BREEDER’S FORUM TOY FOX TERRIER
with DIANNE CLARK
1. When and where did you first become interested in your breed? I grew up with the TFT. Mitzi was the first and only dog I had as a child. 2. What attracted you to the breed? We were looking for a smaller dog to travel with us while we were running AKC hunt tests. I remember how fun the TFT was so I filled out an applica- tion with Seattle Purebred Dog Assoc. It took 3 years until finally we adopted BOB! Then I was once again addicted, so the story began! 3. Do you inbreed, linebreed or outcross? Why? I have done all three having by best success with an outcross, a line breed back 4 generations. 4. How do you house your dogs? All our TFTs live in our home run free with us. Two sleep with us; we do have to monitor two, because they have personality differences. 5. Do you feed supplements? Currently we are feeding a dry grain free kibble. I do supplement a bitch before she is bred and during puppy rearing with 4Life Transfer Factor®. 6. Where to you whelp your bitches? Bitches whelp in our bedroom and a whelping pen. 7. How and when do you deter- mine a show quality puppy? Typically they pick themselves. I don’t like to pick too soon; 8 and 12 weeks seem to be pretty true for us. 8. At what age do you begin train- ing? Please share training tips.
13. What grooming tips or hints would you like to share? Grooming is pretty simple—nails! Start them when they are young! 14. What makes this breed a great show dogs as well as a com- panion? They enter the ring full of confi- dence! ‘Pick me, pick me!’ Talk about a STRUT!!! They love you and are so loyal! 15. What tips or advice would you offer the newcomer? Do research! Don’t just buy the win- ner of the week. Look at health on the parents; see where the pups are raised. Will they mentor you? 16. How do you determine the stud dog you will select to breed to your bitch? I look at both the pedigree and the type. Fault the bitch and see where and if the Stud can improve. 17. If you were starting a ken- nel would you buy a bitch first or a dog? Dog! I love my dogs! They seem to be more loyal to me. Easy to keep don’t worry about heats. 18. What three words best describe your breed? Dynamic, Loyal, Confident. 19. What is the single biggest mis- conception about your breed? That they are not just lap dogs. My TFTs are all hunters, which is what they were original bred to do. 20. What is the most defining characteristic of your breed? Head piece, confidence while mov- ing, tail carriage high and alert!
We don’t like to be too picky on a pup. Lead training is first… never pull the dog, have a treat in your hand to encourage! Show the bite, it is very important! Have the pup on your lap make it a game, “Show me the bite” then treat right away. Last is table… again make it a game; make sure the pup is secure in the environment! I use Happy Legs to get started, then move to the ground for a free stack. 9. Do you think your current standard is adequate? If not, what changes would improve it? Current standard is ok; though I wish some of the judges would under- stand it a bit better, especially in move- ment. I don’t think color should not be such an issue. 10. What is the greatest health concern to breeders today? For the most part the TFT is a fair- ly healthy little breed. We test all our breeding stock and they all have CHIC number, as well as an OFFA cardio exam. With today’s technology there is no reason not to test for PLL and CHG. Inexpensive tests to assure the future of the breed! 11. Is dental care important? Please explain. Yes, we do a yearly dental. As in most Toy breeds, teeth can be a prob- lem. They are also offered frozen chick- en necks and frozen bones. 12. What do you enjoy most about owning this breed? They are little clowns! Very loyal lov- ing breed, huge attitudes! Big dog in a little dog package.
“DO RESEARCH! DON’T JUST BUY THE WINNER OF THE WEEK.”
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