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Click here for a printer-friendly version 'It's my whole life.' We talk with James and Sheree Moses
The two have had the honor of judging the National Specialty in Mexico City in 2001. Sheree has since applied for her judge's license in the U.S.
Jim has won more than 1,000 Best in Shows in the US and Canada
and is a member of the Dog Show Hall of Fame. He has won Grand
Victor / Grand Victrix title numerous times in both countries.
In 1987, Jim earned BIS at Westminster with CH Covy Tucker
Hill's Manhattan - the #1 male show dog of all time (#4
overall), with 201 BISs.
Kennel Name: Kaleef
Location:
West Virginia
GSDbyDesign: How many years have you been involved with GSDs? How did you get your start in the breed? Sheree: I got my first shepherd when I was five when our schnauzer died, that would be 41 years ago. I started doing Schutzhund when I was 14, went to my first show at 16, bred my first litter at 17 and have been doing this ever since. Jim: My first shepherd was a gift from my father when I was nine. (Jim is 62 now.) I started showing at 13, was showing professionally in Canada when I was 16. At 19, I was the number one all-breeds in Canada with Jo-Mar's Avenger of Arbor. I've never done anything else.
GSDbyDesign: Who are some of your all-time favorite GSDs - of your own breeding or otherwise? Sheree: I'd have to say my favorite dog was Dallas. Dogs like him are the reason I've had German Shepherds all my life. Of our own dogs, both of us have a soft spot for Geneva, and Tenacity is my house dog. She is very like her father in character. And Manhattan, of course, for both of us. Jim: CH Bramblewood's Custom Made, "Conan," and one of my favorite show dogs was GV Tatta of Fran Jo (1974 GVX CH Lor-Locke's Tatta of Fran-Jo ROM).
GSDbyDesign: What is most important to you in a GSD? Sheree: We both agree on this one, it's character. And I have a pretty serious front fetish.
GSDbyDesign: What problem(s) do you think are most prevalent in the breed? Jim: Lack of follow-through behind and poor secondary sex characteristics are the two biggest problems we have today. Sheree: I agree about the hindquarters, many don't flex through their stifles - even if they don't drag their toes. I think we need better heads, and I think we're seeing a lot of animals that border on too big. A 26-inch male is medium-sized, at best, based on what I see in the ring.
GSDbyDesign: When you select a puppy, what are you looking for (be as specific as possible)? Sheree: Jim and I both look for overall harmonious structure, a balanced puppy with an outgoing disposition. Clean legs, good feet, a dark, well-shaped eye, a good front, firm back, nice pigment, short hocks.
GSDbyDesign:
Who was/is the most influential
person in your breeding program?
GSDbyDesign: What is the best thing about being involved in GSDs? Jim: It's my whole life. Sheree: I think what gives me the most happiness is planning a litter, raising the puppies, having them be joyous little hooligans then, if they end up being great show dogs, it's icing on the cake. I love getting photos and stories from happy new owners. I spend way too much time sitting in the whelping box, playing with puppies. Being serious about dogs kind of interferes with a "normal" life, but I wouldn't change much. It's been pretty good to me.
GSDbyDesign: What are your goals in the breed? What would you like to be remembered for? Sheree: We want to breed and show a sound, attractive, bold, good side-gaiting dog that is capable of doing any one of the jobs it was bred for - or maybe several. I love multi-titled dogs. We believe there is only one standard for the German Shepherd Dog; the best do both. Most of our specials over the last decade have not only been the top all-breed Herding dog, they have also been Select at the National. Geneva was Canadian Grand Victrix, 2X US Select, won the Group at the Eukanuba National Show (and Viewer's Choice for Best in Show) and was in the top five all-breeds in a very competitive year. She is also quite adept at stealing the pizza from the Domino's box you put safely out of reach on top of the hotel dresser . . . I think Jim will always be remembered for bringing GSDs to the forefront of the all-breed world; with the #1 male and female show dogs of all time. I think GSDs have become very competitive, and will remain so.
The German Shepherd by Design will be conducting interviews of notable breeders and handlers throughout 2008. If you would like to be featured on our website, contact Becky at gsdbydesign@aol.com.
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