7. do you inbreed, linebreed or ouTcross and Why? We have done all over the years. Linebreeding is the best approach to get consistent results. Obviously long time breed- ers can easily accomplish this. Novice breeders can also by simply obtaining a dog from a well established breeder and working with them to select dogs to use in their program. Never ceases to amaze me how many new breeders never seek the advice of top breeders and mentor under them. You do need to outcross occasionally to introduce new genes. Choosing a healthy line of dogs with the same pheno- type as your dogs will bring better results when outcrossing. Inbreeding is not for the faint of heart and should only be done by longtime breeders who have an established line. 8. Where do you house your dogs and Whelp your biTches? All of our dogs are in the house. Of course show dogs in coat are separated from other dogs. Our whole house is ceramic tile floors which is not too hard on the coat and easy to clean. All of the cut down males and females are together, separated by sex. There are very few squabbles even amongst the males. 9. your ThoughTs on selling peTs versus shoW prospecTs? It is a lot easier to sell pets. We agree to take back any pet dog lifetime if there are any challenges, no questions asked. Few have ever needed to be rehomed. Shih Tzu have great temperaments and are easy to rehome at any age. We have sold many dogs to breeders as show dogs and many have gone on to great success. 10. aT WhaT age do you reTire your breeding biTches? Usually around 6-7 years of age. A lot depends on how many litters they have had. For the most part, we do not breed any bitches under 2 years of age. abouT The auThor Richard Paquette has had Shih Tzu since 1971 and along with his ex-wife Wendy Paquette and now daughter Jody Garcini continue to breed Shih Tzu under the Wenrick prefix.
3. WhaT are your ThoughTs on im- porTing and exporTing? We have not done a lot of importing but have exported dogs to over 20 countries around the world who have become foundation stock for many breeders. One advantage we have is that as All Breed Judges we have had the opportunity to visit with many of the breeders before sending the dogs to be sure they would be properly cared for. 4. To daTe, WhaT has been your high poinT as a breeder? I guess “Panda” winning the Toy Group at Westminster this year has to rank pretty high up there! 5. WhaT is your peT peeve in The shoW/breeding World? Please do not get me started; but with all due respect, that element of the dog world that is jealous of the success of others and fail to realize if they would put in the same passion and dedication to what they do, they too could be having the same fun and success. And those who are success- ful who have no respect for their competition and constantly besmirch other great dogs. And finally judges who are intimi- dated by various exhibitors and make ‘easy’ decisions and do not judge the dogs in the ring on the day—just my opinion. 6. is There a grooming secreT you Would like To share? Hard work and dedication. You have to develop a strict routine and follow it even on those days where you are chal- lenged to let it slide till the next day. “YoU have to develop a STRICT ROUTINE and follow it...”
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