SHOWDOGS: Were you able to pick him/her as a puppy? What made you choose him/her from his littermates?
Renee: He was the only puppy in the litter. I had someone waiting for a male puppy to go to Italy, but when Chippy was about 6 weeks old I decided to keep him and offered them another adult dog. I found in him the most wonderful attitude, and although Poms change a lot from puppy to adulthood, he always had the edge, which was then proven at his first Open show at 4 months where he won Best Puppy over many other more mature puppies.

SHOWDOGS: Was it a conscious decision to campaign Chippy during 2004, or did it just develop that way?
Renee: Yes, it was a conscious decision at first, when I showed him at the Open Shows where he won a few best Toy Puppy Groups and a Best Puppy in Show at 6 months, and at 9 months a Reserve Best Puppy in Show at a Championship Show. He then developed a very naughty streak, he wanted to play with every single dog, from a Great Dane to a Chihuahua. It was difficult to 'tame' him, so I stopped showing him. Then with him qualifying for the Junior Dog Competition, I thought I'll give it a try again. When he walked into the ring, he showed as he had shown the first day he was shown, like a true professional.

SHOWDOGS: How long have you been showing dogs? Please tell us about the first time you entered a show ring. How has the showing experience been for you so far?
Renee: I have shown for as long as I can remember, unfortunately I couldn't tell you how it felt the first time, it was too long ago. After all these years, it still is a fantastic feeling to win that top award. My philosophy is to take it step by step, you have to win your class first, then the BOB, then the Group before you can start dreaming about anything further.

SHOWDOGS: To what would you attribute your success over the years?
Renee: Very strict and critical selection of the dog (my friends say I am too critical) before I start thinking to use him for stud or her for breeding. I do not breed from a dog/bitch because of the name, or because it is imported. There were also many occasions where I did not sell a dog/bitch, even though lots of money was offered, but I do tend to think ahead, keeping different lines for the future. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush. People who want dogs do not always understand this, they say I have so many, or I can always breed another one like that.

SHOWDOGS: How do you go about deciding on a show campaign programme? Or do you simply attend shows where and when you can?
Renee: I usually show a few dogs at a time, then from there I make my decision. I do not always necessary campaign one dog at a time, I leave the decision up to the judge to decide which one he/she likes most. It gives me as a judge pleasure to be able to select one from a few outstanding dogs. Fortunately I live in Gauteng, therefore with most shows up here, I can attend quite a few if I decide not to travel that year.

SHOWDOGS: · Have you ever calculated how many kilometers you travel to shows every year?
Renee: No. I did do it one year, then stopped travelling the following year. It is best not to be that exact as far as that is concerned when you're in this game.

SHOWDOGS: Grooming the Pomeranian is obviously a time-consuming labour of love. How long does it take to groom one dog? How much time to you need to devote weekly to the grooming process?
Renee: Fortunately Poms look like more work than they really are. That is if they have the correct harsh coat texture. For show preparation it can take from 1 hour to two hours per dog, that is from him being bathed to trimmed. If the Pom is groomed once a week, which usually takes not more than 15 minutes, it is sufficient to stay in a good condition. Once the Pom starts moulting, it will take a bit longer, but that is only twice a year

SHOWDOGS: How many dogs and how many different breeds do you own and co-own?
Renee: I only have the one breed, the Pomeranian. I never tell people how many dogs I have because they would never understand. My Poms, with them all being within the required size of the standard are also used for breeding, and only have one to two puppies at a time, therefore I breed as many puppies a year as some large breed breeders do with two or three bitches. I have a several males from different lines, to be able to combine the lines where necessary.

SHOWDOGS: What made you decide to share your life with Poms?
Renee: My parents had a Pom as a pet before we were born. I was always interested and preferred working with the dogs than doing housework. I therefore always swopped duties with my sister, she did my part in the house, I did hers outside.

SHOWDOGS: Your kennel name "Xantah" is interesting. How did you happen upon this name?
Renee: My dad used the name for his Redpole Cattle Stud. It became the obvious name to use for the Poms later after the farm was sold. I took over the name in 1991. The name XANTAH originates from one of the many Greek Islands and stands for 'The Island of Love and Romance'.

SHOWDOGS: Tell us about your next "rising star".
Renee: There is a little 'character' called Dominick, a son of the winning Pom CH Xantah Domino Chicco. For those who have seen him, it was 'instant love'. Dominick has attitude, presence and is very cheeky. He will make his debut at the Open shows in December this year. There are always a few show prospects lined up, because Poms go through different stages, where they lose coat etc, therefore they cannot always be campaigned throughout the year.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have any special plans for 2005? Will you be campaigning Chippy?
Renee: Yes, Chippy will be in the ring next year, it is a good age to start a Pom's mature show career.

SHOWDOGS: Thank you very, very much Reneé. SHOWDOGS wishes you all the best with Chippy and all your Xantah Poms.