Showsight - April 2022

TOY GROUP BREEDERS Q&A

The only trend I see that warrants concern, now that the breed has been fully recognized by AKC, is it has been on a social climb among pet owners as the cute, purse-sized dog to have. We are taking mea- sures to educate those who are interested in this wonderful breed as to what it takes to care for and cherish it as a forever family member. Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed? This breed, although it has “Terrier” in its name, has personalities that are more laid-back; sweet-natured companion dogs. They tend to prefer one family member, but not solely, and therefore make wonderful therapy or support dogs. They are highly intelligent and learn very quickly. They can be considered hypoallergenic since they have no undercoat and shed very mini- mally, like human hair. Since the standard is 4 to 8 pounds, they are more suitable for older children or adult homes, and as a breeder, this is what I look for when placing my puppies. Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders? Yes, at this time, I feel our preservation breeders are key to keeping this breed pure and up to the standards that Werner and Gertrude Biewer have established. Although this breed has only been fully recognized for a little over a year, our reputable breeders have provided exceptional representations of our breed in the show ring, and have produced quality pets as well as breeding stock. For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever expe- rienced with a Toy Dog? The Biewer Terriers love their toys… and I have had the pleasure of having two that must carry around their stinkiest, most chewed-up rag toy around like it’s a pacifier—and they sleep with it in their mouths. I’ve washed both toys to the point of no fuzz left, and still it’s the dogs’ favorite to carry around. I don’t have the heart to throw them out. SUSAN THIBODEAUX

homes at 8-10 weeks. Usually by 4-6 months, I make my final deci- sion on who is showing. How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation? I take them places, practice learning to stand for string cheese, and occasionally take them to handling class as they approach six months. My husband and I really do take them everywhere so that they will be bold and unafraid. Special preparation includes table training—TFT puppies notoriously don’t like tables at first. Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring? It’s getting more competitive as everyone keeps “upping their game.” There is no “one way” to show a TFT. I firmly believe in whatever works for that dog. Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any spe- cial nutritional needs? Yes, see the health page on the ATFTC web- site for tests the club recommends before breeding. Also, as puppies, these fearless, tiny Terriers climb and leap, sometimes resulting in broken legs. Teeth must be maintained, and it’s easy to have a fat TFT; measure food carefully. There are no special nutritional needs; just don’t associate love with food—don’t overfeed! In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern? The breed is improving. Many judges have commented on the changes for the better that they’ve seen. Watch for hackney gait and remember to look for good breed type. Smaller isn’t better than bigger; ideal is 9 inches to 11 inches, with ½ inch outside of that on either end before disqualification. The breed is balanced and square. Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed? Yes, although I would only recommend for families with toddlers if it’s a very dog-savvy family. The best can- didates to own a TFT include all ages, although it seems that most folks looking are older because they remember the breed from their youth. I am trying to change that by being on social media a lot, as I think younger and active people are missing a great little dog that they can have so much fun with. Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders? No, we need new people in the breed, as a number have retired or passed on. For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experi- enced with a Toy Dog? Watching my water-hating Sparkles jump in the bay when she saw fish, as her prey drive overcame her dislike of being wet. Her face was so funny! MICHELE TRUE Where do I live? How many

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? I live in Cocoa, Florida. I have been in dogs for 41 years and breeding for 38 years. I have been in Toys now for 10 of those years. What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep? My kennel name is Kallmee. Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners? I was blessed to have several Cockers

and Vizslas with lovely show careers both here and in Europe. My most noteworthy Toys are my Toy Fox Terriers, GCHG Barbary’s Gold N Jewels, “Sparkles,” and her son, my current special, GCHS Kallmee The Aerialist, “Flyer.” Both have won BOB at the AKC National Championship show, and Flyer has won our National Spe- cialty—and we’re top-ranked in the breed. I also have a Toy Man- chester, GCHS Darkside’s Walker Stalker FCAT HOF, who had a wonderful show career. Which have been my most influential sires and dams? Sparkles earned her ROM with the ATFTC. She and my bitch, GCHS Juslyn StarFox Shimmer N Shine, “Shimmer,” are the foundation of my Toy Foxes. Shimmer was BOS at two Nationals and at Royal Canin, and she has produced lovely champions. Both are primarily of Bar- bary Toy Foxes bloodlines, and Denise Monette of Barbary has been a great mentor as I moved to Toys from the Sporting Breeds. Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised? Puppies are whelped and raised in my house. We have a “dog room,” but mostly they’re always underfoot, on the sofa or on our bed. We have almost three acres and we’ve made a spacious dog yard off the patio for outside play. What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions? I watch them constantly from birth, but begin to finalize decisions on which will stay and grow-out or move to pet

years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? I have been in dogs for 48 years, if you count being raised in a family where Golden Retrievers and Labradors were a beloved part of our home. At six, I assisted my father when our beloved yellow Labrador, “Sing,” whelped her first litter. In 2014, my husband and I began researching Cavalier King

Charles Spaniels and searching for breeders with integrity. Our first Cavalier, CH Boatswain Ciril, “Brunello,” was brought into our home as a pet. I had no intention of dedicating my life to preserving and showcasing Cavaliers (or any dogs) when he came to us. However, Brunello’s endearing temperament and lovely confor- mation changed all of our plans. My husband and I joined regional AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel clubs, the CKCSC-USA, and Cavaliers of the South to learn more about the breed. It wasn’t long before we decided to carefully build the foundation of Evera True Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with healthy dogs and bitches that fit our vision of correct Cavaliers.

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2022 | 177

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