Page 33 - Aussie Magazine - 2023 Issue 2

our breed and gene pool. We stand together on end up with what I hoped for. Breeding is not a
this planet, don't forget that. game, it is an Art meaning there is rarely a right
or wrong answer but it is down to interpretation.
At what age(s) do you evaluate your puppies to
show potential? Do you show your own dogs or use a professional
From birth I began accessing them as a litter handler and why?
and will generally have a favourite or two but I love to show and groom my own dogs. Some of
of course this is not an age to make any definite my dogs show best for me or my wife and some
decisions as you are limited to what you can do not mind a handler. If I have time, I really like
judge. However so far these are generally my to show all my dog's myself, however sometimes
keeper puppies even though they go through I do not have the time so I will ask people I trust
many changes. Personally, I would say the best to take and show my dogs. These can be friends
age to make final assessments is between 6.5 or handlers or both in one. My first choice is
and 8 weeks. I am also a fan of giving puppies Katja Rauhut, who has shown quite a few of our
time to grow, as some who do not look as nice as dogs. She is an amazing handler and now we call
young puppies will blossom into a dream come each other friends. I am always happy to send
true. I think sometimes you have to let your heart any of our dogs with her as I know she will do
decide and it may be right or it may be wrong everything she can to keep the dogs happy first
however I often find my instincts are right and and foremost.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 2/2023 | 33