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A Legacy of Love, Excellence & Devotion
Our Story
At Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers, our story is about more than breeding exceptional dogs. It is a journey shaped by meaningful relationships, shared knowledge, unwavering dedication, and a profound love for the Miniature Schnauzer.
Where It All Began
My appreciation for the special relationship between people and dogs began when I first arrived in the United States from Mexico.
Joel was one of the first people to introduce me to a different perspective on canine companionship. I remember observing the extraordinary attention he gave his dog, who lived inside his home and would only accept food directly from Joel's hand.
Having grown up with different traditions surrounding dog ownership, this experience opened my eyes to the importance of individual attention, patience, and the emotional bond between dogs and their families.
Joel helped me learn how to care for and train my first Schnauzer. His desire for a devoted companion during retirement further strengthened my appreciation for the unique relationship between people and their dogs.
Those early lessons became an important part of the values that guide us today.
The Birth of Selfridges
Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers began when Tim gave me my first AKC-registered Miniature Schnauzer.
For Tim, these dogs were much more than pets. They were treasured companions who provided comfort, emotional support, and unconditional love.
While Tim deeply appreciated their companionship, my curiosity led me toward studying conformation, genetics, bloodlines, and the qualities that define an outstanding show dog.
Together, we founded Selfridges, taking our kennel name from Tim's surname.
Our shared vision combined two essential principles: the affectionate, balanced temperament of an exceptional family companion and the structure, breed type, and quality of a competitive show dog.
His love for companionship. My passion for excellence. Together, we built Selfridges.
“Tim’s vision for Selfridge was never about just winning ribbons; it was about honoring the soul of the Miniature Schnauzer through every generation.”
A Foundation Built on Learning
My early journey was shaped by determination, research, and a willingness to learn.
While attending university, I began studying the Miniature Schnauzer breed, exploring bloodlines, grooming techniques, hand stripping, and the principles of responsible breeding.
Along the way, I learned that not every dog is destined for the show ring. These experiences reinforced the importance of honest evaluation, careful selection, and finding appropriate homes for dogs whose greatest qualities may be those of loving companions.
An important part of my journey has been my longstanding friendship and collaboration with Julio París, whose experience, generosity, and dedication to quality have contributed significantly to the development of Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers.
During my early years, Julio entrusted me with Gerard, an established champion who became an important part of our breeding foundation. Over time, our collaboration grew through a mutual exchange of knowledge, grooming experience, and carefully selected bloodlines.
Throughout the years, we have continued to share breeding lines and work together, maintaining a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Even during periods when I stepped away from active involvement with dogs, our friendship remained strong.
Julio has consistently helped provide access to exceptional dogs and valuable breeding opportunities, but what I appreciate most is that our relationship has grown far beyond the world of breeding and dog shows.
What began as a shared passion for Miniature Schnauzers developed into a genuine and lasting friendship, one built on mutual respect, trust, and years of shared experiences.
Today, Julio remains both a valued collaborator and a close personal friend. Our conversations and friendship extend well beyond dogs, even though our love for the breed was what originally brought us together.
These experiences strengthened a philosophy that remains central to Selfridges: quality must always take precedence over convenience.
“The mentorship of Carma and others provided the light by which we found our path, teaching us that true devotion requires humility and a lifetime of study.”
The People Who Helped Shape Our Program
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to learn from experienced breeders, mentors, and professionals who generously shared their knowledge.
Carma played an especially important role in the development of Selfridges.
She entrusted me with Full Grace and helped us finish her championship, as well as the championship of After. Her guidance continued through grooming, preparing, evaluating, and selecting dogs for our program.
Our involvement in the Group IV Terrier Club of Utah also provided opportunities to learn and participate in the terrier community together.
Carma further supported my development by serving as one of the sponsors for my membership in the American Miniature Schnauzer Club.
Her mentorship extended beyond technical knowledge. She believed in my dedication, encouraged my progress, and helped shape the judgment and values behind our breeding decisions.
Although Carma is no longer with us, her influence remains an important part of our foundation.
Over the years, I have also continued learning from respected professionals, including Octavio Martínez of Yangas, whose knowledge and guidance have contributed to our ongoing development.
Our dogs have benefited from the experience of professional handlers, including Gabriel Rangel in the United States and Don Gil in Mexico.
I remain grateful to the people who have contributed to our journey and believe that learning from others is an essential part of pursuing excellence.
Our Breeding Philosophy
At Selfridges, we believe that true excellence extends far beyond the show ring.
Our goal has always been to preserve the qualities that make the Miniature Schnauzer such an extraordinary breed: correct structure, distinctive breed type, intelligence, soundness, and a stable, affectionate temperament.
