Jan Reed | DesertMoon Chow Chows

Interview with Jan Reed, Breeder of DesertMoon Chow Chows

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

Jan Reed: I live just outside of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I have been in dogs for 35 years.

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

Jan Reed: My kennel name is DesertMoon. I currently keep five Chow Chows.

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

Jan Reed: My noteworthy winners are BIS CH DesertMoon XiShan FastNFuryZ, CH DesertMoon’s 2Fast2Furyz (Iceman), and currently, BIS MRBIS MNOHSBIS MNOHS RBIS BISS GCHS DesertMoon’s Runs With Scissors (Essex).

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Jan Reed: My most influential sires and dams are BISS CH XiShan Guardian Angel, top-winning Chow in the breed, Supreme Chow for four years and the sire of DesertMoon XiShan FastNFuryZ.

My girls have been limited: Jenz Absolut QT o’DesertMoon, DesertMoon’s Sleeping Beauty, and DesertMoon FlambeGlace.

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

Jan Reed: At this point in life, we live on 1.8 acres in the city. The dogs live in the house. I do not have a kennel building anymore. All puppies are raised in my home. Generally, my office becomes the nursery! Puppies are raised VERY hands on; nail trims, rolled on their backs, and handled a lot!

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

Jan Reed: As a preservation breeder, we do an evaluation with multiple people’s input and suggestions. Generally, we do not have Performance puppies available.

At what age do I place puppies in show homes?

Jan Reed: Depending on the situation, puppies are generally placed after 14 weeks.

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

Jan Reed: Preparation includes lots of grooming and a commitment to keeping them in a clean environment, good nutrition, and regular grooming to be ready to be competitive.

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

Jan Reed: Currently, no.

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

Jan Reed: Sadly, no. There are way too many poor examples in the show ring that are not worthy of championship points, and too many people who have no mentors. Phases of popularity is a concern.

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

Jan Reed: We have many issues; aside from hips, elbows, eyes, thyroid, cardiac, and patellas, too many Chow Chows are not getting CHIC clearances. Generally, nutritional needs are feeding a good quality food, getting enough FAT in their diets, and keeping them healthy from the inside out.

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

Jan Reed: My dogs have always lived in a family environment, but that doesn’t mean every Chow is a good family dog. The best candidates are people who have patience to learn what the CHOW is about and how you can enjoy your companion.

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

Jan Reed: There are people who do Fast CAT, Scent Work, and other events with the breed.

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

Jan Reed: They are not vicious. The best-kept secret is how amazingly smart they are.

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

Jan Reed: There are too many to list. As of late, my special likes to be the FAINTING CHOW in the ring.

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

Jan Reed: When you approach the dog, once you put your hand on the dog during the exam, please do not remove it; the breed has limited peripheral vision.

Are you looking for a Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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.

Chow Chow 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 bright Chow Chow dog breed with articles and information in our Chow Chow Dog Breed Magazine.