. And he had moved on ahead.

Another breeder once said - No matter how long, it's never long enough. No truer words were ever spoken.

I will miss you Reeves. I will always love you with all my heart. But I know now that you dance at the bridge with your best friends Gizmo and Crystal. Please be there waiting for me when my time comes.

My little sweet pea - rest in peace.
1/4/93 - 12/14/09

How was your weekend?

2009-11-30T17:47:00.005-07:00

For Thanksgiving weekend Magic & I went to Yuma to spend a few days at a dog show. Magic came home proudly with his AKC championship! He finished his title on Sunday with his third major win and many adoring fans ringside. He turns heads wherever he goes it seems. Some of the adjectives this weekend from fans and judges - beautiful, gorgeous, stunning, correct and amazing! Yes, he decided to not just walk, but STRUT his stuff all over the show ring!

Thank you to Sandra "Goose" Allen for awarding a second major to Magic and to Margo Klingler for Magic's third and title-completing major win!

Magic is the first dog I owner/handled completely from the bred by exhibitor class from start to finish and as such I will be awarded a special medallion for this achievement by AKC. This title is very important to me. Magic is my seventh overall finished AKC champion Shih Tzu and my fifth home-bred champion.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend - we sure did!

This made me smile

2009-11-10T21:24:00.003-07:00

I had kind of a crummy day today - it wasn't the total disaster kind of day - it was just one of those days where no matter what I did I couldn't get anything done and more stuff got piled on. And of course everyone wants everything NOW. Plus there was another personal drama going on that just didn't help. But home I came to wonderful pictures of Jack - he's such a pretty puppy. Doesn't he just look great? His cute little face made me smile!

There's snow in Colorado!

2009-10-27T19:21:00.005-07:00

And Lili loves it!!

Samantha and Sabrina

2009-10-15T22:45:00.002-07:00

Here are my girls!

This litter was a repeat breeding of

Tuxedo - BPISS CH WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails.

Jack's doing great!

2009-10-09T20:36:00.001-07:00

Jack is settling in with his new family nicely! Here he is with Bella. Aren't they sweet?

Lili says . . .

2009-09-28T22:25:00.001-07:00

. . . I need MORE toys! :)

Jack and his new family

2009-09-17T22:01:00.003-07:00

Jack lives with his family not far from us in the greater Phoenix area.

He has a new big brother too! Jack and Milo are becoming great pals! You'll notice Jack's tail is one big blur - I think he's happy with his new family!

Lili and her new family

2009-09-17T21:54:00.002-07:00

Lili now resides in the greater Denver area.

Doesn't this face . . .

2009-09-17T21:50:00.002-07:00

. . . just melt your heart???

A sucker born every minute!

2009-09-12T15:15:00.004-07:00

Some people are really stupid. There, I've said it. Does that piss you off? Oh well.

I'll tell you what pisses me off. When I see these so called "breeders" pimping out their puppies on the internet with catchy phrases, glitzy websites and puppies next to soda cans, remote controls and packs of cigarettes. But the one I've seen today just takes the cake!

Website - page 1 -
"Home to the ORIGINAL "designer" themed Shih Tzu website. (Don't be fooled by others!)"

Eh GADS! How stupid are the people that read this, go further and buy a dog from this person??

This one I loved - on the list of what she provides with all puppies -
"Pedigrees of parents if available". IF AVAILABLE??? You have GOT to be kidding me?? People are giving this girl THOUSANDS of dollars for dogs and she can't even produce a pedigree?

She also says she genetically tests her dogs - big deal. What is she testing FOR? She doesn't exactly say, but she justifies her prices because breeding is SO expensive. She doesn't SHOW her dogs, hell, she can't even produce a pedigree all the time - what is she spending the money on? Toys, potty pads, genetic testing, snuggly beds, blankys, playpens, nursery necessities, advertisements, emergency c-sections, and of course HER TIME. Here's a newsflash folks - capital expenses like toys, pens, "snuggly beds", "blankys" - with proper care, they last a long time! Shih Tzu aren't in general destructive to these items. Her expense of c-sections - well hell's bells - if she wasn't breeding bitches below standard size, in general she wouldn't need to section them. Oh, and her TIME - my advice would be to GET A JOB! I will admit that vet bills are expensive - but my thought on that is that if you can't afford to pay for the medical care necessary for your dogs, then DON'T BUY OR KEEP ANY MORE - and certainly, don't breed them to pay the bills!

If one chooses to breed dogs and it is done with purpose - correctly - one will loose money. Get over it.

If you have bought a dog from this lady - you have been TAKEN! Some people are really stupid!

I've got to go get my blood pressure under control.

This is pretty cool!

2009-09-11T22:34:00.004-07:00

We're exhausted!

2009-08-09T16:53:00.004-07:00

Today the puppies went for a photo shoot. What a day! I can't wait to see the results! But we are SSOOOOO tired! At least I am - the puppies are running around here getting into stuff because THEY got to sleep on the hour ride home! Mom on the other hand - well, let's just say I could use a nap. No rest for the weary though - I have to head to the store before the pharmacy closes to pick up Reeves' refill on pain meds. The old guy is still kickin'!

As soon as I get the first draft of pictures - I'll put something up. They will be adorable!

Violet and her puppies - 7/25/9

2009-07-25T22:18:00.001-07:00

Playtime with mom!

Do You Believe In Magic?

2009-07-19T15:35:00.004-07:00

Well, here is my pick puppy - no, they aren't eight weeks old yet, only six, but I've made a choice - subject to change but probably not.

Introducing Samantha - WoTeH'sin Do You Believe In Magic?

All I can say is C U T E!!

All the puppies are doing very, very well. They are all eating hard food and drinking from their water bottle. They play like banshees now. They are LOUD and getting L O U D E R every day! Their momma Violet makes a few trips into the nest still to nurse them a little, but she's pretty tired of their teeth!

Puppies are so much fun. I spend way too much time watching them every day. They grow up SO fast!

Puppy update

2009-07-04T15:09:00.003-07:00

The babies will be four weeks old on Monday. Time really flies! They are now interacting with each other quite a bit. They still sleep a lot and they are most active in the morning when they wake up. I'll be starting them on mush this week - puppy food that has been soaked in water with baby rice in it too. As their teeth come in, they will transition to regular puppy food.

Here they are earlier today - at least the girls. The boy was snoozing on the other side of Violet.

They are such content and pretty babies! Violet and Magic did a great job again!

Three weeks old!

2009-06-28T21:37:00.005-07:00

It's hard to believe but the puppies are three weeks old! They are all doing great - all eating well and FAT! The little boy is a little piggie! He LOVES to eat! Momma Violet feeds them in shifts so she's doing a great job with motherhood. And Magic sticks his nose up to the crate every so often to see what's going on - he's not sure what those things are but he sure seems to think he did something special! :)

I've not figured out any names for these little ones - just the nicknames to keep the girls straight that I came up with when they were born. Horseshoe Girl, Perfect Girl, and Comb-Over Girl. If you look at their markings you can pretty much guess why they have those names. Oh, and the boy is just Big Boy. And he's the biggest one in the picture to the far right.

All eyes have been open a week or so and now the puppies are starting to actually get up and toddle around. They'll start playing with each other probably this week. That's when they are just the cutest!

More pictures next week!

Breaking News!!

2009-06-08T12:52:00.005-07:00

WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu is thrilled to welcome into the world our newest litter of babies - 3 girls and 1 boy. Proud parents are Violet (WoTeH'sin Booty-N-Charm) and Magic (Intl CH WoTeH'sin Smoke And Mirrors). Here they are at less than 6 hours old having their lunch!

This is a repeat breeding of our little guy Tuxedo, BPISS CH WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails, who went Best Puppy at the Metropolitan Atlanta Shih Tzu Fanciers Specialty preceding the Nationals in 2007. Tuxedo is owned by Sally Watkeys of Traverse City, Michigan and since Tuxedo was a singleton puppy, we decided to repeat the litter hoping lightning would strike twice! We've not had a litter since Tuxedo was born and I am so excited I could just burst!

Momma and babies are doing great! The puppies are all striking black & whites with beautiful markings! I hope to have one make it onto the mats in 2010! Daddy Magic needs only a major to finish his AKC title in limited showing, so he better hurry up! I don't want to keep two dogs in coat!

Foundations of a Successful Dog Breeder

2009-06-06T22:15:00.004-07:00

These axioms are reflections of the temptations we face on a daily basis as dog breeders. If one were to make a similar list for any human endeavor, I doubt it would differ much from what I have listed. I think this list is one that we should all review from time to time, for it requires maturity and self-confidence to master-something we all should continue to hone throughout our lives. The ultimate payoff is the ability to succeed in and to enjoy our dog breeding careers.

I - ENJOY YOUR DOGS
The primary reason anyone becomes involved with dog breeding and showing is a fundamental love of dogs. We treasure the companionship, the never failing loyalty, the delight they exude. We love to have them on our beds. Their eagerness to face the new day, even when we wake them up at dreadful hours, provides us a wonderment that brings back the exuberance of childhood. They forgive us when we lose our temper, when we are impatient, when we are far less than they are. They bring out the best of ourselves, they nurture the "big" us. Unfortunately, dog breeding and exhibiting can tempt our "little" selves. It can feed a fragile ego until it becomes a raging ego. Often, this need to feel we are better than our fellow man is expressed in our possessions. We need to have the biggest winner, the producer of the most champions, the most champion puppies. We buy, we co-own, we collect.

Soon we have no time for dog pleasures, no time to play or rub a grateful belly, no time to stroke a patient brow. Soon we have no room for more dogs; we stack them and crate them and store them as though they were baubles that have no meaning but to make us feel important. We lose our ability to love. Dog showing and breeding is a great vocation. It is creative and challenging and very rewarding.

But we must never expect our hobby to take the place of a psychologist's work. We must never expect an unhealthy mental state to be cured by self-indulgence. Far too many people take to showing and breeding for the wrong reasons. Their houses go to ruin, their bank accounts evaporate, their credit hits the skids, their spouses and children are left to survive on their own as the breeder pursues their own manifestation of what they perceive to prove their self-worth.

Being a dog breeder is a huge commitment. It means we should assign ourselves the role of lifetime student. It means we will be humbled in countless ways and in countless circumstances. It means our lessons will be of the hard knock variety if we are to truly learn them. It means frustration, long hours, late nights and early mornings. It means never getting to sleep-in again.

It means finding friendships - some of which will last for a lifetime and some of which will flounder, being built on social advantage. It means being quoted and misquoted and having words put in your mouth. It means being given ample opportunity to be as "small" as a human being can be. But, hopefully, it can provide an opportunity to learn to be "big," to be generous, inquisitive, and adventurous. We should never ask ourselves if we are envied or important or successful. Those questions are meaningless. At the end of the day, we should ask ourselves, "Am I proud of the person I've become? What we must always be are dog lovers. We must be their advocates. We must ensure the life of every dog we breed and every dog we own is fulfilled and an illustration of humanity at its best hour.

Our vanity must not be stroked by having our pictures in a magazine or seeing our name on some ranking system. Our self-worth must come from knowing we provide our dogs a life of love, of pleasure, and of happiness.

II - BREED FOR IMPROVEMENT NOT WINNERS
It is easy to become lost in the purpose of breeding quality dogs. For some, the attraction of the bright lights, the glamour and the glitz cause them to stray from the path. Developing a bloodline that is well considered and that is a positive influence for the breed takes considerable discipline. Too often, the seemingly slow and carefully orchestrated effort to improve a breed is crossed up with the immediate desire to breed that one big winner and become famous.

