My name is Michele Starkey and I have been involved in purebred dogs since I was a teen. Actually, even sooner as I spent alot of time with my Grandfather and his hunting dogs and they were a big part of my younger years as well. Dogs have always been a very important part of my life. My first dogs were our family German Shepherds and mixed breeds. I loved them all and enjoyed them. I began attending dog shows when I was 14 and reading everything I could to learn more about showing and breeding purebred dogs. I started with Afghan Hounds at AKC shows and fell in Love with the Shih tzu there. I was lucky to have met some of the early breeders and learn from them. In my early years I did not breed the Shih Tzu for the show ring as there were other priorities in my life that made the constant traveling of showing dogs impossible. I did always breed for the wonderful loving temperment the breed is known for and for the most healthy dogs possible. I also bred for a quality pet, that was a nice representitive of the breed. Dogs that were beautiful Shih tzu even if not being shown. I am proud of the Shih tzu I have bred, the dogs that brought lots of love and joy to their people and the ones that have worked as therapy dogs. They are just awesome dogs with so much love to share with those who need a loving little companion. I am proud of the dogs and their wonderful owners who took the time to bring some love and happiness into the lives of people in need. Most recently Oreo has worked as a therapy dog and it often brought tears to my eyes to hear how the people enjoy her and life again. Judie has done a wonderful job with her! In the past few years some wonderful friends made it possible for me to have some dogs shown and finished. This has been a dream come true for me . I am very thankful to have been blessed with meeting these fine people and their friendship. They are Jan and Sarah Bebee of Sarjans. Truly one of the best breeders of show quality Shih tzu . I have learned so much from them. I am also thankful to have met Melanie McGee of CeeBar Shih Tzu. She is also a fine breeder whom I respect. She has taught me so much about understanding the standard and conformation and also is a wonderful friend. Thank you all! I have two beautiful males who have finished their championships and my first show girl has also finished her title. I hope to continue having a dog shown and finished as I am able and hope to one day have a homebred champion. Due to health problems I am not able to travel and show myself, but am so happy to have Sarah Bebee show my dogs for me. I know the dogs have great care and gets lot of love and attention from them. She always presents them in beautiful condition. At this time I do not raise puppies to sell for the show ring . My main goal as a breeder is to produce beautiful and healthy pets with sweet and loving dispositions. I want my puppies to live their lives as much loved companions and family members. I do hope to have some of my own puppies shown someday and produce a homebred champion. I believe only those who have shown and finished many champions and have years of show ring experience are qualified to sell a puppy for show. They know what is out there and what wins. They have the experience to look for qualities in a puppy they believe will grow into a dog that can compete and win. If you are very serious about looking for a puppy to show and finish , I can help direct you to breeders who can do that.
I have now been breeding purebred dogs for 32 years. I have learned so much in this time and continue to learn all I can about this wonderful breed. I am totally dedicated to striving to breed the most beautiful , healthy and loving companion shih tzu I can. I have both new champion lines and also lines that have proven their quality to me over many generations. Some of those lines may not have many champions in the pedigree, but they have been wonderful sound and healthy dogs that I have known personally and know what the line produces. In a companion, this is even more important than a pedigree full of champions. Not all champions are created equal. A pedigree full of champions does not necessarily mean a great dog. My champions are champions in the show ring and also champions at home in every way that matters. They are gentle, loving, playful and healthy. That to me is as important as their champion titles. I am proud to own these beautiful dogs that are not only wonderful loving companions, but good enough to be AKC show ring champions. I hope to have another in the ring soon.
I am very careful to place my puppies in the best homes possible. I will have questions to ask you. I like to know a little about anyone who is interested in one of my puppies so I can be sure that the home is the right one for the puppies. I love my furry babies and that is why I am so careful. I am also happy to answer any questions you have for me.
I work hard to bring you the most beautiful, healthy and happy Shih tzu I can.
