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Judy Seibert is the breeder behind the Sage Hills Lowchen. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, and more!
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Judy Seibert: My home near Zillah, Washington, has been the site of Sage Hills Lowchen for 15 years. I bred Piedelai Portuguese Water Dogs for 30 years, beginning in 1985.
Judy Seibert: When I downsized to Lowchen, I changed my kennel name because nobody could pronounce Piedelai. I have six Lowchen, including my foundation bitch who is nearly 16.
Judy Seibert: I have been privileged to have two mentors, Janette Swindler and Nadine Baldwin, whose guidance has helped me produce a few lovely Lowchen. I have bred eight litters in 15 years, but only produced 14 puppies as litter sizes were only one or two puppies, and out of these I have five champions, one of which is a grand champion and one which is a grand champion bronze.
Judy Seibert: The most influential show dog sires are not mine; Janette’s GCH CH Marquesan’s Madriglace Encore and GCH CH Madriglace JJ.
My most influential dam is CH Sage Hill’s I Will Always Love You.
Judy Seibert: Litters are whelped in the house, and along with my adults, stay in the house with me. I have a small kennel with indoor/outdoor runs where my dogs stay when I am not home. The kennels open onto a large backyard where the dogs have room to run and play.
Judy Seibert: I follow the Puppy Culture™ protocol with my puppies. Lowchen make great family pets as long as they are raised with children. When showing Lowchen, coat care requires daily brushing and regular bathing. Pets can be kept in a puppy clip to make care easier.
Judy Seibert: I keep all of my show prospects and place pets no earlier than ten weeks.
Judy Seibert: For obvious reasons, I am concerned about fertility in the breed as one- and two-puppy litters leave very little room for choices when choosing breeding stock. Also, the breed is rare, and breeders need to work together to increase numbers and broaden the gene pool. I have been fortunate that my dogs are otherwise healthy and have not produced any of the genetic diseases that have been identified in the breed, including PRA, hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, luxated patellas, and megaesophagus.
Judy Seibert: Lowchen love Performance and need the correct structure to be competitive.
Judy Seibert: I would encourage judges to look for short loins and proper angulation in fronts and rears, with smooth movement.
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.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the affectionate Lowchen dog breed with articles and information in our Lowchen Breed Magazine.
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