The breeder's pledge must be to harbor and safeguard the breed. No breed is in perfect shape when the breeder happens upon it and none shall be perfect when they leave. But to leave a breed in better shape than it was when you came upon it is the greatest compliment. To improve type, movement, temperament and health must be the bottom line for every committed breeder.

Such accomplishment takes a long-range plan that is carefully thought through. It requires dedication and purpose. All too often, we are sidetracked by our desire to breed to the latest big winner, and then to the next and the next. Before long the pedigree is a long list of "who's who" that have no relationship to each other, other than they found success in the ring. What is key to learn (and to believe) is success in the ring is not an automatic indication of the dog's true quality. We all wish one indicated the other but that is too easy. It would require the removal of human fallacy to be accomplished!

Dogs do not excel for all the same reasons. Consequently, you can't simply breed one big winner to another and produce more big winners. Every feature and their nature of inheritance must be studied and understood before you can "manage" the inheritance variables. Once you gain this skill, you are on the road to producing a great line of winners.

III - TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE
The breeding of fine purebred dogs should be considered the pursuit of perfection - it is not the maintenance of it. All dogs have faults, all dogs are less than ideal in some ways and areas. If not, the "ideal" has not been well enough conceived. It is very easy to fall into the trap of being defensive about one's own dogs. This usually happens because what we assume to be correct is challenged by another as being less so.

This disharmony causes confusion in our mind and ultimately unhappiness. To right ourselves, we often become defensive and try to rid ourselves of that which is causing us the discomfort - namely the opinion that does not complement our own.

We must realize that "truth" is the ultimate standard by which our decisions should be made. In most cases, a roached back is a roached back, whether we choose to recognize it as such or not. Consequently, the best way for us to not be put into a position of being unhappily surprised is to pursue knowledge relentlessly to ensure our opinion is as accurate and close to the "truth" as possible.

This knowledge is gained in many ways, one of which is learning from fellow breeders. We must fight the urge to make up our minds about something and refuse to consider another viewpoint. Indeed, we do not make decisions based on facts when we are first learning, we are depending upon what we perceive to be the expertise of others to provide that for us. If that so-called expertise is, in fact, faulty, our whole knowledge base is called into question. And that causes us great anxiety.

The best place to sit is in the seat of the knowledge seeker. Whenever provided with an opinion that is different than the one you currently hold, always seek to under-stand the viewpoint of the other. Why does the person perceive something differently than you? Understanding another's point of view can be the road to greater knowledge. If you shut that door and do not entertain the prospect of learning something different than what you think is truth you will never actually recognize the truth and you will not succeed in your goal.

Quite honestly, you should be more critical of your dogs than anyone else could possibly be. That is not to say you should attribute faults to your dogs they do not possess, but your evaluation must be as detailed as possible and you must strive to see clearly their true faults and virtues. From this comes the map to success.

IV - DEAL WITH OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DEAL WITH YOU
Sounds a bit like the golden rule that we learn in childhood. Yet it is amazing how many people forget this very important axiom. In dealing with others, regardless of the matter, think always of the other person's position. I have heard repeatedly, people state how they were burned in a co-ownership agreement. All too often the agreement is geared toward benefiting one party (often the seller) over another. Written agreements somehow are tainted as being only needed in a contentious situation. This is the first misconception. Not having a written agreement should be the very rare exception, not the reverse. Too often, should a worthwhile puppy be produced from one of these undefined arrangements, the fight is on for possession. Before contemplating selling a dog on a co-ownership or leasing it or offering stud service for a puppy back, you should think through what exactly you expect and desire from such an arrangement. Too often, these business dealings occur in the spur of the moment during a telephone conversation, and the deal is struck before either party has really had an opportunity to think it through. For some reason, rather than rethinking the situation, we tend to try to follow through on such an ill-conceived arrangement only to end up bitter enemies in the end. If people would stop and think about the likely end result, they would realize the best possible thing to protect the friendship is to have a written understanding.

It is very rare a litter is going to have more than one star if any at all. Consequently, it is important to under-stand who is going to own that super puppy, should it appear. People are too willing to tear apart relationships should one person seem to benefit a bit more than another. This is too sad and is reflective of the self-benefit motivation that all too many find as the driving force for their actions. When pressed, it is far better to give than to receive.

It is far better to let the other seemingly benefit than to destroy a relationship and acquire the reputation of being disreputable and self centered, if for no other reason than it makes you grow as a human being, which is probably a fair trade off in the long run.

V - BY GIVING YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
Another pitfall breeders often experience is the inability to celebrate others' successes. While certainly we feel the route we are taking is the best way to approach that utopian plateau of breed perfection, there are actually many routes to that same goal. It takes nothing at all away from our own accomplishments to recognize the accomplished efforts of other breeders.

This inability and unwillingness to appreciate other's efforts usually comes from having made a decision not to breed to certain bloodlines or deal with certain persons. When such a kennel then produces a success, it is difficult for us to acknowledge such an achievement for we tend to find that inconsistent with our opinion of that particular person or family of dogs. It takes quite an honest and secure person to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

While it is probably good advice to hold our criticisms closer to our chest, recognizing another's achievement only brings good things. By being someone who can see the virtues in breeding lines other than your own, you gain a reputation of fair-ness and objectivity that is a very rare pearl in dogdom. You may find, over time, your point of view and your philosophies are taken with much greater weight when others do not perceive them to have originated in a mind consumed with self-aggrandizement. Thus, by doing so you lose nothing and yet you gain so very much.

VI - MAKE USE OF OTHERS' ACHIEVEMENTS
One of the worst situations a breeder can find her/himself in is to partition themselves off from another kennel or bloodline. It is highly unlikely that all improvements toward the perfection of a breed are going to come from one single kennel or bloodline. Like flowers in the field, they will spring up in various places. The clever breeder is the one who knows how to pick from all the field those who will make the ultimate, sublime bouquet. And to do this, you must be able to use the strengths of other kennels and bloodlines. Breeders will tend to have certain biases; andquite honestly, there are certain strengths and weaknesses in most bloodlines. While you may feel you have achieved the highest ground in certain areas, there will doubtless be other areas in which your dogs and bloodlines are less strong than others. Not to recognize this fact is to ensure you will plateau quite early in your breeding career. And by that I mean you will stabilize and go no further. You must always keep a watchful eye for that very special bloom that will enhance your bouquet.

It is this sophisticated combining of families without losing the good points of your own bloodline that strengthen a kennel and move it forward in breed importance. It takes careful consideration, orchestration and pruning to come to fruition.

- Author unknown

4

2009-06-06T12:48:00.002-07:00

That's how many puppies Violet has in that little belly of hers! They all look to be fairly uniform in size - we're hoping for a smooth delivery sometime later next week!

Fingers crossed!

Puppies - puppies!

2009-05-31T19:26:00.002-07:00

We definitely have some puppies on the way! Violet is as big as a house and she still has about 10 days to go! She's so big she mostly lays on her back to sleep at night.

Today I can just about feel some slight movement in there. It so exciting! This is the first litter here in about two years - and it's a repeat of the singleton litter that was BPISS CH WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails, aka "Tuxedo".

Dang, I can't wait to see these puppies! Please let there be a beautiful little girl in there for me!

Reeves update

2009-05-31T19:20:00.002-07:00

Well, Reeves is doing great these days! I've tinkered with his pain meds and increased the dosage a smidge and he's doing great! He's eating everything he's served daily and he's alert as he lies in his bed for a good portion of the time I'm home. He even found his way into the group food dish the other night about an hour after I had spoon fed him his dinner (and he ate it all up)! Just amazing. When I get him up on the table to feed him, he perks right up and can smell the wonderful smells of what he's about to dine on - usually warm chicken meat mixed with wetted down food, some cheese (so I can get his pill down) and a smidge of peanut butter for desert!

So every day is a gift - and I'm blessed that my little guy is hangin' in there.

Getting Old Sucks

2009-05-10T21:47:00.004-07:00

Sixteen years ago a decided I wanted to get a playmate for my dog Gizmo. Gizmo was about 1-1/2 and she was a Shih Tzu-Lhasa Apso mix. Today she would be called some kind of designer name, probably a Shih Apso or Lhazu or something trendy. I just called her a mutt. But Gizmo was such a great little dog and she was very active and I decided, much to my then fiance's dismay, that Gizmo needed a playmate. I was travelling a lot and Michael was working and going to school, and Gizmo spent many of her days alone baby gated in the kitchen. It seemed to me unfair when a little buddy could make her days a bit brighter.

I had gotten Gizmo as a referral from a veterinarian I had met that knew of someone that owned Gizmo who thought she was just a bit too active. So I guess in hindsight, that was a good way to find a dog. The vet knew her history and knew the people that bred her and knew they just wanted her to go to a home that would love her and be able to take care of her. Michael and I fit the bill on that one. But when it came to Reeves, being the normal pet buyer, I went to what I would now term a backyard breeder. I remember it was a sunny day in May when I pulled into this lady's front yard. There she was under a big shade tree with a puppy pen just brimming with black and white little puppies. They were all so tiny, except for one big ol' goofy looking dog that had a zest for life it seemed. The lady and I talked about prices and I asked about the big goofy looking dog. She said that he was the last one from his litter - the pick of the litter she said. He was five months old but she hadn't been able to find a home for him yet. In retrospect, that pick of the litter line was garbage. This poor little guy was still there because he was the homeliest Shih Tzu I had ever seen during the course of what little research I had done. But he was just the happiest little guy and was bouncing around like crazy. I picked him up and asked his price and the lady hemmed and hawed and said, well he was the pick of his litter, but because he's so much older than the rest of the puppies (which were all between 4 and 8 weeks old), she would let him go for $100. I paid the lady and left with Reeves and never looked back.

Gizmo and Reeves were like peanut butter and jelly. They hit it off immediately! They played and played until finally they would collapse together and pass out from sheer exhaustion! The loved one another and formed a very special bond. It was because of them that I decided to get further involved in dogs.

Eventually Michael left the picture and I was on my own again, but I had custody of the kids. Michael never did like Reeves, and I'm sure that my bringing Reeves home when Michael and I were in the middle of a power struggle over finances, well , that didn't sit well with Michael. But I'll tell you what, I don't regret for a minute that I brought home this little dog that warm, sunny, Spring day in May. I remember the ride home - Reeves was terrified. But once he got to the house and met his sister Gizmo, all was right with the world.

Now, 16 years later, Gizmo is gone. She has been for about seven years now. I miss her and so does Reeves. Loosing your first one is always hard. But I had Reeves to hold on to. And then there was the rest of the crew here too. As I got involved with showing, my family grew. But now, Reeves is nearing his time. It's so hard to watch him deteriorate in front of my eyes. I cry everyday after I feed him and love on him. He's in extreme pain daily now due to his bad hips and awful topline. His structure was awful from the day he was born because his breeder wasn't breeding for structure. And now he is paying the price. His poor little hips hurt him terribly. Even with heavy pain medication, he cries when he moves lately. His walk is slow. He has lost his hearing and his eyesight, but he maneuvers through the house pretty well. He still finds the doggie door on some days. And the days he doesn't I don't really care. I am his servant, and I gladly serve him. He gets special meals spoon fed twice daily. We have our ritual of feeding, drinking, medication, eye drops and vitamins. He loves his yogurt and his peanut butter. The other dogs stand around begging and whining. And Reeves is up on the table in his little bed getting spoon fed his last meals. I can't even pick him up anymore as he cries out in pain. I have to lift him up by the sides of his little bed and put him on the table to feed and love him. Although they are painful days for both of us, I am grateful for these remaining days as they are gifts from God. But Gizmo is waiting at the bridge with Crystal right there beside her, both of my girls waiting for their little goofy buddy to dance again with them, joyfully playing without pain.

