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Carol Zieris is the breeder behind the Primah Tibetan Spaniels. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, and more!
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Carol Zieris: As of January, 10 2023, I now live in Clio, Alabama. I started showing Cocker Spaniels when I was 19, but stopped when I was 26 to raise a family. I went back to showing (Great Danes) briefly until I got my first Tibetan Spaniel in 1992. I’ve been raising and showing Tibbies ever since. I added Havanese 20 years ago.
Carol Zieris: My kennel name is Primah. I’m not a big breeder; only zero to two litters a year. I have six dogs.
Carol Zieris: I put “Ketu,” Primah Moment in Time, out with handler Christopher Keith. She became a multiple Group winner, winning awards at Westminster. Her son, “Kopei,” also out with Christopher Keith, was Number One. Then, Ketu’s son “Speaker” came out with Terri Galle. Wow, has he set records! So much gratitude for Barbara Eymard and for Terri Galle showing him. Winning a Group 3 placement is just amazing!
Carol Zieris: My most influential is Ketu, now my “go everywhere with me” bed buddy.
Carol Zieris: My puppies are raised in my house and are next to my bed for about two weeks. From there, they go into the living room with lots of puppy challenges and socializing. They are house-trained as much as can be for a 10-week-old pup. I have been feeding a raw diet for over 30 years and my pups go from mom to the raw diet.
Carol Zieris: I watch them all until eight weeks. At that point they are all able to stack on the table. I choose “pick pup” at that time, everything from temperament to conformation.
Carol Zieris: Puppies for show homes are show prospects. (The best puppy can fall apart later.) For performance, it’s attitude, but have fun with a Tibbie!
Carol Zieris: Training, of course! And lots of training for Performance.
Carol Zieris: I’m an evaluator for Trick Dog, so I try for that title, and CGC. They all get champion titles before I go on to Performance.
Carol Zieris: Yes, Tibetan Spaniels are a sound, healthy breed. The trend of puppy mills is always a concern, where no health testing is done and no thought into breeding other than to get puppies for money.
Carol Zieris: No concerns or special needs within the breed.
Carol Zieris: Yes, they are well suited as they are inside the house with the family dogs. Responsible, safe, loving homes only.
Carol Zieris: The Tibbies need more effort to do Performance Events, and I’d bet they’d do good at Barn Hunt. I did Tracking with them in New Mexico and they were amazing.
Carol Zieris: Probably the biggest misconception is that all small dogs are yappy. Tibbies aren’t.
Carol Zieris: Tracking has been the most amusing.
Carol Zieris: Just please know the Breed Standard.
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
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Read and learn more about the bright Tibetan Spaniel dog breed with articles and information in our Tibetan Spaniel Breed Magazine.
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