Why not show?

People often ask me why I don't show my Cairn Terriers. I've actually considered it many times. I even went so far as to keep back a show prospect (Cooper) and contacted 2 show handlers. I intend to learn more at some point in time, but my first limitation is time. I do not have time to travel and participate in the act of showing.

Second of all, the true purpose of showing is a grand idea. It is intended for a breeder to prove the quality of their breeding program, by comparing their dogs to the breed standard. What a beautiful concept. But unfortunately, there are those that believe in winning at all costs. To some, it's only about titles and they are willing to lie and cheat to ensure that they have their titles. I have had mostly negative experiences with show breeders in my career as a breeder. I thought I could avoid the politics and rudeness by hiring a handler, and that may be the only answer for me. We will see. But at this point in time, I am not capable of competing in that type of world. I'm not competitive, I believe all quality dogs have a right to "win", not just those who happen to be handled by the right person in front of the right judge. I believe in honesty, integrity, and the golden rule. The first person that made a negative comment about me behind my back would make me cry! It's not worth the emotional stress to me.

Another "rule" you may read about is that a good breeder not only shows their dogs, but they belong to breed clubs. I live 2-3 hours from the closest breed club. For most clubs, this means that I'm not eligible to be a member. If I were eligible to be a member, I live 2-3hrs away and simple geography limits my ability to participate. I'm not a cluby person. I was once told that I should join a club, it would make me a better breeder. But the problem I have, is that one club in particular requires that you know a current member for a minimum of 2 years. That's not about who you are, that's about who you know. So, if you aren't part of the clique, you're not a good breeder? I don't believe that. I have developed friendships with several good breeders who have quality Cairn Terriers, they monitor the health and quality of their lines, and have the goal to improve the breed over time. We share support, knowledge, and pedigrees. Am I less of a breeder because I'm not a club member or I don't show? I don't think so.

I think we should implement a system of quality ranking that is noncompetitive. Let's judge the quality of our breeding stock based on the individual. We should apply a score based on disposition, confirmation, and health. All breeding dogs should be eligible for scoring, and breeders would have a universal communication score for judging the quality of our dogs and therefore our breeding program. For example, if Cooper was scored on a 1-100 scale for confirmation in the areas of the ear set, tail set, top line, bite, over all Type, etc. Then disposition, and finally health testing. If completely perfect (which there are no perfect dogs) he would have the capability of scoring a 300. Anything less than a certain score would be pet quality, over a certain score, breeding or show quality. It's universal, mostly objective, and we would have a concept that doesn't rule anyone out based on the lack of notoriety. Now isn't that a grand concept!!?? It would benefit the breeder, the breed, and everyone's happy! Maybe I should just implement that for my breeder friends and maybe the concept would become popular. Greater things have happened. LOL

Crooked Creek Cairn Terrier Update

Libby's puppies are growing and doing well. They've doubled their weight already and have fat little tummies. She is doing fine with all 6 puppies. We have 5 brindles and 1 dark wheaten female. I don't believe she has the brindle gene. Even though she is dark in color, she does not have the brindle striping pattern. They are adorable puppies!! Of course, I say that about all the puppies, but they're all so adorable!!

For those that have been asking about Miyah, she is growing! After being 2lbs until 13wks of age, she suddenly gained 1 1/2lbs in only 2 weeks. So we will continue waiting to see if she develops into breeding quality. Our hopes are that she will continue with her growth spurt. Her vet check was normal and healthy today, and she is very cute! She is a wheaten brindle.

We have a new baby coming in a couple weeks from our friend Breezyhollow in VA. Our little red girl is named Daisey and we're excited to welcome her home soon. Tami and I are very good friends and have shared several of my lines. I'm excited to get a line back!

Bailie & Lanie continue to be very nice quality and so far, both are making it into the breeding line up. It takes time to hold back puppies, monitor their growth, confirmation, and characteristics. Upon a healthy vet check at 6 months, they will make their final entrance into our breeding program.

Gracie has passed all her assessments and she is planning her first litter in the Spring of 2008. She is a remarkable cream with a black mask. She has that nice tail, ear set, short level back, and overall confirmation. We're very excited to see what she contributes at Crooked Creek Cairn Terriers! Her personality is quiet but happy go lucky and that is my favorite personality. I couldn't be more pleased. Chloe has been an outstanding producer and she has done it again.

We look forward to Cooper's first litters coming this Spring. He has continued to prove himself in confirmation, disposition, and health. He's a remarkable Cairn and has impressed 2 show handlers. However, I have decided not to hire a show handler at this time. Although it is something I truly think is valuable for the purposes intended, I can't help but want to avoid the political and dishonest games that occur in the show world. I just don't think I can participate at this time. I plan to continue raising show quality Cairns and will focus on charity, improving the breed, and education of the public to improve the lives of pets. Somehow I feel that these things are what really matters rather than show titles.

Libby's 7 Puppies!!

Libby whelped on Tue evening. She had 7 puppies, which really surprised me!! 5 females and 2 males. The puppies are really small and 1 female had a difficult time. We did surgery to repair the abdominal wall when the cord pulled off and caused a severe umbilical hernia. She was strong and nursed with assistance for the first night. But by yesterday she was getting weaker and soon refused to suck. I pumped colostrum from Libby and syringe fed her and by afternoon I realized I wasn't going to save her. She was just too weak and small, and there may have been some intestinal insult from the cord injury. My vet had never worked on such a tiny puppy and I even wonder if she was premie. Although all the puppies are small and they were 59 days, this puppy had a smooth head and shiny skin. This is how you determine prematurity in humans, so I can only guess that maybe this puppy was fertilized up to 48hrs after the others, which would make her 57 days. She just didn't look quite term.

I know most breeders would have disgarded the puppy at birth, but I couldn't help but think she had a chance. I don't believe in letting an animal suffer, but I think we gave her the best chance possible without prolonging suffering. I feel good knowing I did what I could for her.

Libby's other puppies are small but have gained already and are doing very well. Libby is a good mama and I enjoy just sitting and watching them nurse. Amazing nature......