I love you baby boy. With all my heart. You will let me know when it is time. Until then I give you everything I can to make your days easier. I wish I could make you young again and hold you in my arms when I tell you I love you. I pray your final moments are peaceful and I hope you know how much I love you.

Shown above is my little sweet pea Reeves, resting in his little bed which is right next to my chair in the dog room.

They have a website - they MUST be ethical!

2009-05-03T17:59:00.004-07:00

I found this posted on a "breeder's" website recently:

10 Rules of Ethical Breeding

1) The only reason to be breeding purebred dogs is to preserve the best qualities of the breed. Breeding to supply any market is not a justification.
2) You need to do all of your breeding with the best interests of the breed in mind. Never your pocket book.
3) For this you need to be a serious student of the breed and devote years of your life to it. No "in one day, out the other".
4) As a beginner you need to engross yourself in the breed as much as possible and ideally find a suitable mentor.
5) In order to be a serious breeder, you must show and compete.
6) You need to keep track of all puppies you produce, whether pet or show, to know how your breeding program is working.
7) All pet dogs need to go on a spay/neuter contract.
8) All show puppies need to go on a contract that will not allow breeding unless the dog lives up to the quality intended and passes all health checks and certification necessary for that breed. If a prospective breeder does not want to do this, then I am sorry but they will have to mess with someone else's dogs not mine!!
Co-ownerships allow you a certain amount of control in this regard because they require your signature in order that puppies be registered. The latest news from the AKC is that there is a pending change to the rules that will not allow registration unless all papers are properly signed. If you have a difference with your co-owner it will need to be settled in court before the AKC will register litters or puppies. This is new and still pending, but a step in the right direction.
9) Every breeder owes to the breed and to themselves to be involved with rescue.
10) Every breeder should be prepared to take any dog back for whatever reason. If they do not have the space, then they need to be prepared to make other arrangements. But take back they must!

So if a person posts this on their website, does that make them ethical? Even when they themselves don't abide by over half of the items listed? Even when they don't show? Even when they purposefully breed substandard Tzu that don't meet the weight standard as outlined in the breed standard set forth by the AKC parent club? Even when they've only been experts for less than a couple of years? Even when they tout all of the AKC champions in the pedigrees of their "kids" but have NEVER set foot in a show ring, let alone titled a dog they themselves bred? Even when they don't rescue? Even when they will sell dogs for breeding purposes if the price is right without some type of ongoing relationship - i.e. having the dog complete a title? Even when they charge more money for "rare" colors when our breed standard says all colors are permissible meaning there are no RARE colors?

And when it comes to puppy prices, why are some more expensive than others? The price for a puppy should be the same no matter the color or sex.

WAKE UP FOLKS AND SMELL THE JAVA! Just because someone links to something or prints something on their website that eludes to ethics, it doesn't mean that they walk the walk!

ALL puppies are cute! Don't let your desire to find a cute puppy let you fall for the lies that are out there. A website does not make a person ethical. Count how many girls they have that are of breeding age - brood bitches - suppliers of their cash crop. Doesn't matter if they own or co-own them. More importantly - count how many puppies they have listed. Track this info for some time and you'll know EXACTLY what you are dealing with. Add up the money. Why does anyone that doesn't show their dogs need five litters of puppies on the ground at any one time? WHY? Well, let's see - let's say that totals 10 to 15 puppies at $1000 each and then you'll have an idea why. Especially when the don't have real jobs or their commissioned sales job has hit the skids lately.

Ethical breeders breed to improve the dogs that they have with every litter. They breed to improve on faults, to maintain good health, to maintain good temperament. Ethical breeders study pedigrees and can tell you why they bred their girl to the chosen sire. Usually they've gone to great lengths to find the right stud dog. They may have him in their house but if so, that dog's pedigree took some time to develop in order for him to remain in that house to be used on any of the girls that are there. He's not there because of his size or his color. Ethical breeders don't care what color is selling and they don't advertise mochas, chocolates, lattes and all those made up colors that make you pay more money. AKC says that Shih Tzu come in Gold/White, Gold, Black, Black/White, Silver, Silver/White, Brindle, Brindle/White, Red, Red/White, Blue, Blue/White, Liver and Liver/White. Some of these colors may have a black mask. That's IT! Don't fall for what the posers are trying to shove down your throat to make them sound like they have a quality dog.

Ethical breeders would rather pass on breeding a litter than overwhelming their household with puppies. An ethical breeder knows their limitations and they know what they need to do in order to give each puppy born the best possible care in their house. Ethical breeders will breed with intent, with purpose to improve the dogs, not the balance in their checkbooks.

As a puppy buyer, ask the right questions. If you don't get the right answers - MOVE ON.

You don't want a show dog right? So it doesn't matter, right? WRONG! Even the best pedigrees put together may result in not one single puppy finishing a title. But I guarantee you that out of every litter that an ethical breeder breeds, they will hold back a puppy for themselves to watch grow up before they make a final decision on the show worthiness of that puppy. Sometimes they will watch more than one.

Puppy buyers need to understand that THEY TOO DESERVE a well bred animal for their hard earned money.

Good breeders don't advertise their puppies on a website with cute little themes for each litter or catchy names or with the poor puppy next to a soda can to show off their size. Good breeders aren't going to advertise puppy galleries or notate a puppy with "puppy A", "puppy B", etc. Good breeders make you wait for the next litter because they don't breed to fulfill a market, they breed for themselves. Good, ethical breeders don't have puppies just waiting for you. Ask a breeder when their last litter was and how many litters they've bred in the past year, in the past two years, in the past five years. Then ask how many champions they've bred and/or finished. Out of their last litter, how many were shown, how many finished? Ask who their mentor is and check them out too. If you have half a brain, you'll know when things don't add up.

Most importantly, plan ahead and find a breeder that cares. Don't wake up one day bound and determined to bring home a puppy by the end of the week. Take your time. Look at what is out there and use your head. You will be grateful you did.

Reinventing one's self

2009-04-19T22:19:00.003-07:00

Now I know that there are people out there that reinvent themselves to keep their images fresh because in their line of work, it's crucial. Say show business - think Madonna. But in the dog world when someone reinvents themselves, doesn't it make you wonder? I mean REALLY wonder?

A while back I wrote this post about a particular person that was hawking imperials on her website. Her website would have led someone to believe that she had been breeding and showing Shih Tzu all her life, when in actuality she had only just happened into the breed when her day job started going down hill - think real estate. What better way to make money than pump out puppies, right?

So it's bad enough that she's trying to pass herself off as knowing anything about the breed. But now, she's reinventing herself. Her website now points to a new "improved" website with a flashy new name. Many of the dogs are the same with a smattering of new canine flesh mixed in to make you wonder how many dogs can one go through in the course of a couple of years? Bred 'em, place 'em and forget 'em.

Sigh. I think I'll go hug my 16 year old that's costing me a fortune at the vet. While I'm at it, I think I'll also round up the krew and have a group hug.

While I'd like to place an adult or two, usually they end up staying unless the most absolute perfect home happens along. They're not advertised on my blog or a website with a price tag on them. Nor are my puppies. When you breed for yourself, you find the numbers manageable enough and you don't have to stoop to puppy mill tactics to sell your puppies or adults.

Ethics - make sure your breeder has 'em before you commit to YOUR next dog.

Anticipation!

2009-04-01T20:58:00.006-07:00

It's been a while since we've heard the pitter-patter of little paws around here! Specifically, my last litter was a singleton puppy born in 2007 (that turned out to be something pretty spectacular). Tuxedo was Best Puppy In Show at the Greater Atlanta Shih Tzu Specialty that proceeded the Nationals last year! I thought then, and I still think, that was pretty AWESOME! Thank you again, Sally, for believing in me, my breeding program and that special little boy!

Well as luck would have it - I finally have an opportunity to repeat that breeding! Violet is cooperating and I'm sure Magic will when called upon! :) Now all it has to do is take!

So if all goes well, and I hope I'm not jinxing it, we should have cute little black & white puppies in June!

Now, as if that wasn't enough to be happy about, my little Holly is also in season! I've been able to work out the logistics and Holly will be bred as well.

I've been planning these two litters for well over a year now. It's been a rocky road to get to this point too. I won't go into details, but let's just say that I didn't think I'd be able to breed either girl! It figures both would come in at the same time! But I've been blessed to be able to work out the details. And I'm very excited!

Pictures of course will be posted here for bragging purposes!!

Pictured above is Violet (WoTeH'sin Booty-N-Charm) with her singleton son Tuxedo (CH WoTeH'sin S'Dandi Black Tie-N-Tails).

Speaking of dog shows . . .

2009-04-01T20:38:00.003-07:00

Magic continues to creep on towards his championship title, in spite of me! He now has 11 points, and only needs one major to finish. This is the most frustrating part of showing dogs - searching out majors. And who knows - Magic may end up somewhere else in the country sometime this year. :) That's the beauty of owner handling - you can take your time, you can change things up, you can show 'em yourself or you can send them out.

Keeping my fingers crossed!

The kindness of strangers

2009-04-01T20:35:00.001-07:00

A belated post, but none the less from my heart - thank you to those of you that helped me recently at the show in Tucson. You know who you are! If it weren't for your kindness and help, I'm not sure how my weekend would have ended.

Thank you!

The Shih Tzu Reporter - Winter '08 - Mrs. Janis Clary McGee

2009-01-06T21:56:00.006-07:00

Paying It Forward
Nancy Manelski
WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu

Levels of excellence. Now there's a twisted phrase. I mean really, isn't excellent just simply excellent? I suppose if one merely sees in black and white, then yes, that's all there is. But I dream in color and so there is a gradient always before me.

One of the things in my life that has really hit me lately is giving back. I make charitable donations just like the next guy but I'm talking about really giving back.

I work for an ESOP (employee stock owned) company. This ownership culture has really opened my eyes to many things. The culture of ownership encourages excellence. The better we are at turning a profit, the more our stock is worth at the end of the year. We merely rely on ourselves for our stock value and only we benefit from it - in other words while the S&P and Dow have seen frightening losses lately, our stock was up 54% this year. Simple concepts really, but these concepts have more impact when improved daily work habits result in more for your future. And in times like they are now economically, I'm happy to say that our work ethic is helping us weather the storm. But even more important is that our success as a company allows us to contribute to those less fortunate with greater impact. Collectively we not only excel professionally, but we make a strong charitable difference as well. We choose to contribute to children almost exclusively. Why? Because helping and mentoring kids, and those that work with kids, gives us as well as our community such a huge return on our investment.

So how does this relate to Shih Tzu? Glad you asked! You see we who breed hopefully do so with a goal of improvement. The way we determine the quality of what we breed is through showing our dogs. Some of us out there do it as a hobby; some do this as a business.

Today we live in a powerful age where information technology grants us the ability to learn more than ever before. Google the words Shih and Tzu and you will see what I mean. We've all seen the web sites about puppy mills and animals waiting for adoption in shelters around the world. I've shed more than a few tears viewing these sites. But what hurts the most is the trail of breadcrumbs that leads to someone that breeds, shows and eventually sells a champion to another party where that party is less than scrupulous in the future propagation of that purchased pedigree. Sure, the novice needs a chance, but what they need more than a pedigree are mentors, not free will to breed your hard earned pedigree to anyone that has a fist full of dollars.

