with SUSAN KILGORE, FANTASY SHIH TZU
1. Tell us three conformation characteristics you consider criti- cal in your breeding program. After good health and tempera- ment, it would be type, balance and movement. These separate the wheat from the chaff when evaluating pup- pies and adults as having conformation show potential. Breed type, essence of the breed and structural sound- ness are important to maintain the highest standard. 2. What dog that you bred have you been most excited about? I’m very excited about every win and champion I’ve bred, probably the one that stands out to me is Fantasy’s China Girl. She is not a champion, but gained the ROM and top-producing brood bitch with the American Shih Tzu Club in 2015. I’ve bred many BIS and BISS Shih Tzu. While “China” was none of these, she produced beautiful, sturdy, excellent quality puppies that won their championships quickly. As a breeder, I love my champions, but her recognition means very much to me. 3. What are your thoughts on importing and exporting? I have participated minimally in importing and exporting Shih Tzu over my years in the breed, I find nothing wrong with it. In fact, while our breed’s original gene pools have been recited to be 14, I can see benefit in seeking much needed heritage to further improve and hold quality from outside our borders. In fact, many Shih Tzu pedigrees with foreign Shih Tzu registry have been blended with those from the US. I enjoy learning about the quality of our breed found all over the world. 4. To date, what has been your high point as a breeder? I must say that the most reward- ing thing is to produce quality dogs that owners enjoy and appreciate for the duration of their lives. How heartwarming it is to hear an owner of one you bred say, “I couldn’t imag- ine my life before or without him/her.” That’s the true reason we have com- panion pet dogs. If you can meet that criteria with dog loving owners/care- takers, you’ve reached your goal as a breeder.
5. What is your pet peeve in the show/breeding world? Being honest is only going to serve breeders and the breed well in the long run. I believe the root of fewer exhibi- tor numbers in conformation is the rising costs of showing. With this, we have political influence on the sport as well. It is my hope that the sport con- tinues because we need to maintain and award the best quality specimens of each breed. Another area which has been addressed in many groups and organizations is a code of conduct for our sports folk. Respectful and good sportsmanship conduct is important to the sport’s future. 6. Is there a grooming secret you would like to share? Grooming our breed has greatly improved over recent years with better breeding and product availability. There are so many new products and methods to reach outstanding condition. Bathe only as needed, in order to allow the natural oil from the skin to help keep the hair strong. Over grooming could make for dry and damaged hair. Water type and conditioners should be tested beforehand to keep a slight amount left in the hair, not too much product or unprotected with none or too little applied. There should be a slick feel when hair is rinsed after conditioner is applied, not thick and sticky or squeaky clean. Correct banding with elastics or clipping is helpful for lessening the risk of irritation and injury. 7. Do you inbreed, linebreed or outcross and why? I never inbreed, but consider line- breeding and outcrossing. Linebreeding and outcrossing, as in weaving a pattern together where you may need to go out to pick up a stitch or more in order to improve or not lessen your quality but add hybrid vigor, has always been a suc- cessful plan. You learn so much about the diversity of those gene pools you have in your dogs when you closely line breed and repeat breedings in order to make the best decisions for outcrossing to improve your dogs. Study the phe- notype and genotype of your dogs and offspring, especially of any outside ped- igrees you are considering to include in your breeding program. This can be
a daunting task as our breed has many recessive genetic components. I’ve always enjoyed the artistry of creating sound and beautiful Shih Tzu. 8. Where do you house your dogs and whelp your bitches? I have an attached, furnished dog room and outside patio with a fenced- in dog yard. My bitches are whelped in a secluded spot where I have access to everything needed, where I can attend to them with ease. All goes well and they feel secure with everything they need to include me at hand. 9. Your thoughts on selling pets versus show prospects? It is difficult to sell show prospects simply because there are few knowl- edgeable and suitable show homes available these days. More scrutiny is had evaluating and preparing for show prospects. It’s much easier to find suitable homes with new own- ers who love quality purebred dogs from breeders who do their part in working hard to create and maintain a good reputation. 10. At what age do you retire your breeding bitches? I would say about five years. In every case, the health dispositions of my brood bitches are evaluated before breeding takes place and we wish to continue a free whelping program. Breeder practices to enable the best health and condition of your stock is important to get the best results. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I’ve been a dog lover since child- hood, but did not get involved in breeding before I began my ‘seri- ous’ hobby of Shih Tzu confor-
mation exhibiting more than 30 years ago. I believe first hand conformation experience is of great value to gain- ing much needed knowledge prior to any breeding and certainly it has been to me. It is the beginning and contin- ued discovery of breed type, form and function.
T op N otch T oys , A pril 2017 • 75
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