We believe that exceptional show quality and wonderful companionship should complement one another.
A championship may recognize a dog's qualities in the ring, but the love, loyalty, and companionship that dog brings to a family are equally meaningful.
We strive to breed dogs that represent the standard with distinction and enrich the lives of the people who love them.
A New Chapter: Growing Beyond Borders
Life has brought both remarkable accomplishments and profound personal losses.
Following Tim's passing, continuing the journey we began together took on a different meaning.
Today, Selfridges is entering a new chapter, expanding our efforts from the United States into Mexico.
As Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers enters a new chapter in Mexico, I am fortunate to share this journey with people whose knowledge, experience, and friendship bring meaningful value to our efforts.
Among them is Gerardo Moreno, whose background in dogs is quite different from my own.
While I developed my passion for breeding through personal curiosity, education, mentorship, and years of hands-on experience, Gerardo comes from a family with multiple generations of involvement in breeding and working with dogs, including breeds such as Giant Schnauzers and Boxers.
This generational experience has given him a valuable perspective on canine nutrition, feeding, conformation, movement, reproduction, and the practical aspects of breeding and raising dogs.
His knowledge complements my own experience with Miniature Schnauzers, creating opportunities for us to exchange ideas, evaluate dogs, and continue learning from one another.
Together with my nephew and his fiancée, who is a veterinarian, Gerardo contributes to a collaborative effort that brings together different backgrounds, skills, and perspectives.
Yet, beyond his knowledge and contributions, what I value most is the genuine friendship we have developed.
Our relationship reflects something I have come to appreciate throughout my journey: dogs may bring people together through a shared interest, but the friendships that grow from those connections can become far more meaningful than the work itself.
Our shared work focuses on developing quality Miniature Schnauzers, expanding knowledge, and encouraging thoughtful breeding practices.
We are also exploring the development of our own professional grooming and canine care products, drawing upon years of practical experience and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Although our projects continue to evolve, the principles behind Selfridges remain unchanged.
Beyond the Show Ring: Sharing Knowledge
Throughout my journey, I have learned that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is shared.
Throughout the years, the world of dogs has introduced me to extraordinary people from different backgrounds, breeds, and areas of expertise.
My involvement with the broader canine community, including opportunities to connect with people involved in Giant Schnauzers and other breeds, has allowed me to develop friendships and learn from individuals whose knowledge and perspectives have enriched my journey.
Although this story mentions several people who have played particularly meaningful roles in the development of Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers, they are by no means the only individuals who have contributed to my growth.
There are many friends, breeders, mentors, handlers, and fellow enthusiasts whose encouragement, generosity, and shared experiences have influenced me in ways both large and small.
It would be impossible to recognize every person individually without turning this story into a much longer account. Nevertheless, I remain sincerely grateful to everyone who has shared their knowledge, offered encouragement, opened doors, or simply extended their friendship along the way.
Their contributions, whether mentioned by name or not, remain part of the journey that has shaped both Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers and the person I have become.
Just as experienced breeders and mentors once opened doors for me, I believe in encouraging others who demonstrate genuine interest, dedication, and potential.
Whether through mentorship, education, professional opportunities, or simply sharing experience, I hope to help others develop the confidence and skills to pursue their own goals.
Our responsibility is not only to improve the dogs we breed, but also to contribute positively to the people and community surrounding the breed.
The Legacy We Hope to Leave
I understand that kennel names, breeding programs, and bloodlines may not continue forever.
For me, a meaningful legacy is not defined solely by whether the next generation carries on the Selfridges name.
It is defined by the values they take with them: integrity, dedication, confidence, respect, love for the breed, and the determination to continue learning and improving.
If those who share this journey develop the knowledge, discipline, and mindset to build something meaningful of their own, then our efforts will have served a purpose far greater than any championship.
Looking back, I realize that one of the greatest gifts this journey has given me is not found in championships, pedigrees, or breeding accomplishments, but in the relationships that have grown along the way. Through dogs, I have discovered friendships, learned from remarkable individuals, and formed connections that extend far beyond the show ring. These relationships have contributed not only to my growth as a breeder, but also to my personal growth, and they remain among the most meaningful parts of my story.
Selfridges began with the people who taught me to appreciate the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, with Tim's love for companionship, and with my passion for excellence.
Today, we honor that beginning by continuing to learn, improve, and share what we have been fortunate enough to receive.
Our legacy is not measured only by the champions we produce, but by the lives we touch, the knowledge we share, and the love for the breed we pass forward.
Selfridge Miniature Schnauzers