Due diligence is key of course. And there are plenty of transactions done between responsible breeders that are win-win situations. But what I think is most important is having a potential new breeder prove their worth as a potential owner in the future of our breed. Their own little job interview, if you will. This should take months, if not more, of conversation, consultation and proving one's worth. We've all seen the experts that appear overnight and then disappear shortly thereafter. And if someone isn't careful this newfound savant will usually disappear with an intact dog or bitch with free reign to breed. This is typically done under the guise of being serious about getting into dogs.

Does that champion you just titled deserve to live in an environment where they are seen strictly as a puppy producer? Does it matter to you? It should. Why? Because your hard work resulted in nothing really for the breed except another breeder propagating puppies without regard for the standard or without the goal of improvement. And that doesn't help our "company's" stock in general go up in value. It lines the pockets of someone that really doesn't care about anything other than the balance in their checkbook. They don't care about giving back or paying anything forward. They do us as a "company" more harm than good.

Instead of selling that titled dog to a breeding home, shouldn't you consider taking credit where credit is due, altering the dog or bitch and placing it in a pet home? After all, you have better in your house that you are keeping. If someone is truly interested in learning about the breed and breeding better dogs, wouldn't your time and pedigrees be better served by mentoring that person and then allowing them to use your stock on a limited basis under a written contract where you control the outcome? You took the time to title that dog. Now take the time to evaluate and honor its worth to the breed. If you have better in your house, should your second best be out there producing puppies for someone that doesn't care as much as you did in the first place?

If someone is truly interested in the breed, in learning and paying back, they will be patient enough to work with you if you are willing to give them the time. Rather than sell a dog, encourage participation. Mentor them. Teach them coat care. Direct them to conformation classes even if it is with a pet quality dog so they can LEARN. Instead of selling them a finished champion, have them assist. Have them handle a dog of yours under your guidance and let them feel the thrill of winning and accomplishing something. Trade work for ownership. Teach them about the pedigrees you have and how to breed them wisely. At least then you will understand their desire to learn, compete, win and improve. You will instill in them the hunt for excellence! Remember lessons taught are better than experiences bought. So make your hard work mean something to the future of our breed. I guarantee you that the person you make prove their worth within this breed will mean far more to you AND the breed than the person to whom you sell your second best so they can breed their next litter.

As I step off my soapbox, I am pleased to introduce you to AKC judge # 20341, Mrs. Janis Clary McGee.

NM: How did you become involved in the sport of dogs?
JCM: In 1983, a beautiful little Shih Tzu named Tzusie, a gift from my husband, Don, led to my entrée into the sport of dogs. We chose to breed her to a lovely Champion dog and his owners encouraged me to become involved in the sport.

NM: What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?
JCM: The first breed owned and bred by me was Cocker Spaniels through the 1970’s. Since my marriage in 1983 and the gift of Tzusie, it has been a love affair of owning, showing and breeding Shih Tzu.

NM: Why did you originally decide to breed and/or judge Shih Tzu?
JCM: It was truly a challenge to me to breed a better dog. Though my Tzusie seemed oh so perfect to me, many people challenged the fact that she hadn’t much of a pedigree. I did spay her after the one litter. It must be said, however, that her daughter, Saki, went on to earn her R.O.M. (Register of Merit) through line breeding. Saki earned that title from only two litters (a total of eight puppies) – one champion from her first litter and three from her second litter. She was spayed at the age of seven years and went on to live a healthy and happy life to the ripe old age of seventeen years and nine months – she was a Shih Tzu of extraordinary health and playfulness.

Jam-Ups Shih Tzu, the prefix from the nickname given me by my father, has bred and finished many dogs. While I have never been a terribly prolific ‘bunch of puppies’ top producer, I bred enough to continue showing for the last twenty years, finished many dogs that I bred, co-bred or purchased for my own purposes. I imported a beautiful girl from the U. K. and finished her as well. Of course, I have had my share of "also rans" too – not everything is meant to be a champion! The main focus for me, personally, was/is breeding a sounder dog: Dogs of sound conformation, health and temperament.

NM: Why did you decide to pursue judging?
JCM: The decision to become an AKC judge was simply a matter of natural progression. Believed to have an "eye" for a good dog – it seemed only natural to follow a path to judging by educating myself as thoroughly as possible through all the avenues available; that is practical experience, seminars, AKC Institutes and being mentored by those I felt made great contributions to the sport, as well as their respective breeds.

NM: When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?
JCM: Condition, conditioned and conditioning! Condition – picture of health – cleanliness and possessed of good conformation. Conditioned – prepared for a specific action – i.e., being shown. Conditioning – the process, or result, of inducing (the dog) to new or modified behavioral responses so that it can be judged fairly and honestly on all factors encompassed within the breed standard. All of these points are so clearly evident when an exhibit presents in the ring – the eyes clear and sparkling, the coat is clean and well groomed and the exhibit displays confidence and gaits with a fluidity born of excellent conformation married to excellent training and attitude. It is a beautiful sight to behold when this happens.

NM: Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.
JCM: The term "breed type" is today’s ‘soccer term’; while all involved in the sport of dogs kick it around, few seem to really score on the meaning. It is used and bandied about with ever increasing frequency without anyone seeming to understand exactly what it encompasses. The old adage ‘if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck’ is NOT actually applicable as some seem to believe. Breed type, by its very definition, has to be as subjective as is the job of judging itself. It cannot be defined in absolutes except as it represents a sum total of a judge’s INTERPRETATION of the specific breed standard to be applied.

It is not too terribly common to find complete agreement among judges, exhibitors/breeders and/or, for that matter, AKC Representatives as to what constitutes breed type of a specific breed. We all have choices and each see through a different set of eyes that are affected by our original breed and the experiences within that breed and/or breeding program. I, as an artist, am going to see many things that may not be seen by others. Balance is extremely important to me, but – I personally feel that breed type fully encompasses the "whole package" – the look, the feel (conformation), the movement and the attitude.

NM: Type and structure - Are they the same? Why or why not?
JCM: NO – type and structure are not the same, but each is relative to the other. If structure is poor it can, and often does, have a negative impact on the exhibit in that it can destroy the movement. It can ruin the flow of outline, particularly in profile, which is often described within the breed standard.

That said - lack of good structure does not always negate type. Occasionally an exhibit can somehow manage to use that lack of soundness so well that you cannot, in your wildest dreams, even begin to understand how in the world they do it. I have experienced it; I have seen it and I have judged it. So while type and structure are not the same, and are certainly relative each to the other, you can have one without the other on occasion.

NM: What do you look for on the table?
JCM: When an exhibit is tabled, it is my job to assess conformational soundness and evaluate through a ‘hands on’ examination the specifics as described within the breed standard. The table is my tool for discovery and the floor is the point of my ultimate decision.

NM: What do you look for in movement?
JCM: I like to see smooth, easy flowing movement with reach and drive of equal measure along with a display of level and sound top line and appropriate head carriage. I want the dog to cover good ground at the given speed without any hint of being strung up or raced around the ring. Natural speed varies in all breeds. While some dogs move at a naturally faster pace than others, it is so terribly obvious when a handler races the dog around the ring to try covering faults with speed or by stringing the dog up. How unprofessional it looks as the dogs involved either look terrified to the point of running for their life and/or when strung up, the poor little things have their front feet pulled off the ground. Both things are surely less than complimentary to the handler and the dog!

NM: Health, Conformation, Temperament - What do you feel is the order of importance and why?
JCM: All of these factors are of equal importance and somewhat interdependent. Health would include the musculature and skeletal structure of the dog and, therefore, becomes relative to the overall soundness. If a dog suffers any discomfort due to some deviation not fully evident it would, in turn, affect temperament. Though such flaws are not always evident in a young dog, it will be precipitate for the future of any breeder who fails to recognize a problem in its infancy and to take appropriate and responsible steps to correct the issue.

NM: If you could address someone just coming into the sport of dogs, specifically conformation and Shih Tzu, what advice would you give a novice?
JCM: Ah, the novice - sometimes referred to as ‘the newbie’. What a welcome addition! My advice would be fourfold:
- Talk to everyone while being terrifically discerning.
- Find a reliable, respected and respectful mentor (not necessarily a competitor) and give them you unquestionable loyalty.
- Believe in yourself; trust your instincts with regard to your dogs and the people you surround yourself with.

- Welcome diversity in dogs, pedigrees and people.

Be prepared for:
- The good – the joy of owning/breeding a great dog, the wins, the friendships built and the joy of the journey itself.
- The bad – losses (including your beloved dogs as they age), defeats in the ring and friendships that really weren’t in the first place.
- The ugly – jealousy, miscommunications and other aberrant behaviors that sometimes plague competition.

NM: In the US, the Shih Tzu is currently in the Toy group, in Canada, Non-Sporting. There is a movement by AKC to possibly move the Shih Tzu into the Non-Sporting group in US competition. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?
JCM: Welcome to the twenty-first century. All areas of life today seem cast in a global market. Group re-alignment is just one step for the AKC in a world of competition encompassing more and more registries along with more and more breed recognition. At some point there must an alignment more in tune with the globalization of the sport itself (yuck! That sounds politically terrifying!). Be it with smiles and accolades, or kicking and screaming, things must actually change in order to grow and remain competitive. My personal feelings aside, re-alignment is a truly complex issue. There are some really perplexing questions regarding the wisdom with which this will be accomplished. Judges are confused as to what will happen to their ability to judge the group change-ups. I have empathy for the judges department in their deliberations on how they can possibly make this palatable and fair for all of us concerned. More still, I feel for those of us "in process" and having things confused by this realignment.

The Shih Tzu could fit or compete well in either the Toy Group or the Companion Group. The ties into the Toys is such a long standing relationship that being moved into the Companion Group could cause some very negative effects. Without very close monitoring it could also lead to far too many deviations from the present breed standard. Small changes seem to somehow become the accepted and approved, and over time, become the norm. I truly would not like to see the Shih Tzu changed into some larger and/or less beautiful version of itself.

There are, at present, some breeds recommended to re-alignment that I do not agree with while there are at least three toy breeds I feel could benefit from the re-alignment. Whatever the outcome of AKC’s decision, hopefully it will be of benefit to the breeds involved along with the breeders, the judging community and still allow for continuity of growth for the good of the sport.

NM: What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?
JCM: This subject is bandied around as much as the "breed type" comment/question. There is no reason to even begin to try a comparison because there is none!

Attend just one National Specialty and you should come away with the knowledge firmly implanted that Shih Tzu breeders and owners/handlers are among the top groomers in the world. The dedication, the attention to detail so prevalent in the Shih Tzu ring today becomes so much clearer and so very much more appreciated when one attends the National.

Yes, one might be crazy to want to compete in Shih Tzu with all that work, but the result is breathtaking. When sitting at ringside at the National, it is a glorious site to behold! Admittedly, I AM PREJUDICED!

I would possibly change the overdone topknot of today. Okay, what constitutes overdone? Well, if you puff it up until it sits on the dog's nose – it might be overdone! I can still find the longer nose, the eye white and the lack of fore skull as well as the breadth of skull - so why put your self or the dog through all of that. You can make the dog look deformed. I do appreciate a lovely, smooth and complimentary bubble, but truly do not like overdone!

Next, while I appreciate, too, enough height to accomplish lovely balance, some topknots are obscenely tall with rubber bands out the ‘wazoo’. Further, no attempt whatsoever is made to conceal them. THEY CAN BE CONCEALED! The topknot is the most daunting challenge to anyone new to our breed. Most Shih Tzu look absolutely lovely in maintenance bands, braids or however we keep them daily – yet we put pressure on ourselves to perfect the topknot.

