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Wendy Anderson is the breeder behind Winterholme Shih Tzu. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, photos and more!
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I have been involved in purebred dogs since the early 1990s. I have been breeding Shih Tzu since 2002 and since that time have had champions in several countries around the world. My dogs have been the top Shih Tzu in Canada, the US, Brazil, Poland, and the number one all breeds in South Africa, winning multiple Bests in Show and Bests in Specialty Show. My dog “Jax” was the all-breed number one Shih Tzu in the US in 2017 and was the Westminster Best of Breed winner in 2018. I am also a judge, licensed with the Canadian Kennel Club, and have enjoyed judging around the world.
Wendy Anderson: I live in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, and have been in dog since the early 1990s. I’ve been breeding since 2002.
Wendy Anderson: My kennel name is Winterholme. I’m a small home-based breeder and usually have 4-5 dogs at a time.
Wendy Anderson: Shih Tzu as a whole tend to be very good dams. In my experience, most will free-whelp and are very attentive to their young. They are a laid-back breed and are quite willing to stay with their puppies long past the weaning age.
Wendy Anderson: I’m very strict with what I feed. I only feed Fromm dog food and raw fruits and vegetables as treats. No commercial treats. I follow the puppy vaccination series and the one-year booster, but stop after that unless I am travelling out of the country with a dog.
Wendy Anderson: We are very fortunate as Toy breeders as we have the opportunity to bring our dogs in-cabin rather than as cargo, and this is much less stressful for the dog and for us. Shih Tzu have an added restriction as they are one of the banned brachycephalic breeds, so we only have the option of in-cabin travel.
As for tips, I usually carry everything I need for the dog just in case luggage gets lost. For young dogs, it helps to get them used to being in a carrier before you actually require it.
Wendy Anderson: Shih Tzu are excellent in the Performance events. Many Shih Tzu are quite titled!
Wendy Anderson: I feel we have an active group of preservation breeders in Shih Tzu who have many, many years dedicated to the breed. The American Shih Tzu Club is a progressive club with several Regional Specialties and the National Specialty, which are well attended.
Wendy Anderson: Yes, I believe those breeders have the breed in good hands.
Wendy Anderson: I think every breed has its challenges, but when they have that “it” factor they cannot be denied.
I think every breed has its challenges, but when they have that “it” factor they cannot be denied.
Wendy Anderson: I had a young puppy at a National Specialty who was fascinated with the whole experience. We were in the 6-9 Puppy Class and he was standing like a statue, watching each puppy ahead of him go up and down the diagonal. He was riveted on them. I let my guard down, getting such a charge out of him, and all of a sudden, he decided it was all far too tempting and made a leap to join the current puppy in action. The lead whipped out of my hand! If not for the very fast reflexes of the competitor next to me, it would have been quite embarrassing! Shih Tzu puppies are never dull!!!
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.
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Read and learn more about the playful Shih Tzu dog breed with articles and information in our Shih Tzu Dog Breed Magazine.
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