Patricia Poole | Twilight Giant Schnauzers

Interview with Patricia Poole, Breeder of Twilight Giant Schnauzers

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. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
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?

Patricia Poole

1. I am Patricia Poole, and I live in McAlester, Oklahoma. I have been breeding and working with Giant Schnauzers for almost 40 years; my kennel name is Twilight Giant Schnauzers.

2. When looking for show puppies out of a litter, I look to see how they walk and make my selection between 7-8 weeks old. In addition, I look for short backs, correct shoulder placement, long necks, good angulation, nice temperament, and good movement. Typically, what you see in a dog’s conformation at 7-8 weeks old will be what you will see at maturity.

3. Yes, my breed is in good overall condition. The coat texture has improved over the years. Some of the trends that bring concern would be long backs, straight shoulders, over-angulation, and sickle hocks.

4. As a preservation breeder and sports supporter, it is very important to share and train the next generation. Currently, there is a gap pairing the next generation with mentors, particularly in terms of passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation. This is an area that should be on all breeders’ minds so that this sport is not forgotten. Our parent club, Giant Schnauzer of America, offers judges educational programs at many shows, but we would like to see more shows.

5. Social media is good for the sport, and I would like to see this tool used more often, but in a positive format.

6. One of the challenges we face today is preparing our next generation. This can be improved by providing a welcoming environment along with programs.

7. Some of the positive changes over the last decade are that the parent club has brought on different learning programs in different formats, such as online grooming classes.

As a preservation breeder and sports supporter, it is very important to share and train the next generation. Currently, there is a gap pairing the next generation with mentors, particularly in terms of passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation. This is an area that should be on all breeders’ minds so that this sport is not forgotten.