Roadrunner that went on to become a top producer. And as they say it was then we were off to the races. I estab- lished the Su-Le name in 1967 giving my dogs beautiful bird names but after many years I changed to naming them after my heritage—the American Indi- an. I have had the pleasure of piloting a number of my Maltese to Group, All Breed Best in Show and National Specialty wins. I had the top produc- ing stud dog in the history of the breed until a few years ago when Ch. To The Victor of Eng’s record was broken. To my knowledge my Ch. Su-Le’s Jacana still holds the record of top producing
bitch having 15 AKC champions out of the 16 puppies she produced. My husband Bob and I have been active members of our parent club, the Amer- ican Maltese Association, since the mid 60s and until the last few years have devoted much time and effort promoting our club and breed. I was most humbled to receive our club’s first ever Lifetime Achievement Award presented to me in 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. My most recent honor was to be selected by our membership to judge sweepstakes at our upcoming Golden Anniversary National Special- ty in 2015 to be held in the Chicago
area. That will be a Golden Gala times three—my 50th year with this beauti- ful breed, 50 years membership in our club and the club itself celebrating 50 years of National Specialties. As I approach my 79th year I am so blessed and must thank my best friend, my husband Bob of 58 years who has always been by my side, supporting me through out the many miles, packing, hauling, scooping, sleepless nights and all else that goes along with breeding and showing dogs. I hope to continue showing on a limited basis so long as I can breed a competitive dog and get around the ring.
with MARY ANN PAUL
1. When and where did you first become interested in your breed? In 1988 in Tampa, Florida. 2. What attracted you to the breed? Their personality 3. Do you inbreed, linebreed or outcross? Why? Yes, I linebreed, outcross and “style” breed. 4. How do you house your dogs? My Maltese have separate pens with the own bed, toys and food and water. Living in Florida, they are able to play together on a screened, cov- ered lanai for a good part of each day to benefit from our Florida sunshine. On rainy days they play together in my dog room. 5. Do you feed supplements? No, I do not. 6. Where do you whelp your bitches? My dog room has an attached bath- room, which makes it very convenient. So my puppies are whelped in mom’s pen with me standing by if a little help is required. 7. How and when do you deter- mine a show quality puppy? I evaluate my puppies from birth. Of course they are not true show pros- pects until the adult teeth are in place. 8. At what age do you begin train- ing? Please share training tips. This depends on the puppy. Some are naturals and walk and stand auto- matically. Others I try to take at their own pace and make it fun until they develop an attention span of more than an second.
9. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes would improve it? I’m happy with the current standard. 10. What is the greatest health concern to breeders today? I serve on the AMA Health com- mittee and have learned a great deal about concerns within our breed. The greatest concern for breeders is not being educated about possible health issues. 11. Is dental care important? Routine dental care is one of the most important and easiest mainte- nance procedures we need to do. Teeth full of tarter is one of the fastest ways for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause many other problems. 12. What do you enjoy most about owning this breed? Personally I enjoy the beauty of our breed. Just looking at my dogs brings me a great deal of pleasure. 13. What grooming tips or hints would you like to share? Regular, frequent grooming is the key to success. 14. What makes this breed a great show dogs as well as a companion? Maltese are a loving companion that want to please their owner either as a pet or in the ring. 15. What tips or advice would you offer the newcomer? The best advice I can offer anyone new to the breed is find a mentor and stick with that person. Don’t go from person to person looking for answers to question. Listen and learn.
16. How do you determine the stud dog you will select to breed to your bitch? I select a stud dog which compli- ments the bitch I’m breeding. 17. If you were starting a ken- nel would you buy a bitch first or a dog? Personally, I don’t think it matters which sex you start with as long as you do your homework and purchase the best quality Maltese you can find. Qual- ity over quantity has always worked for me. 18. What three words best describe your breed? To me Maltese are willing to please. 19. What is the most defining characteristic of your breed? Maltese are the only breed I know of “covered from head to toe with a mantle of long, silky, white hair.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I live in Tampa, Florida with my husband Bruce, having moved from the Midwest in 1983. I started breeding and
showing dogs in 1975, my first breed was the Yorkshire Terrier. I discov- ered Maltese in 1988 and have been exclusively dedicated to breeding and showing them since. I’ve been an AMA member since 1990. I’m a past East Coast Vice President and am currently the Chair of the Breeder Referral List. I serve on the Health Committee and am an AMA Mentor.
T op N otch T oys , A pril 2017 • 71
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