How did I pick my kennel name?

I thought ( and still do think) it is a fun name for a Sheltie kennel, especially one located in the Wild Wild West of Arizona.  It gives me a chuckle to think this Connecticut Yankee established Wildwest Shelties.

What is your occupation in the "real" world?

I'm a Property & Evidence Technician for the Prescott Police Department.

How many champions have you bred and/or finished?

I have bred one AKC/CKC/UCK champion, one ACK/CKC champion, and another CKC champion who is major pointed.  I have finished (via a handler) two other CKC champions.

What drew you to Shelties?  Where and when did you begin to seriously pursue this hobby?

My best friend in 6th grade lived across the street from a little red sable Sheltie.  I thought it was one of the prettiest dogs I ever saw.  When my family decided it was time to get a dog, everything I read seemed to indicate that a Shelties was a good fit for us.  It was and still is.   I love these dogs!

As far as seriously pursing this hobby, I do try to keep it a hobby and in balance with the rest of my life.  That said, it is a big part of my life.  I have made many precious friends through this hobby and of course the unconditional love of these dogs wins me over every single day.

What bloodlines did you start with? What bloodlines are you currently working with?

I am very lucky to have started with a bitch that produced well with any dog she was bred to.  Her sire is line bred on Ch Banchory Formal Notice ROM and her dam is linebred/inbred on Ch Alfenloch Ryan O'Neil.  Because this bitch is so versatile, I have had the luxury of trying her with several different lines, both sable and AOAC. I have to admit that I am drawn to a certain look and it does seem to be a blend of these two lines.

Who were/are your mentors?

My first mentor is Beki Vale of Sunnyvale Shelties. She has helped me learn how to care for and show my dogs and answered a bazillion questions.  My second mentor is Corinne Rainsforth of Shelgrande Shelties.  She lives in Canada so there are some limitations to mentoring from that distance, but both Corinne and Beki have been there to encourage ma and give me a kick in the pants when I needed it.  without them both, I don't think I would have been able to make it through some of the tough times.  I appreciate their willingness to share their knowledge and experience, but most of all I treasure their friendship.  Kathy Kozakiewicz (Istari Shelties) and Janell Laurent (Shenell Shelties) have also given me tremendous encouragement and the their friendship.  I have learned a lot from all four of these women and have continued to turn to them for answers and opinions.  I have truly been raised by a "village."  :-)

Do you show your own dogs or use a handler?

I like to show my own dogs, but I also use a handler because I cannot get to all the shows that I'd like my dogs to be in.  In the US I have used Beki Vale (Sunnyvale Shelties) and Janell Laurent (Shenell Shelties).  In the Canada I use Corinne Rainsforth (Shelgrande Shelties).  I very much enjoy watching someone show my dogs even if I am at the show.  I get to see my dogs in a way Ican't by just watching them in my backyard or at the end of my own lead.  However, my preference is to show them myself.

Do you show in performance as well as conformation?

A few years ago I entered a few agility and herding trials, but conformation is really where it's at for me.  I very much enjoyed putting a PT on Am/Can Ch Wildwest Bandito Incognito PT, but the reality is my money and time are limited so my focus is placed on the venue I enjoy most of all--conformation.

What food, supplements, and grooming products do you use with your dogs?

I feed Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul and rarely ever supplement.  I have tried a few supplements but I just don't feel the dogs need it unless they are under a lot of stress.  I love the Inflight Naked Care coat conditioner and I am a big fan of the Cindra grooming products.

In grooming for conformation my goal is to keep the coat in good condition and present the dog as naturally as possible.  I believe keeping the coat in good condition means ensuring the dog is fed a quality food and has adequate exercise.  I brush through the coat a few times a month to make sure the oils are spread and keep it looking fresh.

What tests and/or genetic screening do you do on your breeding stock?

For any dog I am growing out I try to get the hips xrayed and eyes CERF'd before they turn a year old.  Why grow them out if they can't pass these tests?  When I decide to actually keep a dog, I amke sure to get the hips re-done by OFA after the dog is two years old and probably a VWD test.  My current dogs are either VWD clear by test or parentage.  I have run full blood panels and MSU thyroid panels on some of my dogs as well just to assess where they are and get a good baseline on them should any future problems arise.

How do you plan your breedings?

Mainly crossfaulting/phenotype and then pedigree.  Each breeding really is such an individual process.  The dog I looked for when my girl was five years old is not the same dog I looked for when she was two years old.  I know more about what I can count on from her and I can see how she has developed and matured.  Overall, my main concern is to produce a sound dog--sound in health, temperament and structure.  When I feel those goals are possible, it frees me to look at trying for more esoteric improvements like a sweeter eye, smoother zygomatic arches, more muzzle, etc.

What goals have you set for yourself?

I have already completed a couple of goals I had and am very happy about that!  My girl Salsa has been instrumental in attaining those goals--the ROMC (awarded to a female that produces five or more Canadian champions) and she also produced for me two American/Canadian Champions.  I am hoping that she will also receive the ROM, which is awarded to a female that produces five or more AKC champions.  Currently Salsa has two AKC champions and two more who have major points.  She has two more promising puppies so hopefully among those four at least three will finish their championships here in the US.

Another short-term goal is to see Salsa finish her AKC championship.  Three more singles to go.

Within the next five to ten years, I would like to breed a dog that places in his class at the National.  I would also like to breed a dog or bitch that eventually obtains its ROM.

In the long-term, I'd like to produce an excellent moving and ever so beautiful Sheltie that is easy to live with and loves to show, is often a group placer, takes a Best in Show or two or more, attains at leat Best of Breed at Westminster as well as winner's or Best of Breed at the National.  Howz that for dreaming BIG?! :-)

For me personally, I want to be able to look myself in the mirror and know that I have made good decisions as regard the future of this breed; I want to be honest, kind, a good sportsman, and be approachable.  I want to continue to remember that Shelties are dogs, not people, and that when it comes down to it, it is the people in my life--my family and friends, the people in the this sport and the people who provide the homes for the Shelties I produce--that matter the most.

Who is the favorite dog you have owned?

Am/Can/UKC Ch Wildwest Bandito Incognito PT, better known as Mambo.  He totally adored me and what's not to love about that!?  Mambo is a very fun dog to have around as he loves to do anything and everything and at the same time he is so easygoig and mellow.  Being my first champion despite being bred by me, he was bound to be special but the personality of this little dog is completely charming and fun.  I was very sad when Mambo went sterile.  Mambo was pretty darn sad when he finished his championship and didn't get to go to the shows quite as much.  When I found out a teen in Colorado was seeking a good junior showmanship and obedience dog, I knew this could be a great home for Mambo.  It was very hard to let him go and he always have a special place in my heart, but I know that Mambo and Bethany are having a great time together.

Who is your favorite Sheltie in terms of type?

Probably Am/Can Ch Shadland for the Moment ROMC (9 AKC Champions). He is beautiful up close and from afar.  He has a stunning head and outlines, moves well, has presence and charisma.  He is the kind of dog I hope to be able to breed one day.

What faults irritate you least?

Pretty much if a fault is not extreme, I can get over it if the rest of the dog has virtues that catch my eye.

In your breeding stock, what one (or two) faults will you simply not tolerate?

Really poor structure/movement. There are some traits that make a dog functional and basic structure and movement is one of them. Since I breed for a show dog who is also a fun companion, temperament is also very important to me.  Frankly, they must enjoy the show ring or I don't keep them.  I have to keep my nubmers very low and I do not enjoy showing a dog that does not enjoy showing.