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Carol Zieris | Primah Tibetan Spaniels

Carol Zieris' Primah Tibetan Spaniel

 

Interview with Carol Zieris, Breeder of Primah Tibetan Spaniels

 

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

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.

 

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Carol Zieris: My kennel name is Primah. I’m not a big breeder; only zero to two litters a year. I have six dogs.

 

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

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!

 

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Carol Zieris: My most influential is Ketu, now my “go everywhere with me” bed buddy.

 

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

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.

 

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?

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.

 

At what age do I place puppies in show homes? In Performance homes?

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!

 

Does my breed require any special preparation for competing in Conformance or Performance Events?

Carol Zieris: Training, of course! And lots of training for Performance.

 

Do I compete in Performance Events? If not, do these competitive arenas interest me?

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.

 

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

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.

 

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Carol Zieris: No concerns or special needs within the breed.

 

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Carol Zieris: Yes, they are well suited as they are inside the house with the family dogs. Responsible, safe, loving homes only.

 

Is my breed a good choice as a Performance competitor? If so, in which events?

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.

 

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Carol Zieris: Probably the biggest misconception is that all small dogs are yappy. Tibbies aren’t.

 

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Non-Sporting Dog?

Carol Zieris: Tracking has been the most amusing.

 

If I could share one suggestion with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them about my breed?

Carol Zieris: Just please know the Breed Standard.

 


 

Are you looking for a Tibetan Spaniel puppy?

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.

 

Want to help rescue and re-home a Tibetan Spaniel dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

 

Tibetan Spaniel Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the bright Tibetan Spaniel dog breed with articles and information in our Tibetan Spaniel Breed Magazine.

 

Tibetan Spaniel Breed Magazine - Showsight

 

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