Barbara Pendergrass of Rafina Chihuahuas shares her decades-long journey in breeding, showing, and preserving the Chihuahua breed.
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Barbara Pendergrass
1. I am Barbara Pendergrass and I’ve lived all of my adult life in Dowagiac, Michigan. In 1973, I purchased my first show dog, an Afghan Hound, who, with the tutelage of his breeder, became my first Best in Show dog (CH Kamara Sandpiper Of Scharlau). Back then, it took 34 dogs for a 3-point major, and finishing anything was an event. I had Afghan Hounds and Whippets initially, then for the past 35 years I’ve had Chihuahuas exclusively, all being bred and shown under the Rafina banner.
2. Hallmarks of the Chihuahua are a rounded “apple dome” head, large expressive eyes, and an alert, terrier-like temperament.
3. There are certainly enough homes. My litters are small, usually consisting of two or three puppies. I only breed when I’m ready for something new to show. Should there be remaining puppies, they are sold via AKC (American Kennel Club) Marketplace.
4. Ten years ago, I purchased a progesterone machine, and it has been a game changer when it comes to predicting ovulation and due dates for upcoming litters.
I do not do any social media; too much misinformation and drama that I have neither the time nor the stomach for. I have a website that is maintained by a close friend, and it has served me well.
5. I have not noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs. I am a groomer and about half my clientele have purebred dogs, and half have mixed breed dogs.
6. I am concerned about the lack of entries at the shows. Partly, I think this is due to the dramatic increase in entry fees. I think perhaps exhibitors are doing research on the past results from upcoming judges and are electing to skip a show if they feel they will not have a fair shot.
We need a younger generation of exhibitors, as most of us are aging-out. We can encourage these newer exhibitors by mentoring and by showing good sportsmanship behavior, both in the ring and out.
7. Alternative activities for exhibitors who are not ready to plunge into Conformation competition are a positive change, as are health testing and increased transparency, all of which benefit the breeder as well as the prospective purchasers. Health testing clinics at dog shows are welcomed; they make it easier for breeders/exhibitors to access the specialists they require to perform those tests.
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