We talk with Sandy Anderson

 

Sandy Anderson was born and raised in British Columbia. For more than 30 years, she has been Canada's leading breeder of quality German Shepherds. Sandy has bred and owned Grand Victors/Victrixes, and shown many to a place in the TOP 10 German Shepherds/All-Breed Dogs in Canada. Her dogs have also earned several Select Champion titles in both Canada and the US. To date, Woodside Shepherds has produced more than 200 Canadian and American Champions, a number that continues to grow.

 

Kennel Name: Woodside

Location: Aldergrove, BC, Canada

Occupation: Kennel owner

 

 

GSDbyDesign: How many years have you been involved with GSDs?
Sandy: I’ve been in German Shepherds for 32 years, since 1976, but in dogs for 34 years.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: How did you get started in your breeding program?

Sandy: Prior to German Shepherds, I was involved in Doberman's (1974-75),and was the vice president of the local Doberman club. Our club had a sanction match and there was a sable male at the show from the famous Waldesruh lines.  I thought he was gorgeous and that peaked my interest in German Shepherds. Then in 1979 several dogs where sold into my area that came from Jim Moses, one being GVX Anton's Jenne. When I saw all these beautiful dogs and also got to know them, I knew that was the direction I wanted to go.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: Who are some of your all-time favorite GSDs (of your own breeding or otherwise)?
Sandy: My all-time favorites from my breedings were: GV Woodsides Nestles Quik, Can GVx Echolane's Holly v Woodside, CAN GVX Woodsides Future Look, Am/Can Sel CH Woodsides Future Vision, Pacino, Bounty Hunter - there are so many . . . and from other people's breedings, I was always a big fan of "Bear," “Crunch," “Don Quixote," “Mazarati," “Andretti," and “Dallas".

 

 

 

GSDbyDesign: What problem(s) do you think are most prevalent in the breed?
Sandy: I think the breed is doing much better as we all become more vigil about health problems.  I believe that breeders are more open about genetic problems and are sharing the information.  However, I think the way that dogs are being sold is a big problem today, especially with all the co-ownerships and litters back. I believe that you have to make a decision if you are going to sell a dog and then let it go. Co-ownerships are extremely hard on people, especially when dogs are sent back for litters, or puppies are taken from litters.  Problems also arise with the costs of showing/advertising, and if the dog is a male, stud fees.  I believe that dogs should be sold out-right and then belong solely to their new family, because it’s just like adopting a child, and the dog should be YOUR fur child.

 

 

GSDbyDesign: When you select a puppy, what are you looking for? Be as specific as possible.
Sandy: I pick my puppies at 5 1/2 weeks, then I watch them grow.  Most times I am right but sometimes when using others’ bloodlines one will fool you. What I look for is topline, underdrive and the layback of the shoulder. If it is straight, it probably will stay that way. Not all the good ones use their fronts this early but usually they will show their potential greatness in their overall carriage.

 

 

GSDbyDesign:  What is the best thing about being involved in GSDs?
Sandy: The best thing is the dogs themselves and waiting for the next great one!

GSDbyDesign:  What are your goals in the breed?  What else you do hope to accomplish?
Sandy: I think I have achieved all of my goals in breeding. Currently, 2008 #1 GSD BIS BISS CH Woodsides Pacino, shown by Jim Moses, is exciting to watch on a weekly basis. BISS Am CH & Sel CAN MV Woodsides The Bounty Hunter, shown by Jerry Guzman, is also extremely exciting. And both dogs make me very proud. I guess I would like to be remembered for having given the breed beautiful, sound, quality dogs . . . that made a difference.

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