What we actually accomplish with all of this ‘stuff’ is to discourage and suppress interest in our own breed. New folks feel they just cannot compete because they cannot do a perfect topknot. They also have no interest in trying because many of us go nuts when someone walks up and wants to talk to our dogs or touch them before they go in the ring. Many of us have been guilty of this at one time or another! Embarrassing – huh?

Yes, I want beauty but not that which borders on sublimely ridiculous! If they are ironed, that is fine. I want beauty, not topknots flying around and falling over the gorgeous face and into the mouth and eyes. I want them clean and fresh and glowing and beautiful.

NM: In what qualities do you feel, overall, the Shih Tzu breed is strong? Weak? Where do you feel breeders need to concentrate and improve?
JCM: As breeders, it is imperative that we take on the issue of structure – particularly the front assembly. Bouncing, rocking and/or swaying in the top line are so prevalent. It is not an optical illusion, as some suggest, created by the dog's hair. Fronts are all over the place; shoulders up under the ears, no chest. Therefore they feel like both front legs come out of the same hole (not just in Shih Tzu); then there are bowed legs and elbows loose or out, necks too long or too short, straight stifles or sickle hocks. We have some rears overdriving the straight front assembly messing with the movement. Straight stifles are causing the dogs to stand under themselves showing a top line that looks more like a Havanese. We have Shih Tzu that move around the ring with Cocker Spaniel top lines because their angles cannot allow them to do otherwise. Sometimes, it is difficult to understand why they are being shown at all – and some of them in the Bred-By class.

Most folks feel it is a bad idea to try talking with individual breeders about what you see as most of us – well – we can be really sensitive because we have our own hearts tied up in these beautiful dogs! Perhaps the time has come for National Clubs (and not just Shih Tzu) to begin a program to educate breeders regarding structure and how it effects movement. Small attempts have been made but, I believe, a serious effort must be made.

The Shih Tzu has always been referred to as a head breed. There has been, for sometime now, a tendency toward smaller heads and eyes that are either smaller or showing excessive eye white.

It is not too late to fix these issues. There are some really fine dogs out there. Attend the National; talk with each other openly and HONESTLY. If you have been around awhile, share your knowledge freely and reach out to the novice and help them along. It is so very difficult to learn everything alone and many people just don’t have the ‘moxie’ to fight that battle!
We can breed a better dog when, and if, we work together!

On behalf of The Shih Tzu Reporter, I would like to thank Mrs. Clary McGee for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

If you have comments and/or suggestions on interview questions, judges or this forum in general, please email me at wotehsinst@aol.com.

We have a house guest!

2009-01-06T20:50:00.005-07:00

I have recently joined the ranks of a non-profit organization - Lost Our Home Pet Foundation - as a foster home. With the economy in such a sad state, I decided I could help someone in some way by offering a safe harbor for a pet that has been displaced due to economic hardship. I heard about LOHPF through a local radio station in Phoenix - 93.3 KDKB.

When I first offered my help I was told that most dogs that come through their organization were larger dogs. I was pretty specific about taking in a toy sized dog. After all, while I wanted to help, I couldn't see taking in a dog that wouldn't fit through our doggie door!

Well just before Christmas I got the news of a Pomeranian in need. His owner had lost her job and was facing eviction. Could I help? I spoke with the pet owner and arrangements were made for her to bring her pure bred Pomeranian, Wylie, by for a visit. And away we went.

Wylie is now pretending to be a Shih Tzu. All 20 pounds of him. His owner said he was 12 pounds. Well, maybe 8 pounds ago that was true.

From the Pomeranian breed standard:

Size, Proportion, Substance

The average weight of the Pomeranian is from 3 to 7 pounds, with the ideal weight for the show specimen being 4 to 6 pounds. Any dog over or under the limits is objectionable. However, overall quality is to be favored over size. The distance from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks is slightly shorter than from the highest point of the withers to the ground. the distance from the brisket to the ground is half the height at the withers. He is medium-boned, and the length of his legs is in proportion to a well-balanced frame. When examined, he feels sturdy.

Yes, Wylie is STURDY.

My hope is that Wylie's owner can address her financial and housing issues and be reunited with Wylie by late spring. While obviously not a "show quality" Pomeranian, Wylie does possess the extroverted, intelligent personality indicative of the Pomeranian, magnified only by his size.

At least he fits through the doggie door!

Here's Holly!

2008-11-20T20:21:00.003-07:00

I know, it's been MONTHS since Holly finished her championship, but I'm just now getting around to getting her picture! Here she is in all her glory, finishing with her third major under Judge Betsy Dale, and handled by my dear friend, Sally Watkeys. Sally did such a wonderful job with Holly - her coat looked FABULOUS. This particular weekend in Traverse City I was so lucky because Holly finished on Saturday and Tuxedo finished on Sunday and I got to see them both finish! What a weekend THAT was!

Holly is an Iris daughter (and Crystal's grand-daughter), and Magic's full litter sister. She is also Tuxedo's Auntie!

So enjoy!

Shown above is Holly - CH WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys.

Magic goes Best Of Breed in Tucson!

2008-11-15T18:19:00.007-07:00

Well, 9 points and counting! The Magic Man only needs a major and 3 more single points to finish his American Championship!

Magic is pictured here in May of 2007 getting ready for a show in Pomona, CA where we were there filling a major for Lucky - which broke. Magic hadn't quite decided he wanted to be a show dog at that time, and while he looked beautiful, he had a terrible outing that day.

Magic really hasn't been shown much. After the disaster in Pomona he was shown in Flagstaff but didn't get the crossover for the point. Then we went to Michigan where he went BW for four points. We then did the IABCA shows in December, where he finished his title in three shows. Prior to all of this I had only shown him in Vegas as filler for Lucky's last single points, and Magic wouldn't walk at all! It was so frustrating. Every judge just adored him and told me that I must find a way to get him to move.

I found a conformation class FINALLY earlier this year and since then we've been going to class before most upcoming shows. He lost to Garnet in Sierra Vista, but he's won in every other show. I'm very proud of his accomplishments, which include his first AKC major AND his IABCA International Championship. I'm hoping he will be a finished AKC Champion some day.

In the mean time, Magic runs the house and yard freely. His coat is indestructible and the only restriction on his day is that he must sleep in his 2x3 in the bedroom at night (on a satin bed mat) and stay crated when I'm not at home. Magic actually loves his crate. He loves the noise it makes when he hops in! Many nights here you can hear Magic and Garnet running through the house from the dining room, through the kitchen, down the hall and into the bedroom, where you will then hear Magic hop into his crate with Garnet barking at him because he won't let her in! And then they are off again on the chase. It's a nearly a nightly ritual here and it just proves that crates are happy places for dogs when they are given the choice to make it their own special place! In fact, the games are on as I'm writing this!

Magic is a very special boy. He is one of those dogs that is just adorable and so vulnerable. I adore him and whether he finishes his AKC title or not, he will always be a special boy to me.

Hold on to your hat - this won't be pretty

2008-10-25T21:32:00.006-07:00

Something has been on my mind for some time and today, after another visit to a particular website, I'm compelled to write. I've let my blood pressure descend a little so as not to really torch this person. Hopefully eight hours was enough time.

I had a dog some time ago that I was interested in placing in a pet home. He was an older dog that had been out with a handler and had a rather rocky time of it since leaving Phoenix. Suffice it to say I was torn about this dog. I had finally made the decision that even though he was a nice enough dog for some people to breed, for me and the future of my breeding program, it just wasn't meant to be.

I had spent some time talking to a lady who had contacted me for a show quality puppy bitch. Well, good luck, I told her. Since I don't breed very often, getting a puppy was one thing, but a bitch? Was she kidding me? Any and all female puppies stay here for a LONG time, usually forever. The few that I've placed in pet homes had obvious conformation issues that would prevent them from being shown AND they were all spayed. Not to mention we all know how many boy puppies we get in comparison to girl puppies! But I digress . . .

This lady had me convinced she merely wanted something to show in an effort to spend more time with her daughter. A hobby of sorts if you will. I sent her pictures of the dog and this mere novice proceeded to tear into my dog's conformation as if she had been showing all her life. I was not impressed and told her forget it - he's not for sale.

Was I offended? You bet I was! I wasn't about to let this little boy go to someone that had ripped him to shreds when she hadn't as much as stepped foot into a show ring. The dog was pointed after all, and not just with a handler! I had put points on him myself - me and my ample ass! This dog was show quality. She TOLD ME SHE WASN'T INTERESTED IN BREEDING - she just wanted something to show.

Well, the little dog in question went on to complete his American and International titles. He even took a Group 1 placement in International competition. He is now living in Avondale, AZ with his new daddy James and his brother Oreo, a Shih Tzu about his same age. He is neutered and living large! James constantly is bragging about what a good boy he is. James is doing some therapy work with this dog - taking him to nursing homes - and he's flourishing! James has absolutely no regrets about adopting this lady's version of a less than perfect Shih Tzu.

And the lady? Well, these days she's got a full blown website hawking "Imperial" Shih Tzu. She even claims to be able to tell the potential buyer everything about the "Show dog world" yet she has never stepped into a ring. She has a Shih Tzu in every color of the rainbow, most of poor conformation in general - none meeting the weight requirements set forth in our breed standard. She has her nursery all set up online with varying prices for various colors and estimated full grown weights - we all know what an accurate science THAT is. The most ridiculous thing I saw on her site was a piebald pup advertised for $1,500. Eh GADS! Why? Because she estimates the full grown weight at 4 pounds! The key word here - ESTIMATED. She's been doing this now for maybe 2 years. Here truly is a lady that knows this breed - NOT! The whole time I was on her website I kept thinking "PT Barnum/sucker born every minute." If anyone buys a puppy from this lady, they a) haven't done their homework and b) are desperate! Me thinks this new found passion of hers has much more to do with the state of real estate (her "profession") in our country and nothing about her love of our breed - as she is destroying it.

Two points to consider: 1) All you Imperial hawkers out there, flame away at me - your comments are welcome. I can't be more pissed off than I am right now, and 2) Maybe this incident shows you why I don't believe anything anyone tells me anymore when they call me about buying a puppy. When you, the potential buyer makes it through my screening/interview, at the end I'll give you this lady's email address and you can send her a personal thank you note.

Frankly, I'd rather keep every puppy I breed then place them with people like this. It only proves that people will lie to get what they want without conscience. Especially someone that makes their living in a job squarely based on commission sales!

Shown above is AM / IABCA Group Winning CH WoTeH'sin If It Happens In Vegas - AKA "Lucky Christner" - going Breed over Specials is MS during his show career. Professional presentation by Corrine Thellman.

The Shih Tzu Reporter - Fall '08 - Mr. Stephen Regan

2008-10-25T21:09:00.006-07:00

Paying It Forward
Nancy Manelski
WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu

When people ask me about showing dogs they always ask the question "Why?" And sometimes I take the time to explain my version of "Why?" and sometimes I don't. I guess it just depends on my mood of the moment or what I feel about how the question was posed. Let's pretend, if you will, that we are on the other side of that question "Why?" and we are faced with an individual that doesn't want to come clean. And now, let us ask the real question "Why?"

Sometimes we need to understand why a potential mentor - doesn't. I mean, how many times does it take to be "burned" before someone stops answering the question of "Why?" and just says "Because." without putting on their mentor hat to try to make people understand the passion of showing and breeding dogs?

