Our passion for Shih Tzu started quite accidentally when we got Maci in 2011. She was 2 years old and needed some obedience training. We weren’t sure what to make of this little dog as we currently had a border collie lab mix, but she proved to be just as much of a dog as our Dave.
Mary and Maci had so much fun participating in obedience classes, we decided to add to our pack and along came Josi (Ista B’Juled Josi’s On A Vacation Far Away)
April found a passion in obedience training and started showing our pups in a variety of performance sports – Obedience, Rally, Agility and most recently Fast Cat and Barn Hunt.
We also have two dogs (D’Ari and Benji) that are evaluated Therapy animals through Pet Partners. They bring happiness to children, college students, seniors and workers.
Shih Tzu shown by April:
“Josi” Ista B’Juled Josi’s On A Vacation Far Away CDX PCDX GO RA CGC TKP
“D’Ari” Ascher’s Did Anyone See My Last Marble? PCD BN RN FDC ACT2 ACT1J THDA CGC TKP
D’Ari was the top scoring obedience dog of the American Shih Tzu Club for 2019! She has also started doing therapy work and is well on her way to her THDX title!
“Benji” Ascher’s Christmas Angel From Kenzie RN BCAT THDN CGC TKN.
He also was recently evaluated to become a Therapy animal with Mary.
“Maggie” GCH CH Sarjan’s Just The Way U Like It BCAT TKN
Maggie was bred by and is co-owned with Sarah Bebee of SarJan’s Shih Tzu. April started mentoring with Sarah in October of 2020 after being furloughed due to the pandemic. It was a perfect time to learn all about show grooming a Shih Tzu!
Maggie was shown by both Sarah and April to get her Championship as well as her Grand Championship. She has completed her Trick Novice title, has points toward her DCAT (Fast Cat) title and is currently enrolled in obedience and agility classes.
“Latto” CH Ascher SarJan & Magpie’s Big Energy
Latto was bred by Wendy Ascher of Ascher Shih Tzu and Sarah Bebee of SarJan’s Shih Tzu. Latto is co-owned by Wendy Ascher, Sarah Bebee, April McGuire and it living with and loved by April. Latto finished her Championship with a 4 point major under esteemed Shih Tzu Breeder and AKC Judge – Mr Richard Paquette. It was quite the honor!!
“Livy” CH Ascher SarJan & Magpie’s Let’s Get Physical
Livy was bred by Wendy Ascher of Ascher Shih Tzu and Sarah Bebee of SarJan’s Shih Tzu. Livy is co-owned by Wendy Ascher, Sarah Bebee and April McGuire. Livy finished her Championship quickly going over specials from the classes!
Shih Tzu shown by Mary:
“Maci” Maci The Not So Meek CDX RN CGC
Affiliations:
- Mary
- Twin Cities Area Shih Tzu Club – member since 2017, Secretary 2018 to present
- American Shih Tzu Club – member since 2018
- Publication Committee 2021-2023
- Bloomington Obedience Training Club – member since 2017
- April
- Twin Cities Area Shih Tzu Club – member since 2017
- President 2019 – Current
- American Shih Tzu Club – member since 2018
- ASTC Officer – Recording Secretary – 2022-2024
- Obedience and Rally Committee – 2020-2022, 2022-2024
- Education Committee – 2020-2022, 2022-2024
- North Star Toy Dog Club – member since 2021
- North Star Therapy Animals – member since 2021
- Shih Tzu Club of Wisconsin’s Fox Valley – member since 2022
- Board Member – 2022-2024
- Bloomington Obedience Training Club – member since 2017
- Board member – 2019-2021, 2023-2025
- Fall Trial Committee – 2021, 2022, 2023
- Puppy Skills 1 instructor since 2020
- AKC – approved CGC/S.T.A.R. Puppy/Tricks evaluator
- Twin Cities Area Shih Tzu Club – member since 2017
Magpie Shih Tzu 