Page 286 - ShowSight - July 2019

THE
MINIATURE SCHNAUZER
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
2. How many years in the Miniature Schnauzer? Showing? Judg- ing? Breeding?
3. What, in your opinion, is the secret to a successful breeding program?
4. Its position as #19 out of all AKC breeds is an indication of the love the world has for the Miniature Schnauzer. Does this make finding good homes easier?
5. Are grooming trends affecting the breed in the ring today?
6. What is your favorite dog show memory?
7. Is there anything else you’d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate.
CARMA EWER
Galen and I have been involved with Min- iature Schnauzers for the past 43 years. Dur- ing that time, we have been active members of the American Minia- ture Schnauzer Club. I have held the positions of President, Secretary, and have served on the board for a number of years. We have also been active in our local Kennel clubs, and have served as officers and show chair-
man numerous times. In the past 12 years, we have either bred or owned four number one dogs and currently have the top winning Miniature Schnauzer—our bitch, GCHG Carmel Sky High Wish Upon A Star, who is ranked number one in breed and all breed, plus is a Top Ten Terrier. Twink was owner handled in 2018 and is now enjoying life with Susie and Jorge Olivera, where she has broken the record for All Breed Bests In Shows for Miniature Schnauzer bitches with six to date.
My husband and I live in Sandy, Utah; a suburb of Salt Lake City. We enjoy snow skiing, hiking in our mountains, spending time with family—including our grandchildren and activities with our church family.
We have been involved with Miniature Schnauzers for 43 years. My husband gave me a Mini Schnauzer as a pet for Valentines Day the year we were married. That led to obedience training, then showing in obedience, and then on to conformation. While our children were young and home, we were busy with their activities and lives, but still managed an occasional dog show. Now that they have all married and have families of their own, we have been able to enjoy our dog show hobby full time.
The secret to a successful breeding program? That’s a tough question. I say that one big factor in a successful breeding program is to start with a really good foundation, and then not be afraid to seek out the best partner for breeding. Regardless of where they are
located. Modern medicine has made it much easier to find that per- fect stud dog to compliment your breeding program. Also, be hyper critical of your puppies. It’s hard but I am fortunate to have a spouse who is brutal when it comes to evaluating puppies. I tend to think they are all wonderful. But this has helped us only keep the best. I also think luck plays a part in success. We were fortunate enough to be blessed with some awesome mentors and dogs and have made incredible friendships and memories.
Finding Miniature Schnauzer homes is not a problem. It is a wonderful breed. The bigger problem is finding enough quality puppies for the homes that looking to add a Miniature Schnauzer to their households.
I don’t believe that grooming trends are affecting our breed today. But I will say that most of us who are exhibiting are getting very good at presentation and conditioning. I think that the Min- iature Schnauzer today is presented much better than in the past.
My favorite dog show memory? Another tough question. I would say the most memorable memories are of those special moments when the judge pointed to us at a big show and we were so complete- ly surprised. Not that we didn’t have a quality exhibit, but because there were so many quality exhibits in the ring with us.
I love this breed. They are wonderful companions, great with families and I can not imagine my life without one. When I am dis- couraged or heartbroken, there they are. Happy, loving and helping me know that no matter what happens—they are there for love and support. Miniature Schnauzers are hard-wired to think they are in charge of the world; I love that about them. And they are definitely in charge of our lives and household.
MARILYN LANDE
I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota where I graduated from the University of Min- nesota In Nursing. After graduation, I worked in surgery for 35 years as a scrub nurse, head nurse and Director of the Operating Rooms. Dur- ing that time my inter- est in research found me in the laboratories after work. Most of the time was in gastric and cardio- thoracic surgery. Work-
ing there with surgeons and biomedical engineers ultimately led to becoming a co-developer of the St. Jude heart valve and a contribu- tor to the Medtronic pacemaker.
While still in school, I became an apprentice to the president of a brokerage firm which gave me great depth into the workings of the stock markets. My interests in investing, which came originally from my father, spread from the markets to rental buildings and raw land. During these years, sports were an outlet and I became a ten- nis and badminton champion. Since the age of seven, figure skating
280 • ShowSight Magazine, July 2019