Breeding proper Tibetan Terriers has been my avocation for many years now.  Did it start out with that in mind?  Probably not.  Like many others, I went out to get a Tibetan Terrier for it’s charming characteristics, but . . . What ensued was based partly on my experiences coupled with desirable endeavors.  It grew from the interest in purebred dogs instilled in me as a child with my Corgi, Candy, and with the intent to produce only quality TTs from good selection.

Perhaps I was just lucky with Katie.  She was an impressive breed specimen – having excellent breed traits and characteristics paired with exceptionally beautiful cosmetic elements.  She also possessed fundamental canine structure (an element many breeders and judges pay little attention to in the ring or at the whelping box.) She was the perfect specimen to take the role of foundation bitch.

Certainly as a breeder’s line grows older, there is always the need to add newer genetic material.  This happened infrequently and only to help the Black Line remain a good base to breed back into.  Proper TTs with some ties to Katie’s pedigree were always an important criteria for blending in this newer genetic make-up.  Andy, CH Shalimar Prin-Su’s Andradite, a Katie half brother and Pavo, CH Lohari Harlequin Pavo, a great uncle were two such early additions.  Also the two Cleo breedings were used in the creation of the Black Line.  The first was to Katie’s father and the second was to a Katie/Ollie son.  So in time, it became apparent that there were two lines with good commonality and yet enough variety in genetic make-up to breed back and forth.  And there were enough specimens from each line to find the best match.

It is unnecessary to outline breeding techniques – most books cover the three quite well.  But it is essential if you are a good breeder to use the three.  Unfortunately it seems that most TT breeders either look for a show dog to use as stud in each successive generation that does a lot of winning, or just uses the convenient dog that is in their kennel or a friend’s.

 
These practices are not always the best if they are the single goal of your endeavors. (Genotype/phenotype: refer to those books again.)  Good consistent breeding requires a whole lot more than that. Just any two specimens combined do not necessarily produce “the best”. If there is not a plan of “what next?” (besides just breeding to another big winner or your best friend’s stud dog) that breeder may not have a good understanding of breeding.

In part, these practices appear to be a misunderstanding of how breed specific issues get passed down.  The ignorance displayed in this practice is not uncommon.  It is pervasive, as many good “pet” owners do not understand breeding techniques.  And these individuals often run clubs and/or create gene pools: either their own or those of breeders they have too much influence over.  Breed specific issues can be anywhere in a breed.  Breeding arbitrarily – out-crossing and then out-crossing again -- does not necessary clear a path, it just becomes baited breath with a wish or a prayer.  And yet, by studying a peer’s program, it is clear this is what is done. 

And those who just always breed to the biggest winner out there, blending in characteristics they think they want, as they want a big winner (without that plan of “what next?”) most likely cannot predict anything about successive generations.  Just what is good breeding all about? 

As a good breeder moves forward, there is always the need for newer genetic material.  Finding it should be “a quest”.  Not necessarily the big winner, and certainly not just the convenient  dog next door, this step is very important in any breeding program.  Temperament, health, style, and a myriad of other concerns will help make the list as long as possible in looking for this addition. 

By studying the family tree is clear that some lines have been omitted from the Kiara gene pool.  This was completely intentional.  In part it was done in order to follow my quest: to produce only quality TTs from good selection. In the years to come, there will be further additions.  Hopefully they will bring in as much goodness as those already incorporated.

The Kiara family of TTs has grown over the years from the roots planted years ago.  Unlike many of my peers who have had to leave their original lines behind because of genetic disorders or have chosen to change gene pools just to have a better winning record, I have been able to continue with the good genes I started with. Breeding within this family tree has produced an abundance of good things with only a few aberrations. 

It is clear from this explanation that I study pedigrees.  I think that is important.  Whether one is trying to create or to recuperate or even to salvage, one needs to truly understand the building blocks of breeding better dogs.  Understanding and utilizing pedigrees is one very valuable tool. 

Breeding requires accountability.  Having a philosophy – a strategy or rational, if you will – for breeding is essential if one is truly breeding toward the “perfection” of the standard of a breed.  By outlining the various stages and growth of the Kiara family, I have given mine.

Maintaining high breeding standards is the goal set forth by the Tibetan Terrier Club of America in their guidelines for responsible breeders.  Any breeder should be able to discuss his breeding philosophy and how it has impacted not only his line, but that of the Tibetan Terrier. 

CH Kontan Mis-Tee Oliver Twist
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CH Kontan Mis-Tee Jack Flash 
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Luneville Prince Kandarah
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CH Tsering Shamtsang Mingma
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CH Knuuttila’s Raven of Kiara
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 CH Kiara Rebel’s Star of Prin-Su
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CH Namaste Adeste Fidelis
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CH Khyber’s Heartbreaker
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