Bramver’s Chihuahuas
Interview with Mr. Hisayoshi Kadowaki • Interviewed by Jovana Danilovic
Published in Best in Show Summer 2016
BIS: How did you start breeding Chihuahuas?
H.K.: I suppose I inherited the passion, my parents kept Chihuahuas, so they have been with me all my life. I showed my first one when i was just 12 years old. When I was 15 I won my first BIS and BISS! Now I have been breeding these dogs for 38 years.
BIS: What would you say to a paerson who was interested in getting a Chihuahua?
H.K.: Beware of becoming a fanatic! No really, I would say that they will become a part of your family for the rest of your life, and that is the truth.
BIS: How many dogs do you have?
H.K.: I have 50 Chihuahuas, but they are all co owned by my wife, so even though I do not collaborate with other kennels, I am able to work in team with Chizuto, and that makes all the difference.
BIS: Do you have a favourite win?
H.K.: I’ve won the FCI WDS 4 times, Westminster in the USA 3 times, and perhpas more importantly the USA breed specialty twice! How can such recognition not be meaningful, I’m extremely proud and honored by each of these wins.
BIS: How do you think judging affects breeding?
H.K.: His influence will guide the public, and breeders, if he is right, he pointing toward the correct type, however if he is wrong, poeple will follow down that direction as well. Judging is a great responsability.
BIS: Do you distinguish between a flashy dog in the ring and a correct one?
H.K.: I’d say yes I do, I find it disappointing when a flashy dog wins over a thouroughly correct one.
BIS: So you’d say show trends influence the breed?
H.K.: This is an important issue, however on the whole I’d say these trends are improving quality, and as breeders we need to anchor ourselves in the traditional type, as we carefully move on.
BIS: What should judges of Chihuahuas keep in mind while making their evaluations?
H.K.: The number one priority is head type, followed by the topline and tailset, of course the dog must be healthy, and then there is movement and temperament. They are all important, and they all work together, but this is how I would list my priorities.
BIS: Which dogs do you think were most important in representing this breed?
H.K.: Well, I’ll give you a personal answer on this one, becasue anyone can read a history book or a list of important winners. Those dogs which make me think of a lion are the best, they are stately and majestic, and when I see something like that, in a youngster, I know that will be a great Chihuahua.
BIS: Do you subscribe to the notion of breeding to the titled champions?
H.K.: Yes, I use chamion studs, however I will also use a winning dog not yet champion.
BIS: Do you have any difficulties in Chihuahuas tat you would say constitute a breed problem?
H.K.: Teeth and health are a problem, unfortunately it is smetimes overlooked in favor of size or cuteness.
BIS: What advice would you give to someone interested in getting a Chihuahua?
H.K.: Young people are often attracted to this breed, and of course the parents must agree. However to anyone I would say, have a converstaion with the breeder and try to listen and understand what a Chihuahua really is.