If you are interested in learning and finding a mentor, you should know that this person, this breeder/owner/handler, has seen "you" before. "You" may have introduced yourself at a show, or "you" may have placed a phone call or written an email. "You" have laid out the "I am serious about this" argument. And "you" eventually failed. So now, when the real you shows up, fresh faced and eager with hopes and dreams of showing and breeding a Best In Show winner, you merely get the answer "Because." to your "Why?"

If this seems a little Abbot & Costello-ish, I apologize. But it's important for the new person to understand that you are not the first to express an interest. What sets you apart from the ones that have not succeeded before you is your will and determination. And most times the mentor worth pursuing needs proof of your determination. And even then, you will still need to work harder.

We all have setbacks in our lives. It's how we handle them that makes us who we are. This leads to the "two sides to every story" thing. And my purpose is not to go there. My purpose today is to help someone new understand that first of all, there are a variety of mentors out there available to you. The very best ones are going to make you work the hardest. They are the ones that won't just sell you a dog and tell you to be on your way. Most of the time the best mentor won't sell you a dog outright, if at all. They document, they care and they EXPECT. But they expect in a good way. They expect you to learn and to grow. They are gracious when they win against you. They are happy when you win against them. They don't bait you to fail - they train you to win. If you are looking for anything less than this - get a pet and watch Westminster in February.

If you are not willing to develop a relationship with this person, this mentor, for the duration of your non-professional career in Shih Tzu, trust me when I tell you that it is better not to involve a dog in the middle of that relationship. If you are not ready to live, breathe, sleep, eat, laugh and cry about Shih Tzu, trust me when I tell you that the mentor worth the effort will prefer you to walk away now. If you have any elements to your personality that prevent you from selectively forming lasting friendships, showing and breeding dogs really isn't the best hobby you could choose. Try something more suited to your personality.

As the newbie, tread carefully among the masses. TAKE YOUR TIME. Remember there are people out there that are driven by motives other than betterment of the breed. Use your head. Be logical - it's tough when you've got these sweet faces looking at you to say "No, I think I'll be moving on." Remember all dogs, and pedigrees, are not created equal. And another favorite cliche - if it were easy anyone could do it.

Be as selective as the mentor. When the planets align, you will know. It's not just about buying a dog. It's not just about finding someone local. It's about finding someone worth the effort.

So how do you get a dog? Ah - we'll save that for later.

I am pleased to introduce to you, Mr. Stephen Regan, AKC Judge #22219.

NM: How did you get involved in the sport of dogs?
SR: I grew up in London, England. Living in a house full of dogs, my Dad was a Rough Collie Breeder/Owner. We immigrated to the USA in 1974. I obtained my first Standard Poodle in 1988. This Standard Poodle was a rescue bitch. I thought she was the best of the best, her temperament sure was. I later purchased a dog from the late Dr. William Houpt (Willow Hollow Standard Poodles). I showed "Zack" to reach a ranked top 15 Standard Poodle, reaching Group 1 with him once to be beaten by a Basset Hound in BIS. Breeding this excellent Standard, I was lucky to obtain better conformation and also brains, having a Champion puppy and also an Obedience CDX out of this very first litter. I was hooked on this sport and since then have had many litters over the years, owner handling many from these litters to their Championships both in the USA and Canada, exporting the efforts of careful breeding to New Zealand and England. The dog chosen to export to New Zealand won 6 Best in Shows in New Zealand, making us all very proud.
Moving on with my involvement in this multi-faceted sport, living in New Jersey the past 12 years I have been a member of the Eastern Stewards Club, working with other local Chief Stewards. I have attended 40+ dog shows a year serving as a Ring Steward. Most of the stewarding assignments were Toy and Non-Sporting Breeds. This job is fantastic to be up close to see many judges examining Toy breeds and their placements, learning ring ethics and procedure as well as having a unique position to study the breeds. In 2002, I applied to the AKC to judge the Poodle. Since then I have worked hard in learning the Toy dogs' breed standards and attending as many breed seminars as possible to progress in the Toy Group with the goal of obtaining the balance of the Toy Group one day. As for the Shih Tzu, I think this breed is wonderful. If one is having a really bad day, a Shih Tzu will make things much better. Coming from Poodles, I totally appreciate the work that goes into the grooming of the Shih Tzu. I look forward to having many experiences over the years judging this breed.

NM: What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?
SR: Standard Poodles

NM: Give us a brief synopsis of your dogs/kennel and show "career".
SR: Breeder, Owner and Judge of Standard Poodles.

NM: Why did you decide to pursue judging?
SR: Great interest in the Sport of Purebred Dogs.

NM: Why have you decided to judge Shih Tzu?
SR: Love the breed.

NM: When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?
SR: Temperament as per the breed standard. Correct coat, correct substance.

NM: Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.
SR: As per the breed standard for general appearance. This covers the breed type well.

NM: Type and structure - Are they the same? Why or why not?
SR: Well, type and structure are indeed linked together but type is also to include temperament and this is not part of the structure. So it is not an easy question to answer conclusively.

NM: What do you look for on the table?
SR: Table exam is to include all of the anatomy of the dog being judged: head, bite, neck, body, topline, forequarters, hindquarters & COAT. Need to repeat that... COAT. And of course, the temperament, I would not like to see a shy Shih Tzu on the table.

NM: What do you look for in movement?
SR: Everything as per the breed standard; smooth flowing movement with adequate reach and drive. Level topline and high head carriage.

NM: Health, Conformation, Temperament - What do you feel is the order of importance and why?
SR: 1)Temperament. 2)Conformation & 3)Health.
As a judge, we cannot be Vets so the health of the dog is not examined in the few minutes in the ring. I would assume most all dogs presented are healthy. Temperament is really in my opinion the essence of this breed. Conformation is what we judge to see what dog is to be placed where on that individual dog show.

NM: If you could address someone just coming into the sport of dogs, specifically conformation and Shih Tzu, what advice would you give a novice?
SR: Learn by watching the breed. Contact reputable breed clubs and sort out responsible breeders that are preferably local so they can follow up and help. If one is going to show, learn how to groom this breed and get to handling lessons. It is not an easy novice breed to master.

NM: In the US, the Shih Tzu is a Toy, in Canada, Non-Sporting. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?
SR: I prefer the Shih Tzu as a Toy Breed. Coming from the Non-Sporting ring with the Poodle, I am quite happy to see it as a Toy breed. I got beaten in the Group ring every time I went to Canada by a terrific Shih Tzu there. Putting that aside, the ideal size and weight of this breed best suits a TOY breed.

NM: What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?
SR: I really only know the Shih Tzu to be groomed the way it is these days. I was not involved with this breed back in the beginning of its time as an AKC recognized breed. I would have to assume that with time the perfection of grooming has of course improved with the years. I am perfectly fine with the beautiful grooming that goes into this breed. I expect nothing less than a well groomed and presented Shih Tzu in my ring.

On behalf of The Shih Tzu Reporter, I would like to thank Mr. Regan for taking the time to respond to my inquiry.

If you have comments and/or suggestions on interview questions, judges or this forum in general, please email me at wotehsinst@aol.com.

Judge Regan is shown above with his selections for Best of Winners, Rembrandt's Rightful Heir, and Best of Breed CH Afterglow's The Big Tease, at the 2006 William Penn Poodle Club Specialty.

News FLASH!!

2008-09-13T18:21:00.003-07:00

Magic went Best Of Breed in Chino Valley today for a 3 point major - breeder/owner handled!! Ye HAW!

Thank you judge Sandra "Goose" Allen! It was truly a pleasure to show to Ms. Allen again. She is so wonderful with the dogs and she just RAVED about Magic! I think the words were beautiful and gorgeous along with a few others thrown in!

I'm on cloud 9 ~ we're keeping our fingers crossed for tomorrow!

Garnet has too much energy!

2008-08-24T19:10:00.003-07:00

Today I was tasked with taking a picture of Garnet to use in an upcoming tribute to Max in The Shih Tzu Reporter. Since Max is Garnet's grandsire she definitely needs to be in there! Well, the picture I submitted last week wasn't a large enough file, not to mention my photo taking skills leave something to be desired! Well, today was no different, but I moved us outdoors to eliminate the red eye and flash problems. I waited until the sun was well past the backyard and out we went.

You don't want to know how many pictures I took.

Garnet is a wiggle worm. She can't stand still for a nanosecond. She's up, she's down. She has to investigate every noise. And the neighbors were barbequing and their dogs were out keeping them company. This should explain why I had to take so many pictures.

Next time she wins at a show - I'm just telling the photographer GOOD LUCK!

Shown above is S'Dandi's Crimson Crystal Of WoTeH'sin - "Garnet"

The Shih Tzu Reporter - Summer 08 - Mr. Richard Beauchamp

2008-07-27T17:09:00.004-07:00

Paying It Forward

Nancy Manelski

WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu

Breeding better dogs involves a variety of elements. This forum will show you the views of some of those that evaluate what we bring them. These featured men and women play an important role in the goal we should all have of breeding the best we are able. But how did we get to this point of bringing our stock for evaluation?

Where does the new person out there start? How do we as a community of breeders help and encourage someone to get past what some envision as the unpleasant side of this venture and eventually into the circle of people that really want to give back to our breed? How do you guide the first-year experts and the five-year wonders into becoming respected members of the Shih Tzu community?

I've thought a lot about this lately for a variety of reasons. When someone comes to you and tells you that they want to breed, what do you tell them, as an established breeder in Shih Tzu? The statement or question may come to you in many forms, i.e. I want to show, or I want to buy something show quality to be my foundation, or it may take on some other form. But how do you answer that? What does your mentor "hat" look like? Do you take the time to really evaluate the sincerity of the person asking? Do you see this as an opportunity to have one of your dogs out there on the circuit, hopefully winning as you share information? Do you roll your eyes and say to yourself, "Oh, not again?" Do you roll up your sleeves and make this person before you give you good reason to share the knowledge that has taken you years to acquire? I hope it's a combination of most of these things. Tough lessons learned are always the most valuable.

From my past I can tell you that if someone comes to you asking for guidance, you should start by sharing that this game of Shih Tzu is not easy. Don't make it easy. It isn't just about buying a dog, finishing it and breeding something else. If it were that easy, everyone could do it. We can say that people have to pay their dues, but the real answer would be to explain the pitfalls of our passion. And not only the pitfalls of showing and loosing more than you win when you start. Lest we forget what can happen in the whelping box.

I recently heard a phrase that has been in my head gathering validation. "Teaching isn't about what you know, but rather it's about how you lead." Set high, but obtainable, goals making the road one of proving dedication and earning privilege so in the end, the lesson is appreciated and future chapters will be written in this book called Shih Tzu. The mentor in you should help that newbie navigate through the inevitable sea of errors and blunders with the patience to see them through. Help them learn to "play the game" and win. Remember it's not just about selling a dog, puppy or champion, and then letting them loose and hoping for the best. It shouldn't be that easy - there is no lesson to be learned by merely accepting a check and sharing war stories. Share openly your experience and be a partner, not an adversary to whom they must answer. Rejoice in their success and empathize with setbacks - offering your support and ideas to maneuver what really is just a fork in their road. Be supportive even if decisions made aren't exactly as you would hope. Remember their moccasins are a different shade than yours - but if you've done your job as a mentor, their decision will be the right one for the dog.

Your mentor hat should be tattered and patched, but indicative of what you can contribute to the future of our breed.

This issue I am pleased to introduce to you Mr. Richard Beauchamp, AKC judge # 6601.

