NON-SPORTING BREEDERS Q&A
PERRY PAYSON
but they must be placed in a home where they will live as pets, not exposed to hot temperatures, and are treated solely as indoor companion dogs. Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders? Yes. For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever expe- rienced with a Non-Sporting Dog? I was in the airport last week, and Winston ran up to a group of young women softball players and greeted them one by one as they waited in a line for him. He made it his business to meet and entertain each one of them. LORI PENDERGAST Where do I live? How many
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? I live in Bixby, Okla- homa. I was 11 years old when I bought my first show dog, which was a beautiful Doberman bitch named “Gina.” I bred her when I was 12, so I’ve been doing this for almost 50 years! What is my kennel name?
How many dogs do I currently keep? My kennel name is Gold- shield. Right now, there are four French Bulldogs and one Boston Terrier living with me. Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners? I’ve taken many Rottweilers to the No. 1 ranking, and it would be difficult to single out any particular one. In Frenchies, I campaigned a No. 1 dog named “Dante.” Two years later, I showed his son, “Brew,” and he set a record by becoming the first French Bulldog to win the Westminster Non-Sporting Group in 2014. Currently, I’m showing “Winston,” GCHG Fox Canyon’s I Won the War at Goldshield, bred and owned by Alex Vorbeck, Sandy Fox, Morgan Fox, and myself. He’s currently No.1 dog all-breed and is an absolute joy. Which have been my most influential sires and dams? In Rott- weilers, I owned a spectacular bitch named CH Fines Ciara Von Covenant CD who was the No. 1 producer in 1996. Her daughter, CH Von Boylan’s Trista CDX, took after her dam and was named as top producer in 1999. In Frenchies, my dog, “Dreamy,” GCH BIS, BISS Goldshield’s Catch a Dream De La Rive Gauche (Winston’s sire), received the Gold Production Award from the French Bulldog Club of Amer- ica. Dreamy’s dam, GCH Robobull Goldshield Just a Dreams, “Dream,” won the brood bitch class at the Frenchie National. Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised? My dogs live in my home. There is no kennel. I designed my living areas as well as my outdoor space and gardens specifically to create an amazing environment for my dogs and visitors. What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions? It’s a constant evaluation from the day they are born until they are either kept or placed. How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation? As the puppies start weaning, they get lots of socialization during feedings and playtime. My co-breed- ers and I do everything possible to get them used to all sorts of sounds, sensations, and situations. Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently present- ed in the show ring? Presentation is specific, and tailored to each individual dog. Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any spe- cial nutritional needs? All of the major brands offer high-quality food, and I stay away from the high-protein diets. I prefer Purina Pro Plan. In Frenchies, you have to watch out for spine, patella, and soft palate issues. In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall. Any trends that warrant concern? I’m seeing good, healthy dogs from those who are dedicated to breeding and showing them. But, with our breed reaching No. 2 in AKC popularity, the pet population of Frenchies is experiencing more health problems, especially when bred without proper health testing and clearances. Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed? Frenchies make delightful pets,
years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? I live in western Kan- sas and have been breeding Shiba Inu for 20-plus years. What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep? My kennel name is Pen- dragon Shiba Inu. I keep 8–10 dogs most of the time, but some are retired veterans that are spayed/neutered.
Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy win- ners? GCH CH Copperdot’s Habataku Kumiai was my first note- worthy winner and my foundation male. He passed away at 15 years in 2020. He was bred by Diana Smiley, a well-known Shiba Inu breeder. “Kumi” was owner-handled and ranked in the Top 5 for several years. My bred-by dog, GCHG Pendragon Born On The Bayou (Bubba), won the National in 2018, went Select at West- minster 2019, and has a RBIS. Currently, I am campaigning a dog with his breeders and co-owners. GCHG Jogoso’s Wild West At Pendragon (Cody) finished 2021 No. 1 in Breed and All-Breed, and won the 2021 National. Which have been my most influential sires and dams? GCH CH Copperdot’s Habataku Kumiai was my foundation male and CH Miasia’s Haiku At Pendragon was my foundation dam. They both earned Register of Merit (ROM) awards from the National Shiba Club of America. Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised? I have a small kennel property with large yards and inside/outside facilities for all of the dogs. The pup- pies are whelped and raised in my home. What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age did I make my decisions? Temperament and looks. Sometimes, I place show quality pups in a companion home because I don’t want to keep a lot of dogs, need another male, etc. I have a pretty good idea between 5 and 8 weeks of age. After years of breeding, if the pup reminds me of a past wonderful dog, I will probably keep it to adulthood and see how it turns out. How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation? Socialization is the biggest thing, so they can take the show experience in stride and have a good time. Other than that, basic table stacking and gaiting nicely on a loose lead are the main things. Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring? I would like to see more dogs shown on a loose lead at a brisk trot. They are not supposed to be run at a fast speed and they should be able to free-stack on the floor. Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any spe- cial nutritional needs? The parent club asks for eye, patella, and hip exams to be CHIC certified. It seems like a lot of Shibas have aller- gies these days. They are usually “easy keepers” in terms of food and
194 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, MAY 2022
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