Interview with Doreen MacPherson, Breeder of Galaxy Kuvasz
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?
Doreen MacPherson: I live in Michigan. I have been involved with dogs for 30 years and have been breeding Kuvasz for 24 years.
What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?
Doreen MacPherson: My kennel name is Galaxy Kuvasz.
Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?
Doreen MacPherson: I have Group placements on a majority of my dogs. My most noteworthy dog was “ChaCha,” Ch. Galaxy’s Dancer in the Moonlight.
Which have been my most influential sires and dams?
Doreen MacPherson: My most influential dog was Ch. Galaxy’s Starlight Dancer, “Cleo.” She produced several champions and the sire of “Tanner.”
Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?
Doreen MacPherson: I am a small hobby breeder. My puppies are raised in the house. I have fenced yards for exercise.
What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?
Doreen MacPherson: I evaluate puppies at 8 weeks. I normally try to find someone involved in dogs or another breeder to discuss the litter. I look at structure, type, and temperament.
How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?
Doreen MacPherson: A Kuvasz requires training for the show ring. I attend classes in conformation and obedience. In addition, the dogs need actual ring training, like matches or puppy events.
Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?
Doreen MacPherson: As a Working Breed and livestock guardian, I believe that the dogs should be presented in a natural state. Dogs should be bathed, with minimal scissoring. Body coats can range in length, with some longer coats at three inches. I believe that judges should be able to visibly see the waves or curls on the body. The mane should be pronounced. Males should look masculine and females should look feminine.
Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?
Doreen MacPherson: A Kuvasz should be a healthy livestock guardian. Kuvasz have traditionally been fed with the shepherd, with a meat plus grain diet. The breed is also slow to mature. I tend to feed my dogs a higher protein food.
In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
Doreen MacPherson: Kuvasz are a rare breed worldwide. Limited lines exist and some lines have high inbreeding coefficients. Some of these inbred lines have led to health issues. The other negative trend is the lack of breeders. The breed has limited stock and lower fertility.
Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?
Doreen MacPherson: A female Kuvasz should be 80 pounds and males should be over 100 pounds. The breed needs stimulation, training, and exercise. I believe that you need a good-sized fenced area. Kuvasz also do very well as livestock guardians. Livestock could be a smaller breed of dog, chickens, goats, etc. Kuvasz will protect their family from birds of prey to coyotes to bear.
Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?
Doreen MacPherson: No. In addition, the ages of most breeders in the US are over 50. When I got into the breed, we had about 24 breeders. I believe that we are now less than half that number.
For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with my breed?
Doreen MacPherson: As a rare breed, judges have to really think about the quality of the example in the Group ring. I was exhibiting my girl in a large Group ring with 30 other breeds. I was second from the end in 90-degree heat. The judges picked her Group winner and turned completely around to find us for a Group 2.
Galaxy Kuvasz – Doreen MacPherson
Are you looking for a Kuvasz 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 Kuvasz 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.
Kuvasz Dog 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 loyal Kuvasz dog breed with articles and information in our Kuvasz Dog Breed Magazine.
Kuvasz Breed Magazine - Showsight
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