My grandpa commented that he could have put a kid through college for what he had spent on his dogs in vet bills. So, I thought to myself that there should be healthier pets out there and since I had been in the medical / dental field and had bred chickens and rabbits that maybe I could do something about that. Also, I have studied animal behavior and natural farming techniques of field and pasture rotation, etc. since 2005 when we moved into this small hobby farm. When I did chickens I did it for food but also with banty's who will go broody and raise their own babies. When I did rabbits, they were in a warren / yard setup and not in cages for the most part, they are rascally and not as sweet as they are portrayed in commercials for easter candy. I have had my own 4 horse herd of horses long ago and kept at least one on property until 2024. Now the dogs are my little ponies who stay in the house with me, and I get to watch their herd dynamics. In choosing my breed hypoallergenic - as much as something can be anyway - was important along with a small size for the older population along with me who had had spine surgery and tore my ACL only a few years apart. I or my close family have had poodles, shelties, aussie, spitz, beagle, and schnauzer in my lifetime and now dalmatian and shih tzu. I like the shih tzu the best for their personality as they are playful, resilient and not emotionally needy or overly sensitive and don't run away... the quarter horse of the dog world in "fun size" under 16 pounds. The dalmatian was my son's pick but they are ridiculously smart, sensitive to correction, and love you so much that they just want to stare into your eyes and steal kisses, like all the time. I began this venture in 2021 after my first surgery looking for something to occupy my mind and mobility challenged body and had my first litter in 2023. I really enjoy the genetics and pairing to create the perfect specimen. I came at this from a hobby farming perspective looking for something lighter weight than horses or even sheep because of my arthritis, etc. I continuously expand my knowledge and influence base from the veterinarian perspective and the show and sport perspective. Some get into this because they like the sports world primarily and breed for their next champ, I like the breeding and herd dynamics the most and will do the sports or showing if I must to prove my worth but I don't really like being center stage so that part is an uphill battle for me but I do like winning so we'll see what happens.

I started with my boy Aslan whose mother is from Ukraine for diversity and to balance some traits in both lines. He has superb DNA, OFA's, and hair that is low maintenance. I found bloodlines from a chihuahua show handler in Mississippi retiring her shih tzu line with lineage from the show ring. With her guidance and contribution to my program I'm hoping to produce a pup worthy of the show ring.

Aslan, the handsome fella I am holding, is clear on all DNA disease and good or average on all OFA's including cardiac, patellas, eyes, hips, elbows, and dentition.

EMAIL: boss@mountainpassbarn.com