Nicholas Stabenow-Schneider
1. Black Feather Tibetan Mastiffs came to life from an unexpected and profound love for our breed. Our journey began in early spring of 2021 when we welcomed a fluffy 11-week-old Tibetan Mastiff puppy into our home. Little did we know the immense love and passion we would develop for this remarkable breed.
While breeding and becoming breed ambassadors were not initially part of our plans, it has been a tremendous privilege. Witnessing the joy and smiles our dogs bring, especially to children, fills our hearts with happiness.
Our home is nestled on five acres in Western Wisconsin, providing an ideal setting for our beloved dogs. Despite being relatively new to the breed, we are excited to embark on our first litter this fall. Recognizing a need in our area for breeding quality dogs with an emphasis on temperament, type, and excellent health, we felt compelled to start our breeding program.
We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our dogs and any future litters, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of care and responsibility in our breeding practices.
2. As newcomers to this endeavor, we are eager to enlist the support of our established network within the breed, respected mentors, skilled handlers, and our own discernment to choose puppies for showcasing that embody our Breed Standard. This presents an exciting opportunity for us, and we eagerly anticipate immersing ourselves in this selection process.
3. The urgent need for more preservation breeders within our beloved breed has become increasingly apparent. Unfortunately, the integrity of our breed’s type is being compromised by the introduction of bloodlines that include “Chinese” mixed-breed mastiffs. These additions have resulted in dogs with subpar temperaments, a multitude of health issues, and excessive coats that are often undeservedly praised in show competitions. This trend is concerning to us, and a critical aspect of our breeding program is dedicated to distancing ourselves from these detrimental bloodlines.
Despite being in the early stages of our breeding journey and absorbing knowledge from experienced individuals in the breed community, we are resolutely charting our own course. Central to our mission is a steadfast commitment to prioritizing health, temperament, and breed type. While we take pride in the achievement of having three AKC Grand Champion Tibetan Mastiffs, our ultimate goal transcends accolades. We aspire to introduce exceptional, robust dogs with outstanding temperaments to both loving families and show environments. By advocating for the preservation of the breed’s essence, we strive to make a positive impact in the canine community.
4. Stepping into the realm of Conformation shows as newcomers, we have found ourselves captivated by the remarkable diversity in a judge’s preferences from one show to the next. This dynamic variability adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the experience. Each judge appears to seek distinct qualities, resulting in a scenario where any dog could emerge victorious on any given day. It reinforces the notion that in the realm of dog shows, participation is key to success—a sentiment captured by the adage, “If you don’t show, you can’t win.”
Although our primary focus lies beyond the realm of showing and we engage in these events sporadically for the enjoyment they bring, we have observed that the opportunity to showcase one’s dog exists in abundance. The flexibility in the frequency of shows allows individuals to exhibit their dogs as frequently as they desire, presenting a wide array of chances to participate in the captivating world of Conformation shows.
5. The impact of social media on the world of dog shows can be a double-edged sword, capable of yielding both positive and negative outcomes. On the positive side, social media serves as a potent tool for showcasing top-quality dogs that have excelled in the show rings. Its expansive reach and rapid dissemination of information allow breeders and exhibitors to effectively showcase their dogs to a diverse audience, amplifying their presence and achievements.
However, the pervasive nature of social media also poses risks, particularly in the propagation of unfounded rumors and misinformation. The veracity of information shared on these platforms can be distorted, leading to potential harm within the community. The key lies in the responsible and judicious use of social media, both as creators and consumers of content. It falls upon each of us, individually and collectively, to exercise discretion and prudence in our interactions online, thereby harnessing the power of social media for the betterment of the sport and the community as a whole.
6. Embarking on our journey as newcomers to the world of dog shows, we have encountered challenges in truly immersing ourselves in this community. The process of becoming involved hasn’t always felt welcoming or inclusive, presenting hurdles to forging meaningful connections within the sport. However, we have been fortunate to have encountered a select few individuals who have extended a guiding hand and warmly said, “Come with me, I’ll show you the way.”
It has become apparent that for the sport to flourish and evolve, there exist untapped opportunities to extend invitations, attract fresh perspectives, and wholeheartedly embrace those who are new to the fold. By fostering an environment that is not only welcoming but actively nurturing to newcomers, the sport can expand its reach, foster a sense of camaraderie, and pave the way for a more vibrant and inclusive community.
7. As participants who have joined the community within the past three years, we find ourselves unable to provide commentary on this topic. However, we eagerly anticipate and aspire to contribute actively and positively to the vibrant world of Tibetan Mastiffs and the dog show community. Our journey as newcomers has just begun, and we are excited to embrace the experiences, learning opportunities, and friendships that lie ahead as we carve our path within this esteemed community.