NM: How did you get involved in the sport of dogs?
RB: When I was about 10 years old and down in bed with one of those many childhood "bugs," an Aunt brought me a copy of Albert Payson Terhune’s Collie story, "Lad of Sunnybank." That led me to my first dog show (Detroit Kennel Club) and the rest is history.

NM: What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?
RB: My very first dog was an American Cocker Spaniel. This was followed by a Boxer and a Toy Poodle. Through the years there have been many breeds but most know me through the success of my Beau Monde Bichon Frise line.

NM: Give us a brief synopsis of your dogs/kennel and show "career".
RB: I began by showing my own dogs (Cockers and Boxers) as a teenager and then handled for a number of other people in other breeds. Through high school and college I managed the kennels and breeding programs for several Michigan based breeders.

I moved to California in 1962 and purchased Kennel Review magazine, which I served as publisher and editor for 30 years. This gave me the opportunity to get to know many of the country’s top breeders, handlers and exhibitors. The education I was privy to has served me well both as a breeder and as a judge.

I developed a great friendship with the Rev. Easton early on in Shih Tzu and we corresponded regularly in addition to his writing a number of articles on Shih Tzu breed type for Kennel Review. Peggy Hoag and I were close friends and I learned a great deal about the breed from her as well.

I have bred champions, Group, and all breed Best in Show winners in Boxers, Poodles, Cockers, Papillons, Doberman Pinschers, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. I am probably best known for my Beau Monde line of Bichon Frise in which, along with my partner Pauline Waterman, bred somewhere in the number of 75 champions. Among them were the top winners and producers in the breed. We owned the late, Ch. Chaminade Mr. Beau Monde who whelped in 1969 still holds the all time top producing stud dog record in the breed. We bred Ch. Beau Monde the Firecracker who is the all time top producing dam in the breed with 17 champions.

NM: Why did you decide to pursue judging?
RB: As owner/publisher of Kennel Review I was ineligible to judge in the U.S. for the AKC but was fortunate to be invited to major shows throughout the world as an all breed judge from 1972 to 1992. Among the many assignments I was privileged to have were those at Crufts in England, the Sydney Spring Fair in Australia, the Melbourne Classic and Goldfields in Johannesburg, South Africa. and when I began to judge here in the U.S. Since judging here in the U.S. Westminster, the AKC Invitational, and Del Valle Dog Club in California have been highlights in my judging career.

NM: Why have you decided to judge Shih Tzu?
RB: I have been intrigued with the breed since its earliest days here in the U.S. through my association with the Reverend & Mrs. D. Allan Easton. It was probably pure chance that I began breeding Bichon Frise instead of Shih Tzu as I was on the verge of joining Rev. Easton in his quest to have the breed recognized here in the U.S.

The Shih Tzu is a delightful breed and a challenge to judge. The challenge primarily in helping to maintain the breed’s true character and avoiding the fads and trends that come and go.

NM: When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?
RB: Correct silhouette of course and that unique distinguishing head and eye.

NM: Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.
RB: In my opinion the Shih Tzu that has most of the best in respect to breed character, silhouette, head, movement, and coat is consequently the typiest dog.

NM: Type and structure - Are they the same? Why or why not?
RB: Correct structure is simply a part of type. Correct structure produces the correct silhouette--and that applies nose to toes!

NM: What do you look for on the table?
RB: It gives me an opportunity to have an up close look at the head and to check to see if what the eye beholds is a product of the dog or the hairdresser. Putting one’s hands through the coat reveals whether or not the Shih Tzu has the sturdy structure called for in the breed standard.

NM: What do you look for in movement?
RB: Ease!

NM: Health, Conformation, Temperament - What do you feel is the order of importance and why?

RB: The Shih Tzu is a companion breed and above all must be of sound temperament. No concessions can be made there. Health and sound conformation are paramount of course. Probably 98% of our dogs become home companions. They must be healthy and sound.

NM: If you could address someone just coming into the sport of dogs, specifically conformation and Shih Tzu, what advice would you give a novice?
RB: Find the best longtime successful breeder you can find as your mentor and LISTEN!

NM: In the US, the Shih Tzu is a Toy, in Canada, Non-Sporting. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?
RB: The Variety Group has little to do with breeding good dogs, the standard does.

NM: What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?
RB: All the painting, powdering and sculpting in the world do not make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

On behalf of The Shih Tzu Reporter, I would like to thank Mr. Beauchamp for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. In our next issue I will be pleased to introduce to you Mr. Stephan Regan.

If you have comments and/or suggestions on interview questions, judges or this forum in general, please email me at wotehsinst@aol.com.

Pictured above is Mr. Richard Beauchamp with his 2007 Best Of Breed winner selected at the Shih Tzu Fanciers Of Southern California Specialty - CH Xeralane's Facing Controversy.

Champion Tuxedo!

2008-07-02T21:12:00.004-07:00

Here he is at nine months and 17 days old. What else is there to say?

TWO NEW CHAMPIONS!!

2008-06-15T20:41:00.004-07:00

What a weekend!

Holly finished Saturday with yet ANOTHER major and Tuxedo got his finishing major on Sunday!

Pictures coming soon!

More from the Nationals

2008-06-09T21:47:00.006-07:00

People keep sending pictures one at a time to Sally of her showing Tuxedo at the Nationals last month. Here they are during Sweepstakes. The judge is Wagner Fernandez of Wafer Shih Tzu.

If you enlarge the picture you can see where Wagner is going over Tuxedo's head and you CAN SEE the span of that headpiece between Wagner's fingers! What a head!

Tuxedo placed fourth in his Sweeps class. Not bad considering the number and competition in his class. I'm still so very proud of this little dog! And thanks Sally for your wonderful care and presentation.

PS - Can't wait to see the little fella later this week! :)

The Shih Tzu Reporter - Spring '08 - Ms. Gay Dunlap

2008-05-25T18:19:00.006-07:00

Paying It Forward
Nancy Manelski
WoTeH'sin ShihTzu

I began as an owner/handler in Shih Tzu ten years ago. While I still try to keep coat and drag around all those necessities of showing in the trunk of my car, these days I hire a handler more often, due to my own professional obligations and the "kids" I love at home. I am also blessed to have a wonderful mentor that works with me in showing my dogs in areas of the country more apt to draw major entries. These things combined keep my checkbook on low and my excitement on high as my dogs make their way around the circuit.

I have listened to the "arguments" brought forth by many a novice stating that the show ring is political. My experience tells me that many times when my owner-handled dog has not won, it was not always politically driven. Perhaps I didn't do the best job presenting my animal on a given day. Perhaps, had I been able to compare structure to structure, I would understand where my breeding had fallen short. But of course there were times when I felt my dog was blown out of the water unfairly, thinking they of course deserved the win. And thankfully there have been days when I walked away with a sweet victory over competition others would agree was tough and the points won were well earned AND deserved. Through it all I have tried to not only remember my humble beginnings but that the reason I do this is because I want to move ahead - to "pay it forward" to the Shih Tzu breed, as my mentor has taught me.

I recently contacted The Shih Tzu Reporter with an idea that has resulted in this forum. I will admit it was a purely selfish idea at first and I had not planned on being the one putting fingers to keyboard on this one. You see, I am no writer, however I have a great interest in where our breed is going and I also still manage to get a dog out there myself in the ring every now and again. My thought was to "interview" some of our judges out there to bring some perspective to the task they have at hand. It might also help someone new, OR old, understand the level of excellence actually putting their hands on our dogs - hopefully giving many of us a new respect for those under whom we enter. But more importantly, I hope this give us all some insight as to where we can improve, not merely in presentation, but in breeding better dogs.

Initially I will bring to you provisional judges, some of whom you may recognize. As this feature moves forward, I hope to bring to you breeder judges and all-arounders as well. I am excited to begin this new venture with The Shih Tzu Reporter! Let the games begin!

I am pleased to introduce to you, Ms. Gay Dunlap, AKC Judge #4623.

NM: How did you get involved in the sport of dogs?
GD: I have been involved in the sport since 1968 when I bought a Yorkshire Terrier and thought if might be fun to show her!

NM: What was your first breed owned? Shown? Bred? Licensed?
GD: My first breed was the Yorkshire Terrier, which I also showed and bred on a very limited basis. I "graduated" to a larger breed, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, in 1970 prior to their recognition by the AKC, applied and became approved to judge them in 1984.

NM: Give us a brief synopsis of your dogs/kennel and show "career".
GD: I have bred Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers for 37 years under the Gleanngay prefix with over 135 champions, including BIS, Specialty and Group winners. I bred and owned the top-producing SCWT sire and number 2 top-producing Terrier sire of all time, Ch Gleanngay Holliday, ROM. My foundation bitch was the breed's first BIS winner in 1974 and remained to only Wheaten bitch to achieve that honor until the early 2000s.

I am a regular contributor to numerous periodicals, including The AKC Gazette, Canine Chronicle and SCWTCA’s Quarterly, Benchmarks. I wrote the SCWT Standard Amplification and produced the SCWT Illustrated Breed Standard and Amplification. In 2005 I accepted the editorship of Benchmarks. The publication can be viewed on the web at http://www.scwtca.org/.

I was a member of the original SCWT standard committee and chairman of the standard revision committee that produced the SCWT standard currently in use by the AKC.
I am chairman of SCWTCA’s Judge’s Education Committee and have, for many years past, served on SCWTCA’s Board of Directors. During that time, I was both president and AKC delegate.

The SCWT Stud Register was designed and spearheaded by me and is featured on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America’s website. I recently provided SCWTCA with a Judge’s Education Power Point Presentation available on CD.

I am a member of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, Sun Country Terrier Club, American Dog Judges Association, Dog Judges Association of America, Rocky Mountain All Terrier Club, Greater Denver SCWTC and the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

NM: Why did you decide to pursue judging?
GD: It seemed a natural course of action at the time, although many years passed between applying to judge my first two breeds (Wheaten Terriers and Kerry Blues) and the decision to judge the remainder of the Terrier group as I felt I did not have sufficient time to devote to it. I am approved for the Terrier Group, eight Toy breeds and provisional for nine more. I am also approved to judge Junior Showmanship, Miscellaneous and Best In Show. A successful breeder is, first and foremost, a successful and astute judge of quality. Nothing thrills me more than to find a beautifully constructed, well-balanced dog of correct breed type no matter what the breed.

NM: Why have you decided to judge Shih Tzu?
GD: Since I actually got my start in a Toy breed, I have always found myself drawn to them. I love the elegance and grace inherent in the Shih Tzu. The dramatic and distinctive high head carriage and luxurious flowing coat are qualities I find particularly exciting. Coming from a coated breed myself I truly appreciate the work that goes into its proper presentation.

NM: When judging, what is the "must have" quality you look for in a Shih Tzu?
GD: I judge whole dogs and even in my own breed am hard pressed to place one trait above another in term of "must haves". I do, however, place great importance on correct silhouette in all breeds. I also cannot forgive poor temperament.

NM: Tell us your definition of breed type in a Shih Tzu.
GD: Breed type in the Shih Tzu must include the requisite silhouette with the proud, almost arrogant, head carriage and curved over-the- back tail. It must be solid and of good substance for a toy. Equally important is its luxurious long flowing coat.

NM: Type and structure - Are they the same? Why or why not?
GD: Any breed can display correct breed type and still have structural, or functional, irregularities. So, no, breed type and structure are not the same.

NM: What do you look for on the table?
GD: Examination on the table (hands on) is an important aspect of judging a coated breed. I want to make certain that the head I am seeing is actually correct and not simply created by clever grooming techniques. I want to feel the dog’s substance (or lack of it), that the top line is level, that the loin is short rather than the rib cage, that it is slightly longer than tall and that the neck actually does flow smoothly, and not abruptly, into the back. With a coated breed, my hands must tell me that what appears to be true actually is!

