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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Published!

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

Ethics

Way back when I believed that I could buy my way into a great breeding program, I hooked up with a few different Shih Tzu breeders. Two of them sold me dogs that never ended up in my breeding program. One sold me what became my first champion.

The breeders from whom I purchased dogs never used a written contract. And while the first dog I bought I finished and placed into my breeding program, it wasn't without issues. This is when I started to learn about honesty, disclosure and ethics.

Without getting specific about health issues so as not to point fingers (which is not my intent here), let me just say that my first champion came with plenty of issues that were not disclosed. Perhaps because these issues weren't known for the most part, perhaps not - I don't know and never will. One would have to actually health test to know what they had and what they were selling.

I did health test and I learned - A LOT. I had a lot to of issues to breed around in the beginning. And I ran into a lot of "I don't health test because I have healthy dogs." Bull. Don't let anyone tell you they have no health issues in their lines. Everyone does, some, probably most, won't acknowledge it. Shame on them. Find a breeder that knows what they have with results in writing that is willing to exchange ideas. Partner with them and work together to answer questions and plan breedings. You will both win.

I still health test. I will say that I don't always do every possible test like I did on my foundation stock, but I do what I've learned to be necessary based on what I have and what I know about what I have. I also shop around for certain tests to get them at competitive prices and hey, if an OFA or CERF clinic isn't running before my bitch comes into season - I consider her genetics and what I actually know to be fact in her lineage. And I breed accordingly. But eventually what needs to be tested here, gets tested. And frankly, the jury is still out on some testing that is available. And now, before I open up my wallet further, I want some concrete proof this new test will give me viable, accurate information. At that point I will spot test what I have based on pedigree information and move forward.

There was also the lesson that no one will sell you their best dog. It took me a long time to figure out that a breeder will usually only sell you second best. That was a hard lesson to learn. And I fault myself here because I got caught up in the "oh s/he is so cute!" syndrome. And further to this lesson I also learned how mean spirited and brutal some folks can be when you make a decision to cut a purchased dog from your breeding program. Even though you give a breeder right of first refusal with reasonable terms (because you don't have a written contract), you can get smeared in the process. Breeders, if you are going to sell a dog to someone to show, at least admit why you are selling the dog in the first place. Be honest about what you are selling. If from that point someone still wants to buy the dog in question, write your contract with the well being of the dog being paramount. And if you get the dog back, be an adult about it and do what is right FOR THE DOG. Honor your commitment to the breed.

But overall, the biggest lesson I learned through my first 5 years was that I didn't really do my homework as well as I had thought and I bought dogs that I really shouldn't have in the first place. And it cost me plenty - personally, financially and otherwise.

The best advice I could ever give someone that wants to breed quality dogs, no matter what the breed, would be to buy the best bitch you can. Show her and hopefully finish her, health test her and then breed her to the highest quality male you can find that compliments her from the standpoints of health, conformation and temperament. The icing on that cake would be if he were tightly line bred.

Don't buy a male! I firmly believe that men, and stud dogs, are like buses. If you miss one, another will be along shortly. There are plenty of males available if you know where to look - i.e. find a breeder that's showing their own dogs and winning and find something they have personally or have access to that blends with your stuff. How? Well, throughout this process you should study as many historical publications and pedigrees that you can get your hands on. Then you'll know what to look for.

By the way - throughout this process you will find your mentor.

My other piece of advice is to get it in writing. Eventually when you partner with someone you can typically do things on a handshake once you know that person and their core beliefs. But until you find someone with ethics and ideas that you find compatible, use a written contract.

Finally, if you are lucky enough to find a show quality bitch or dog (I know - I said not to buy a dog) with which to begin your breeding program, honor your word and your contract and if you can't, let the breeder know so arrangements can be made. Events have consequences, so if you can't keep up your end of the bargain, or choose not to, communication is the key. And if you're the breeder of that dog, work with that person and honor your contract or negotiate a reasonable return. It should be about the dog - not about you. If you make it about you or about the other party, your contract and/or your intent probably isn't about the dog anyway - shame on you.

Pictured above is Group Winning International Champion WoTeH'sin If It Happens In Vegas - AKA "Lucky".