Mom and her Dogs
Mom’s canine companions have been important to her for over 25 years.
As a Register of Merit Breeder, received in 2008, she was asked to talk about her experiences for the American Lhasa Apso Club Breeder Education Committee. Thanks to John for conducting and transcribing her interview.
What initially attracted you to the breed?
My family dog, Charly, died and he had been gone three weeks. My children were off to college. The house was empty.
I went shopping at a mall and there in the window was a little puppy dog, it looked like a little Ewok (in Star Wars) and I had no idea what the breed was. I had to ask the pet store what the breed was and how to pronounce it. I fell in love, though I did not know what I was getting into!
I had no idea how smart these dogs were. It was a different breed altogether. He was a grizzle (grey/white/black). Tyler was the cutest puppy I ever saw. I bought him as a companion dog.
How has your “eye” for the breed changed/developed over the years?
I think over the years it hasn’t changed, it’s developed. The dog I had originally, Tyler, fit the mold, but he was not a show dog. He had the correct build, but he had an attitude that was not breedable.
My view has developed into respect for the original line, for what Lhasa Apsos are. My dogs do not look any different than the dogs from Tibet. They are more consistent in size and they are groomed.
As a breeder it’s important to breed out any health issues.
When you look (looked) at a ring full of Lhasas, what catches (caught) your eye first?
Consistency in size and structure. My boys are going to be a little bit bigger than the girls.
What year did you enter the fancy and who was your mentor?
I need to look up the date. My mentor was Phyllis Marcy at the beginning.
What is one thing you learned from that person that you try/tried to pass on to others?
Passion. Phyllis Marcy loved her dogs.
What is one mistake (if any) that you made early in your breeding/showing career that you warned newcomers not to make?
I have become more conscious of temperament.
What were the most important traits a Lhasa Apso has (had) to have to be part of your breeding program?
Intelligence.
What do (did) you look for when choosing a show potential puppy? At what age do (did) you first evaluate the puppies?
There are a number of steps. At birth I look at which puppy is the most outgoing, the one who feeds first.
At four weeks I start observing the bone structure of the puppy.
At seven/eight weeks I observe how they move and their physical overall structure, how it’s developing.
I do not choose by color. I am looking at structure. That’s why rainbow got added to my line.
What are the most significant changes you’ve seen in the breed and in the fancy?
I think the significant change is a slight improvement in temperament.
What would you like to see happen in the future with the breed?
I would like to see it develop over the years without major changes.
What do you consider your most significant contribution to the breed?
I have developed an all-round Lhasa, one that is structurally sound, but also a temperament that makes them a family dog. They wag their tails and are friendly to strangers.
Name one or more of your favorite Lhasas (yours or someone else’s or both). Explain why.
I have many favorites for different reasons. It is the dog itself.
I celebrate all of them.
I loved reading this..
Pat, you have always had such lovely dogs and I always enjoyed watching them in the ring.
I remember a few years back when you invited me to your home so I could see Cole and when I went into the back yard and watched them run around together I was so impressed with there attitudes and there love for you- you guys are all a team and it came through very strong. I really enjoyed my visit that day and how you invited me into your home so graciously.
I have always respected you and your dogs and what you have done with the breed.
My heart is with you now and know I have been thinking of you and praying for you.
Jean Dargie – Jeda Lhasa Apsos