Mary-Kay Schroeder of Bayswater Portuguese Water Dogs is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has been breeding PWDs since 1993. She lives in Cicero, Indiana, which is about 30 miles north of Indianapolis and on Morse Lake. Mary-Kay shows her dogs in conformation, agility, water, obedience, and scent work.
AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs?
Mary-Kay: I worked part time for my veterinarian and realized I wanted a fun hobby that involved working with dogs. Living on a lake, I decided a breed that loved the water would make sense and be fun. I began looking into breeds that fit that and fell in love with the Portuguese Water Dogs that I met. In 1989 there were not many PWDs around, so it took time to find my first one. Bubba taught me many things about this breed that helped me with being a breeder.
AKC: What is the most important thing to know about your breed?
Mary-Kay: Portuguese Water Dogs are a working breed, and many breeders are committed to maintaining their working aptitudes. So, they are not just a cute furry dog. They require exercise, lots of attention, training, and grooming. They are a wonderful breed that loves their family as long as the family is active and not couch potatoes. PWDs are very versatile and enjoy many different activities — conformation, obedience, barn hunt, agility, scent work, and water competition.
AKC: What is your favorite question to ask potential puppy buyers?
Mary-Kay: I always ask why they chose this breed and what they know about PWDs. This helps me know they have taken time to research the breed and helps me figure which puppy will fit in their home. Many people only know that they don’t shed and are good for people with allergies. Sometimes that means this is going to be their first dog, and PWDs are not a good breed to be a first dog.
AKC: What are the main qualities you look for in potential owners?
Mary-Kay: I really like an owner who has dog experience and who seems to be a leader. I want them to have asked good questions about the breed and seem comfortable with us. I like to have a good relationship with them for the life of the dog.
AKC: What is the best advice you would give to novice breeders?
Mary-Kay: Find a good mentor to help you get started: someone who is respected and sees the good in other breeders. Be friendly and support other breeders. We need to share knowledge, not keep it a secret. And remember that you are responsible for all puppies you bring into this world their entire lives. Breeding can be frustrating and heart breaking, but I have met wonderful people and the joy you see in their eyes when they are getting their puppy is the best.
AKC: Do your dogs participate in AKC sports?
Mary-Kay: I show in conformation, because a dog needs good conformation to perform in all the activities that they do. My dogs compete in obedience, agility, scent, barn hunt, FastCAT, and water trials. Many of my puppies also do therapy work.
AKC: What do you like best about breeding dogs?
Mary-Kay: There is so much to love about breeding. I have made some of my best friends through this sport. Many come here to train their dogs for water, and we have a wonderful group that travels and competes together. I love it when my phone rings, and an owner tells me how this dog is the very best dog they have ever had. When owners call to tell me about the accomplishments they have made with their dog, I know I placed the right puppy with the right person. Due to wonderful owners and the right homes, I have been the Outstanding Breeder of the Year two years in a row because my dogs have competed and achieved more titles than any other breeder of PWDs.
AKC: Do you have a favorite breeding story?
Mary-Kay: There are so many wonderful, funny stories in breeding. One year we were breeding to a lovely dog about five hours away, and it was running into the Christmas holiday time. This was an owner I had talked to many times on the phone but had not met in person. As progesterone tests were done, I had to call and say, “Guess who is coming to Christmas dinner?” So, we spent Christmas with some NEW friends that year.