Kathy Wise Steiner | Wise Choice Bouviers

Interview with Kathy Wise Steiner, Breeder of Wise Choice Bouviers

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
3. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days?
4. How important are Performance Events to you as a Preservation Breeder? As an Exhibitor?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

Kathy Wise Steiner

1. Hi! My name is Kathy Wise Steiner, born and raised in Bridgeport, Michigan. My kennel name is Wise Choice Bouviers, established 1977. I’m a member of the Bouvier des Flandres Club of Southeast Michigan and the American Bouvier des Flandres Club. My first Bouvier, Mercedes Ben CDX, was a great ambassador to the breed, including playing a part in the play Annie at our local high school. My foundation bitch, CH Leddy’s Schotze CDX, produced several Champions and Obedience title holders.

2. Currently, I believe the breed is headed in the right direction. We are at this time working on some health issues that have been in the breed.

3. As a preservation breeder, shows are shows, and I enjoy them, even if I’m not showing. I’m going to watch and see what’s ahead. I do worry about the amount of shows, because it hurts with counts for points.

4. As performance events go, I was very active in my early years and I try to encourage new and young people to enjoy the many things you can do with Bouviers. Showing is fun, but Obedience, Tracking, Herding, and Carting are also fun and they build a bond that you don’t realize you have. I remember tracking with the dogs, and the feeling when they found the glove… nothing is like that.

5. Let’s talk social media. It’s great for sharing pictures and wins, but the important part should still be research in buying a good-quality dog. Bouviers are all beautiful, but they do have health issues that should be looked at. And they are not for everyone. A great article is “Don’t Buy a Bouvier” by Pam Green.

6. The biggest challenge that we, as breeders, have is too many breeders who breed for $$$. Breeders should be knowledgeable with ALL health testing and flaws, and be willing to take back a puppy/dog when asked—don’t just pass it off to our rescues. Personally, I”ve taken back a few that have been seniors, because of sad situations. Another challenge is breeders not being upfront with a breeding program. Just tell the truth, even if it hurts.

7. Positive thoughts are that I have found, in our clubs and at our shows, people engaging in more of the fun things. Keep it up and enjoy your dogs because, remember, they are our companions first. Make it FUN!