16. How do you determine the stud dog you will select to breed to your bitch? I focus on fixing one thing at a time. I pick the one thing that I would like to fix on my girl and look for a dog that has what I need. Then I choose from the litter the best pup with the trait I was correcting or strengthening. 17. If you were starting a ken- nel would you buy a bitch first or a dog? I would start with a bitch. Explain: A bitch will have only a few years to impact your breeding program. An intact dog will impact your kennel for many years for good or bad. Wait to pick a boy until you have been in the breed for a few years and know what you want your dogs to look like. There are many lovely boys that can be used without you having to keep an intact boy in your home early in your breeding program. 18. What three words best describe your breed? Intelligent, active, curious. 19. What is the single biggest mis- conception about your breed? They are fragile. 20. What is the most defin- ing physical characteristic of your breed? The long flowing dark blue coat with a rich gold head.
We have had some problems with the recent addition of a DQ for color. The parent club is now in the process of trying to clarify the intent behind add- ing a DQ. If not, what changes would improve it? Clarifying the DQ so that we don’t have anyone being disquali- fied due to more liberal interpretation than intended. The DQ was intended to prevent Yorkies with large white spots on the body or face from being shown in the ring. At this time, we have judges DQ’ing dogs under 2 years that are still in the color maturation process. Breed- ers understand dogs under 2 are still developing the rich gold on their head and feet. 10. What is the great health con- cern to breeders today? Protein Losing Enteropathy and Lym- phangiectasia. They seem to go hand in hand and by the time a dog has come down with either problem they have already been added to the breeding pro- gram. A lot of vets don’t recognize the symptoms and too much time elapses between diagnosis and treatment. But even then it is a short time fix. There is no cure. 11. Is dental care important? Absolutely! Toy dogs lose their teeth easily and dental infections negatively impact a dogs overall health. Explain For Yorkies, we don’t allow chewing on things that would damage the facial
hair; while the dogs are being shown. I have an ultrasonic dental machine I use every three to four months to clean plaque off of my dog’s teeth. 12. What do you enjoy most about owning this breed? They are spunky, lively and in your face for attention; always wanting you to notice them. 13. What grooming tips or hints would you like to share? I like using virgin coconut oil on the coat. It is a great conditioner for the skin and coat. None of my dogs develop dandruff like they did when I was using commercial dog oils. When cleaning themselves, it is good for their insides as well. You can easily work out a mat with lots of oil and a warm blow dryer. If your dog does have severe dandruff because you’ve been using commercial oil products that clog the pores, use Nizoral in the medicated shampoo collection at your local grocer. Nothing works better. 14. What makes this breed a great show dogs as well as a companion? Attitude, they have lots of it! 15. What tips or advice would you offer the newcomer? Find a good mentor. Buy only dogs that are health guaranteed and tested to minimize health problems in the future.
with CHERYL RANGEL, TRACES YORKSHIRE TERRIERS
1. When and where did you first become interested in your breed? I rescued a bitch from a shelter in Houston who was half Lhasa half Yor- kie. She was one of the best dogs I ever owned. I also owned and exhibited American Saddlebred horses which are known for their beauty, brilliance and presence in the show ring. 2. What attracted you to the breed? The Yorkshire Terrier fit that crite- ria to a “T” so my decision to purchase one was easy. The way they carry them- selves and their beautiful flowing coats commanded you to look at them. 3. Do you inbreed, linebreed or outcross? Why? I prefer line breeding and have also bred relatives but at least two genera-
7. How and when do you deter- mine a show quality puppy? I evaluate the puppies from birth to four months of age. Certain qualities (good and bad) are easy to spot while others take a longer time. I don’t make a final determination on whether or not a bitch/dog is show quality until at least 6 months of age. 8. At what age do you begin training? I start stacking my puppies as soon as they are able to stand and walk steadily. This is an important part of their train- ing. A loose lead which drags on the ground helps them get used to having something around their neck. I will also use an adult dog to walk in front of them on a lead for encouragement. 9. Do you thing your current standard is adequate?
tions apart. My goal in breeding is to improve upon what I already have. 4. How do you house your dogs? (together, separate, runs or pens) My dogs have their own room which is next to my office. They run free except when a bitch is in season and then she is separated and placed in a bedroom. 5. Do you feed supplements? When I have a pregnant bitch I feed vitamins. My dogs are fed a com- bination of dry and moist food for their main meals. 6. Where to you whelp your bitches? My bitches are whelped in a bed- room where it’s quiet and apart from the other dogs. I place them in the room about 1 week prior to their due date so they get used to the area and I sleep next to them.
86 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2017
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