Drop-Coated Dog Care: Grooming & Breeding Secrets with Pat Keen-Fernandes

[caption id="attachment_16535" align="alignleft" width="183"] Pat Keen Fernandes judging the YTCA Top Twenty.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves sits down with legendary handler Pat Keen-Fernandes at the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America National Specialty to discuss the strict weekly bathing regimen required for drop-coated breeds, the genetics behind eliminating face staining and the crucial need for mentorship and pet trusts within the purebred dog community. Episode Highlights

• The Golden Rule of Drop Coats:Learn why a strict bathing regimenevery five to seven daysis the single most critical factor in achieving a beautiful, flowing coat.
• Choosing the Right Tools:Discover why a high-quality,forgiving pin brush with a flexible, squishy padis the ultimate tool for maintaining delicate coats without causing damage.
• Shih Tzu School & Mentorship:Pat shares how she is giving back to the sport by mentoring new exhibitors throughShih Tzu Schoolto help preserve the future of drop-coated breeds.
• Breeding for Health and Structure:Explore how selective breeding naturally prevents issues like tear-staining, and why evaluating dogs based on overall balance and proper shoulder placement is essential.
• Protecting Your Dogs with Pet Trusts:A sobering discussion on why every breeder and owner must establish written wills orpet truststo ensure their dogs are protected if they are left behind.