NM: What do you look for in movement?
GD: I do not want to see a Shih Tzu strung up, but rather moving of its own accord, with an effortless, fluid gait, and displaying sufficient reach and drive.

NM: Health, Conformation, Temperament - What do you feel is the order of importance and why?
GD: I cannot place emphasis on health over temperament over conformation. All three must co-exist! In my breed health has been placed foremost of late and consequently our breed is in serious trouble in terms of both breed type and temperament.

NM: In the US, the Shih Tzu is a Toy, in Canada, Non-Sporting. Where do you feel the Shih Tzu is a better fit and why?
GD: Based upon size and taking into account the size spread among the Toy Group generally, I feel the Shih Tzu belongs where it is here in the US.

NM: What is your feeling of the grooming techniques of today in comparison to those practiced when the Shih Tzu was first acknowledged by the AKC?
GD: By way of addressing Shih Tzu grooming techniques, I can only voice that I was shocked over what I learned at a breed seminar. The amount of artificial "enhancement" (coloring) to create a more dramatic appearance saddened me.

On behalf of The Shih Tzu Reporter, I would like to thank Ms. Dunlap for taking the time to respond to my inquiry. In our next issue I will be pleased to introduce to you Mr. Richard Beauchamp.

If you have comments and/or suggestions on interview questions, judges or this forum in general, please email me at wotehsinst@aol.com.

Pictured above is Ms. Gay Dunlap

Yesterday was Crystal's birthday

2008-05-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

This week was really a pretty tough week for me. It just proved how much these little dogs are really a part of me.

Crystal would have been 11 years old yesterday.

I miss you Little Missy. I love you. I can't wait until the day comes when we meet at the bridge and I can hold you in my arms again.

It still hurts like hell every time I think about Crystal being gone.

I was going through some pictures last night and found the one shown here. This was taken July 18, 2006 at 6:43pm. My gardener had just finished doing the yard. I thought I'd go out and take a picture or two before the dogs drug all their toys back out.

Anyway if you look closely at the picture - there is Crystal - evaluating Aurelio's work.

The yard was Crystal's kingdom. She loved to lay on the stone patio but she adored standing at the fence line looking through what is a crack in the masonry, and barking at the dogs in the next yard. And barking! And barking! If Crystal wasn't in the house she was out at the fence or patiently waiting on the patio for her buddy next door to come out and play. In the blazing summer heat she would lay at the patio door on the cool tile in air conditioned comfort patiently waiting for the sun to cross over the yard so she could go back outside and do what she loved to do most. Bark at the neighbor! She would be out there until nightfall some evenings in the summer. Laying, lounging, chasing, resting, rinse, repeat. And the neighbors never complained.

After Crystal was gone, one of the neighbors was out and asked where she was. She noticed the familiar happy bark was gone. I told them Crystal had gone on ahead. They expressed their condolences and then laughed about how she loved her yard so much.

I miss you baby girl. There will always be a place in every backyard I will every have for you to run in spirit. Rest in peace.

Pictured above is Lady Crystalline of Foxhollow in her kingdom within Phoenix.

Published!

2008-05-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Over the last six months or so I entered into an agreement with The Shih Tzu Reporter to write a series I've entitled "Paying It Forward." It started out as an idea where someone would "interview" judges and present those interviews to the readership. Well, long story short, my suggestion turned into a new venture in writing. To find prospective interview subjects, I choose provisional Shih Tzu judges with email addresses. Real technical, eh?

So out went the email and the response was tremendous. I was amazed at how many interested people responded! One judge in particular followed my signature link to this blog and read through in an effort to decide whether or not to respond - to see if I was for real I guess.

I am.

So emails followed and I was honored to have one of my pieces right from this blog published in The Poodle Variety during the first quarter of '08! I am honored that people find value in my work. Most of the time I just come here to rant or brag. I guess sometimes I make sense! :)

So thank you Ms. Ann Kennedy for believing in my words.

The funny thing is that once I started to research Ms. Kennedy's judging schedule I realized I had already shown to her! And won! Talk about a coincidence!

As for The Reporter articles, I will begin to copy those published to this blog.

Pictured above is WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys winning her first point under judge Ann Kennedy

Tuxedo and Sally at the Nationals

2008-05-24T16:44:00.002-07:00

Pictured is WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails

Tuxedo's First Major Picture

2008-05-10T10:55:00.001-07:00

Here he is at 6 months and 11 days old getting a four point major!

Amazing!

Shown is WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails

Winning Streak!

2008-05-09T19:28:00.001-07:00

Well, the kids of WoTeH'sin continue to tear it up out there in the rings.

Tuxedo (WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails) now has 10 points, needing just one major and a couple of singles. This little guy is only 8 months old! What a thrill it has been during his whirlwind show career!

Holly (WoTeH'sin Breakfast At Sniffanys) gained another point last weekend and only needs three singles to finish!

Both Tuxedo and Holly are in the expert care of Sally Watkeys of S'Dandi Shih Tzu. Thank you Sally for your hard work and winning ways!

And on the home front, the kids and I went to Sierra Vista, AZ a couple of weeks ago and Garnet (S'Dandi's Crimson Crystal Of WoTeH'sin) beat the snot outta Magic (WoTeH'sin Smoke And Mirrors), taking WB, BW and the breed for her first point! The little brat! She had lots of fans by the end of the weekend, including one of my co-workers, Lauren, who joined us for the trip. Garnet is such a happy puppy, not to mention a stunning color, so people just gravitate to her. Red really does attract a lot of attention in the ring!

I was also approached by several folks in search of a good quality Shih Tzu puppy. Sorry to say that my next litter won't be bred until December! Ah but that breeding will be SO worth the wait - most likely a repeat of Tuxedo! Beautiful black & whites on the way! I hope this time there's a girl in there for me!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures in Sierra Vista - it was WAY too windy and I could barely get topknots in. I'll try to post some other candid shots if I can get any around the house this weekend.

In the ribbons!

2008-04-20T19:29:00.001-07:00

Well, Tuxedo continued on his winning ways, placing at the Nationals Friday and Saturday. I'm so proud of this puppy! Thank you Sally for showing him to perfection!

Pictures soon!

Specialty News!

2008-04-16T13:17:00.001-07:00

Metropolitan Atlanta Shih Tzu Club
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Best Puppy In Show
WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails
Bred By: Yours truly :)
Owned By: Sally Watkeys

Picture to come!

GADS I'M THRILLED!!!

Our breed has lost a legend

2008-04-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

I got the word on Friday from Joan that her lovely boy Max was gone. Max grew up and lived as a pet his entire life, but with an unbelievable desire to show. He spent his days running the house and yard, playing with toys and reminding Joan it was time for dinner everyday at 3pm even though dinner wouldn't be served for another couple of hours. It was just his way. He loved his momma's home cookin'.

Fanciers will always remember Max as one of the greats. His movement was flawless - he was the typiest black Shih Tzu out there.

He was still in coat and showing as recently as 2004, taking BOS at our National Specialty after taking breed both days before at the independent speciaties. I wish I could have been there. Joan and Tom were so proud. I can remember Joan's calls recapping the days. She was so excited and proud of her boy's latest accomplishments. We joked after she cut him down that she should grow him out again to show him this year. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be. Even at the ripe old age of 15, Max was still playing with toys and loving life. Until last Thursday night.

To my friends Joan and Tom McGee - my heart goes out to you. I know what Max will always mean to you. He truly will be missed.

Solo is flying high!

2008-03-26T22:36:00.001-07:00

If you've read through this blog, you will remember a little black & white boy born last August that I called Solo. He was a singleton puppy who grew up here fearing nothing. He began playing with the "big dogs" at 6 weeks of age. He was fully confident when he flew to Michigan last November with me to his new home at S'Dandi Shih Tzu. And Solo is now known as "Tuxedo" - officially WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails.

Before he flew to Michigan he went to work with me one day and he was officially nick named "Killer" by one of the guys at the office. This puppy was havin' a ball being the center of everyone's attention during my workday. He spent the day being held and coddled by complete strangers, wagging his tail every step of the way. I knew then that he would be fine leaving the nest.

So off we flew Thanksgiving morning, and not a peep out of this puppy during the entire trip. We got to Michigan and within a few hours, this wonderpuppy was running Sally's kitchen with her crew - all complete strangers to him. And he didn't miss a beat. His tail and head held high, little Solo ran the kitchen, played with toys and started making friends with the other puppies, show kids and old timers of S'Dandi.

Sally kept saying how much she liked this puppy she now called Tuxedo. I was simply grateful he had a wonderful show home - hoping he would indeed be show worthy once he got old enough. I saw him again in January when I flew out to pick up Garnet. Tuxedo was just one of the gang and he didn't even give me a second glance. I watched him strut around thinking he had really nice movement. I was still in love with his headpiece, his topline and tail set too.

At the ripe old age of 6 months and one day, Tuxedo went Winner's Dog in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and got a single point. It ended up he actually got another point due to an error in entry of another dog in his first show the day before - hey we'll take it! And not to be outdone, the following weekend, at 6 months and 11 days old, Tuxedo went Best of Winners for his first major! Four point major to boot! Gads - was I thrilled! This lovely puppy had 6 points before his 7th month of life was complete!

Pictured above is WoTeH'sin S'Dandi's Black Tie-N-Tails

*WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu*

Bedtime!

Last DHPP shot

And Then There Were Two

I don’t want a show dog; I just want a pet.

Eight Weeks Old

The Girlz

Why Does Everyone Want A Cheap Girl Puppy? Or - My Rant On Why Boys Are Best And You Get What You Pay For.

After Lunch Bath Time

Nap Time!

Show News

Dinner Time!

Kiki's First Win Picture

A Few Pictures

Babies Have Arrived!

Kiki Takes Best Of Breed

Meet Kiki - WoTeH'sin Island Style

Sam's Finishing Picture

Champion Samantha

HELP! Two dogs in need!

Samantha's Third Point

It's Dinner Time!

It's A Girl!

AKC Breeder Of Merit

Will There Be Puppies On The Way?

Happy Thanksgiving

Fat and happy!

Little Miss Perfect 10

So There WAS A Puppy In There!

A Call For Rescue

Disappointment

Gimme a sign!

My grooming 101

The things people search for

Could there be the pitter patter of little paws in the near future??

Say hello to MyLee!

Flagstaff Kennel Club

What would YOU do?

Shih Tzu Reporter - Spring '10 - Mr. Victor Joris

Common Philosophy

Fired up

Lili

Samantha

Sabrina

Jack

Zoey

Happy Easter

Puppy update

Happy Valentine's Day

Puppy News!

I know there's a cookie in here . . .

Rest In Peace My Little Sweet Pea

How was your weekend?

This made me smile

There's snow in Colorado!

Samantha and Sabrina

Jack's doing great!

Lili says . . .

Jack and his new family

Lili and her new family

Doesn't this face . . .

A sucker born every minute!

This is pretty cool!

We're exhausted!

Violet and her puppies - 7/25/9

Do You Believe In Magic?

Puppy update

Three weeks old!

Breaking News!!

Foundations of a Successful Dog Breeder

4

Puppies - puppies!

Reeves update

Getting Old Sucks

They have a website - they MUST be ethical!

Reinventing one's self

Anticipation!

Speaking of dog shows . . .

The kindness of strangers

The Shih Tzu Reporter - Winter '08 - Mrs. Janis Clary McGee

WoTeH'sin Shih Tzu