Page 301 - ShowSight - October 2019
P. 301

                 Claudia Fowler continued
Indian for Black Fox. I am retired now having been a probations officer, child protective officer and numerous other occupations in my life including a veterinary technician. I have also worked on getting my judging license until having problems with my health. I love flea markets and now am breeding Boer Goats.
How is the breed around the house? Schipperkes are very active and need either an active person or a well fenced yard. I have a fenced yard and doggy doors so that they have access to the yard to run as they please. They also do better if they have the ability to work, i.e. Obedience, agility, etc.
Has the breed’s popularity fluctuated during my involvement? As far as the Schipperke being popular I think we have been happy with their popularity because they usually will find good homes while not causing breeding and rescue issues most of the time. They are not as popular now I feel because so many people do not like the idea of removing the tails and until recently there was not many breeders wiling to leave the tail on. They are also not flashy colored (per AKC and SCA) and many people find black dogs off putting. You have to get to know their personalities.
The biggest misconception is that the Schipperke is born with- out a tail. This is of course incorrect. They are born with varying lengths of tails and this tail has to be removed according to Schip- perke Club of America standard. No other country has the require- ment and although it has been attempted to change the standard to optional—it has not been successful.
What clothing color do I favor to complement his gorgeous black coat? I try to wear light colors or bright ones. I learned that you should never wear black although many exhibitors now do.
At what age do I choose a show prospect? I do my first choice of puppies at eight weeks and then it will depend on how they mature. Testicles dropping and teeth alignment are the next problems that may show up later.
My first dog show in Galveston Texas was a special memory of mine. I was new to the breed and my pup was seven months old. Sitting at ringside with Scalawag and Rilda Walton and Doug Wil- son came to ringside and commented about the Schipperke on my lead. The next was finishing the same dog and my first Champion in Dallas the day after the National Specialty.
I love and hate the intelligence and personalities of the breed. They are often too smart for their own good. But when you get to know them you will never be without one. They are like Lays Potato Chips—you cannot have just one.
DIANE HARRIS
Sherwood was showing in the 60s, under the GreenLakes prefix. Diane started showing in 1976 and later bred under the Ben-De prefix. They married in 1988, and Sheradin Schipperkes was cre- ated. They have bred over 75 AKC champions, including specialty winners, group winners, Best in Show, Register of Merit, and Top Producers, always owner handled. Breeder/Owners of Multi BIS, Multi BISS CH Sheradin When Spirits Talk, tied with his sire as all time top producing Schipperke stud dog. Member of SCA, approved mentor, former chair of Judges’ Education Committee, former chair Breeder Education Committee, former National Spe- cialty Show Chair, former Board Member.
We live in Maryville, Tennessee. When Woody retired from his position with Gulfstream Aerospace, we relocated from the Savan- nah, Georgia area to several acres in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains. We brought our spotted Tennessee Walking horses with us and stayed busy with horses and dogs for several years. We now only have the Schips, so we spend much time keep- ing the property “groomed”.
I volunteer with Schipperke rescue and several all breed rescues. We foster Schips, and are an “overnight stop” for several rescue
Schipperke Q & A
transport organizations. Day trips, dog shows and friends keep us busy.
How is the breed around the house? Schipperkes are not a dog for everyone. They are an “in your face” breed with curiosity to spare. Since they were bred originally as watch dogs and ratters, they can be noisy, aloof and determined. Early training and social- ization are a must. But they are loyal, happy, smart, willing and brave companions. They can exercise themselves in an apartment or are perfectly happy running the farm. An investment of time will result in an incomparable companion.
Has the breed’s popularity fluctuated during my involvement? When I got my first Schip, they were in the 30-40 percent range. They have dropped significantly. I believe there are several rea- sons. They are a “little black dog,” not fancy in any way. The lack of a tail is an attraction until people realize they aren’t born that way, and if the detailing is done incorrectly, it’s not uncommon for them to need their rear washed quite often. At shows, Schips compete with a group of varied and very groomed breeds. They are often overlooked.
The general public’s biggest misconception about the breed? That they are born tailless.
What clothing color do I favor to compliment the coat? I love pinks, blues and purple. But I wear all colors, including black and browns. However, regardless of clothing color, I do always wear my trademark gold shoes.
How do I place my pups? Mainly referrals, word of mouth.
At what age do I choose a show prospect? Usually my choice at eight weeks is my pick. At around 12 weeks for a show prospect going to someone else.
My favorite dog show memory? I have quite a few favorites. The one I can see over and over in my mind is of my nine month old boy, Sheradin When Spirits Talk, (Thumper) winning the breed from puppy class under Dr. Robert Berndt. Then later that day, Dr. Berndt gave him a group one, finishing his championship. This was a special win since Thumper had survived parvo as a 4 1/2 month old pup. It became even more memorable when, three days later, he was bitten by a copperhead snake in our yard. He survived that also and went on to a long show career.
Four years ago we stopped docking tails. USA is now the only country that requires the Schip be docked for showing. We are still showing AKC, but have had to develop a thick, tough skin. Quite a few breeders no longer dock and some have gone to oth- er venues, giving up on our standard ever allowing natural tails. Majors are hard to find in the breed and many shows no longer have Schips entered at all. We are hopeful that our parent club and AKC will, one day soon, realize the preservation of the breed itself is most important.
BEVERLY HENRY
I started out showing and breeding Doberman pin- schers in 1962. Was instru- mental in the formation of the Atlanta Doberman Pin- scher Club and was its first President. Became an AKC licensed handler in the 70s and an AKC approved judge for Schipperkes, Dalmatians and Junior Showmanship (all breeds) in the early 80s. Retired from judging after
my husband passed away as it was no longer fun without him. Have been a member of the Lone Star Schipperke Club since 1976 and the Schipperke Club of America since 1975. Am still very active
 ShowSight Magazine, october 2019 • 299








































































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