SHOWDOGS: You bred him. what made you choose him over his littermates.
Riekie & Martin: He was one of a litter of three. We chose him because he was just beautiful and seemed to have the correct headpiece.

SHOWDOGS: For those who haven't been able to keep up, what are "Leo's" major achievements?
Riekie & Martin: As a puppy, he took the show scene by storm, winning three Best Puppy in Show awards and a Best SA Bred in Show. Then he went for a visit to Canada and USA and became the very first and only SA bred Shih Tzu to earn his American and Canadian championship title. He was undefeated in Canada, with multiple Group wins and a Best in Show. In the USA, he finished undefeated in the classes with three consecutive 5-point majors. He arrived back in South Africa in August 2001 and, after attending only very few shows, ended up in second place on the Animaltalk/Pedigree Top 100 point system. Along the way, he also claimed the title of Junior Dog of the Year. In 2002, he won the Kennel Union of Southern Africa's #1 All breeds Show Dog of the Year with the most points and Best in Show wins in the history of the competition (217 points and 9 BIS in a year).

He won the Champion of Champions competition in 2002 and once again found himself second in the Animaltalk/Pedigree Top 100. Leo took a well-earned break until August 2003 and returned to the show scene to become the Top Utility Dog on both point systems and was in fifth position in the Animaltalk/Pedigree Top 100. He capped the year by winning the Supreme Dog of the Year. To date, "Leo" has won a total of 19 Best in Show awards.

SHOWDOGS: How long have you been showing dogs? Please tell us about the first time you entered a show ring and how has the showing experience been for you so far?
Riekie & Martin: We started showing 1996. We entered "Face" in the Northern Transvaal Kennel Club Show. He won Best Puppy in Show, and we were hooked! "Face" (Multiple BIS/BPIS Ch. Shar-ming Fool's Gold) went on to win several Best Puppy in Show and Best in Show awards. We thoroughly enjoy showing our Shih Tzu and try to groom and present them as best we can. Sometimes it can be really hard, but remembering that we do this for the love of the breed and the pleasure of showing them makes it all worthwhile.

SHOWDOGS: To what do you attribute your success over the years?
Riekie & Martin: Dedication, commitment, and a love for the breed.

SHOWDOGS: Grooming the Shih Tzu is obviously a time-consuming labour of love. How long does it take to groom one dog and how much time do you need to devote in total to the grooming process?
Riekie & Martin: An adult Shih Tzu can take up to four hours of brushing and face grooming per day. Riekie does this on a daily basis and it is a full-time job taking nine hours a day, five days a week.

SHOWDOGS: Where did you learn your grooming techniques?
Riekie & Martin:We have visited breeders and exhibitors in the USA and Canada several times. Riekie spent two weeks with Carrie and Carol Randle in Thunderbay, Canada. These people are possibly the best groomers in the world.

SHOWDOGS: Your kennel name Midnightdream is interesting. How did you happen upon this name?
Riekie & Martin: We felt owning Shih Tzu was like a dream come true, so we decided on Midnightdream.

SHOWDOGS: Tell us about your next rising star.
Riekie & Martin: His name is Midnightdream Once A Lifetime and we call him "Buddy". He won the title of reserve Junior Dog of the Year and Best of the Best Top Puppy All Breeds in 2003.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have any special plans for 2004?
Riekie & Martin: We have some very exiting development in 2004 and we are looking forward to attending most shows.

SHOWDOGS: Thank you very much for your participation, Riekie and Martin. SHOWDOGS wishes you well for 2004 and further.