South Dakota Sunrise

My husband and I have been breeding Pekingese for over 30 years. We’ve experienced the most devastating situations with them that left us with nothing but heartache and a resolution that we’d never breed another litter. But showing in conformation kept us going. It became our resolve here at Prima Pekingese, to breed Pekes with fewer health problems but that would still be beautiful examples of the breed. We’ve made a couple strides in the last two decades but the set backs still come. The breeding of dogs is difficult. It cannot be done well without much thought and concern about the welfare of each individual dog one causes to be born. It should be done only by those who are willing to sacrifice time, money, sleep and who have great respect and love for their particular breed and dogs in general.

This introduction is dedicated to my beautiful Prima Sammy Sioux Boscobel, pictured here. This was my first (and still only) Group 1 win with a homebred. I'd sold Bosco as a youngster then got him back when the couple divorced. He was in pretty bad shape. I conditioned him for about a year then took him out. When he received this Group 1 from the classes I thought I'd have a fun time finishing him and showing him as a special. He needed his teeth cleaned badly so I had them cleaned. He died on the table. I believe now that Bosco had a bad heart. He was one of those dogs that panted after just a little exertion. This is part of the heartache one must endure. I wonder what I'd have done if Bosco hadn't died then. Would I have continued showing him if I'd learned he had a bad heart? Would I have bred him thinking his bad heart (and pigmentary keratitis and roach back) may not be passed on? Jeez, I hope not. But no dog is perfect. Humans should be so finicky about breeding themselves!

Bosco's death taught me to be more aware of health issues. His "big win" verified to me that other outwardly beautiful dogs may not be so beautiful underneath. I just have to keep alert and "know when to show 'em and know when to fold 'em" both in the show arena and in the breeding arena.

Peruse the rest of our Prima Pekingese site and visit our links. We rarely have puppies. If we should have a puppy or an older dog available we'll post it here: Looking for a Peke? on our Links page. Otherwise, please get in touch with one of the other Pekingese breeders through our links. Please feel free to e-mail us with any comments.

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