Interview with Working Group Breeder Kathryn Roberts – Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?
StarrDogs | Kathryn Roberts
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Interview with Working Group Breeder Kathryn Roberts | StarrDogs
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?
I’ve lived in Georgia for 60 years. I have been breeding since 1992.
What is my kennel name?
STARRDOGS is the registered kennel name.
Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?
Some noteworthy winners are BIS BISS GCHG Starrdogs Runs With Scissors, BISS CH Concrete Cowboy, BISS GCH Starrdogs Hes A Player, BISS CH Outlaws Wind Of Fate, and BISS GCH Kingston Horton; all Bullmastiffs.
Which have been my most influential sires and dams?
Influential sires are BISS GCH Starrdogs Kingston Horton ROM and GCH Starrdogs Four On The Floor. Influential dams are BISS CH Starrdogs Outlaws Wind Of Fate ROM and BISS Starrdogs Spirit Of The Wind ROM.
Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?
I have an indoor kennel with indoor and outside runs, concrete/wood decking, and 50-foot outside grass-covered runs. Puppies are raised in the house till four weeks, then they go to the office during the day.
What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?
I look at them all the time and make a final decision at eight weeks.
How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?
Puppies are prepared for the show ring through socialization and walks.
Is mine a cropped and/or docked breed? Can I share my thoughts on cropping and docking?
We do not crop or dock. I am not against either practice.
Are Performance and Companion titles important to me as a breeder? Are parent club titles?
I used to do performance and companion titles, but I don’t have the time anymore.
In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall. Any trends that warrant concern?
I think our breed spends a lot of time as house pets, which they love, but they also enjoy time in the yard to play.
Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?
Yes! Bullmastiffs are wonderful family dogs… with minor education.
Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?
No, I think there are very few preservation breeders.
For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Working Dog?
Going to the lake and having my dog float on a raft next to me.
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