TAJI

Q. & A. with Katie

• Why did you start breeding?

  I am a third generation AKC purebred dog breeder. Consequently, breeding dogs as companions and partners in competitive events comes very naturally to me, as it has been part of my whole life. My mother taught me many lessons that have proven the test of time, including the ability to learn from others and the willingness to try new methods. Many of my mentors have been in other breeds (e.g. Ibizan Hounds and Poodles) that I no longer breed here in my home, but stay active in those communities and supporting those breeds. At TAJI, I focus on breeding excellence. I do everything in my power to mate sound dogs to ensure healthy and happy puppies. My puppies’ health and wellbeing is my main priority; I am - and will remain - the advocate for every puppy produced at Taji. My puppies are bred for health, temperament, and to meet conformation standards. My dogs regularly compete in a wide variety of venues proving themselves as "all around hounds" piloted by their owners (Read: Don't need *me* to compete and win). The vast majority of those I encourage owners to participate in the show ring and other specific dog sports prove to become champions, not only with me piloting them, but with their owners showing them all over the USA and abroad.

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• What makes your program special?

  My dogs are bred to produce healthy, sound, and versatile pups. The goal of every litter at Taji is to produce athletic and well-structured canines that can excel within various performance and conformation venues AND have the ability to be wonderful family companions. To be clear, I do not push all of my puppies to become champions, as I am very selective about which individuals go forward as candidates in the future of my breeding program to preserve this breed. I breed for purpose and preservation of the breed, not just to create pets for other people. I strive for excellence. I find that some puppies in each litter align better with the goals I aspired for with each pairing - those are the ones that I keep for myself and/or secure "guardian homes" for who are interested in their puppy supporting sensible breeding, rather than feeding the demand for irresponsible, random breeding, with no vetting of DNA and extensive health testing, thus producing puppies who then become part of the Retail Rescue Inventory. (Don't kid yourself, "Rescue" is a *business* that plays to your heartstrings and not your sensibilities.) The priority for my puppies is that they live and love with humans inside their home. I do require that they all have comfortable homes and a couch to snuggle with their people. I am passionate about preparing my puppies to thrive in their forever homes. I enjoy mentoring their new families so that they can raise their new, furry companions with confidence and joy. If you are looking for a breeder to "just gimme a puppy already" - then I am most definitely NOT the breeder that you are looking for.

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• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies include brindle and white, black and white, tri-color, black tan and white, and red and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.

• Where do your breeding dogs live?

  They live in my home and guardian homes.