Grace Fritz | Good Fortune Chinese Shar-Pei

Grace Fritz – Good Fortune Chinese Shar-Pei

Breeder Interview by Allan Reznik

Where did you grow up?

Grace Fritz: I am a quintessential Midwesterner, having lived in Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri, and Kansas. I have resided in the Kansas City area, on the Kansas side, since 1980.

Do you come from a doggie family? And, if not, how did the interest in breeding and showing purebred dogs begin?

Grace Fritz: I absolutely did NOT come from a doggie family. My family was all sports all the time! I am one of seven children and all seven attended college on an athletic scholarship. I was crazy about dogs and was able to convince my parents to let me keep a Saint Bernard that my oldest brother won in a poker game. My early experience in dogs was training this dog, Krazag, to a CDX (Companion Dog Excellent). It was a positive start as I learned good habits in working with dogs. This dog went with me to college and is fondly remembered by my friends and roommates.

I came to Chinese Shar-Pei in 1985. Like many others. I was captivated by the iconic Life Magazine cover featuring this rare breed. I was lucky to find decent, reasonably priced Shar-Pei, and was successful in Conformation from the start. They were exotic and expensive at the time.

Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence.

Grace Fritz: In the 1980s and ‘90s, Shar-Pei had big entries and large breeding kennels. I improved my lines by co-breeding with Beth Gray-Harper. She had a successful kennel, and her dogs were an important addition to my program.

In Kansas City, I was lucky to be mentored by Karen McFarlane. She is an excellent role model as a judge and breeder. As I judge Samoyeds today, I realize how nice her dogs were. I learned a lot about movement, structure, and proportions from Karen, as well as other Kansas City breeder-judges.

In addition, I am grateful for the outstanding AKC (American Kennel Club) Reps who are in this region. Gina Weiser and Jeff Wright have been good resources and supporters for my judging career.

The Good Fortune Shar-Pei are widely known, highly successful and well respected. What breeding philosophies do you adhere to?

Grace Fritz: The words that speak to me in the Chinese Shar-Pei Breed Standard are “a compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, well-proportioned.” The word “muscular” is listed several times. I like an athletic dog. The unique outline is so important. If I do a breeding that is successful, I will repeat it with close relatives. I have a certain look and athleticism I prefer, and choose those traits in breeding.

How many dogs do you typically house? Tell us about your current facilities and how the dogs are maintained.

Grace Fritz: Currently I have seven Shar-Pei (plus some co-owned), a few English Toy Spaniels, and one Japanese Chin. I bred several Portuguese Water Dog litters, including a Best in Show winner, and have a retired PWD girl here. I have a kennel building, several acres, and a large paddock area for the dogs. I am an avid dog walker and make daily trips to the park.

Please comment positively on the present condition of your breed, and what trends might bear watching.

Grace Fritz: Frequently I hear positive comments on the significant improvement in Shar-Pei from judges familiar with the breed since the early days. The skin, temperament, and conformation are greatly improved. That is heartwarming to hear. The breed, like many others, has health challenges that are difficult to tackle. In recent years, breed-specific testing for inherited eye disease and a risk factor test for Shar-Pei Autoinflammatory Disease were developed. Conscientious breeders are working on these challenges.

How and when did you decide the time was right to pursue judging?

Grace Fritz: I have been judging since the year 2000. I must have enjoyed it since I have pursued it to today, and am now close to completing my sixth Group. I appreciate the support of breed mentors, AKC Reps, and fellow judges in furthering my knowledge.

The sport has changed greatly since you first began as an exhibitor and breeder. What are your thoughts on the current state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport?

Grace Fritz: There is rarely a judging assignment I have that does not include exhibitors telling me that this is their first show. I work to help new exhibitors be successful—as a judge and as a breeder. I always take the time to let a novice handler know that I think they have a promising dog even if the performance was not polished. All of us need to welcome new exhibitors to the show world. We need to place quality dogs with beginner breeders/exhibitors to help them on their way. I do this and am happy to coach the newcomers on their journey in dog shows.

Where do you see your breeding program in the next decade or two?

Grace Fritz: I need to cut back! I am busy with judging and feel guilty for my dogs, even though my sitter is outstanding. I assume I will continue to breed litters, but will be looking for show homes and placing dogs I would otherwise keep.

Finally, tell us a little about Grace outside of dogs… your occupation, your hobbies.

Grace Fritz: I am a retired Special Education Teacher. I worked in a variety of settings and have wonderful memories of the students. I enjoy judging Junior Showmanship and seeing young people at shows. Kudos to adults who responsibly mentor youth in the dog show world. I see you!

For hobbies, I enjoy gardening and walking dogs. Also, due to COVID, I began swimming again and go to the YMCA several times a week to swim laps. I am an avid podcast listener and am always ready to share my favorites.