Showsight - January 2022

1. The Shetland Sheepdog is a breed that is adored by so many dog lovers. What is it about the breed that has sustained your interest for so long? Our first purchase as newlyweds was a Sheltie. They are such an intelligent, loveable, and loyal breed. 2. Breeding dogs requires the vision of an artist, the curiosity of a scientist, and the commitment of a philosopher. As breeders, do you view yourselves as artists, scientists or philosophers? Maybe you’re a combination of all three? Our standard is very comprehensive. We believe in creating a strong gene pool based on outstanding individuals. 3. In dogs, selection is key. How do you select your sire and dam combinations? How do you select which puppies will walk alongside you in the show ring? We always cross fault with every breeding. Our preferred crosses are half-brother x half-sister and grandfather x granddaugh- ter. Selection is always of paramount importance. Our litters are whelped in the house and the puppies are handled several times a day. As they get older, we look for the puppies nearest to our ideal—heads, balance, outline, structure, temperament, and trainability. 4. The Breed Standard is the preservation breeder’s most essential tool. What are your thoughts on the importance of breeding to the standard and presenting the breed in the ring accordingly? We have always tried to adhere to our breed standard, never following fads or breeding to the "winner of the week." Our standard does have a point schedule: For head and expres- sion - 20 points; body, hindquarters, forequarters, and gait - 55 points; general appearance, symmetry, temperament, and coat - 25 points. 5. Today’s breeders have found themselves on the defensive from public criticism and from legislative proposals that would restrict breeding practices. In your opinion, what can preser- vation breeders do to counter the anti-purebred rhetoric that has taken hold in this country? In Texas, we do have an organization that monitors all proposed dog regulations. We, along with most dog clubs, contribute to funding and responding to any calls for action by this organiza- tion or the American Kennel Club. We do think that promoting dogs by belonging to specialty clubs as well as all-breed clubs is extremely important, as is mentoring newcomers to the breed. Equally important is sharing our knowledge with people who are hoping to judge our breed. “We have always tried to adhere to our breed standard, never following fads or breeding to the ‘winner of the week.’”

you will keep and show. We have a very hard breed to get perfect! Good structure also has to be “spotted” well, with full pigment on eyes and nose. They have to be sound enough to run all day beside a horse, but also to hear. I wonder what it would be like to have a breed that you can just pick the best structure out of an all-black or yellow litter! I’ll probably never know because Dalmatians have my heart!! 4. The Breed Standard is the preservation breeder’s most essential tool. What are your thoughts on the importance of breeding to the standard and presenting the breed in the ring accordingly? Everything… the breed standard is everything! It is the blue- print of our breed. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to know your standard and breed to it. If you don’t like the stan- dard, choose another breed. It is worth the effort! Also, judges, when someone brings you a good, typey Dalmatian, reward that dog. You are responsible for the future of our breeds too. 5. Today’s breeders have found themselves on the defensive from public criticism and from legislative proposals that would restrict breeding practices. In your opinion, what can preser- vation breeders do to counter the anti-purebred rhetoric that has taken hold in this country? We can make sure that we are not part of the problem. We will have to continue to strive to produce the best puppies that we can—and stand behind them. Sadly, the general public seems to lump all breeders under the same umbrella. We will just have to keep educating people about our breeds. HERDING GROUP HONOREE GUY & THELMA MAULDIN KISMET SHETLAND SHEEPDOGS

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2022 | 189

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