CHRISTIAN RANGEL Marketing Director
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AREWE Best
MARY MARSHALL Writer & Proofreader
Dear HopefullyReader,most of you went or are planning to go to vacation, because that is what summer is for! If you are back to dog shows, we hope you will get your hard copy of Best in Show Magazine or you will enjoy our digital version. We are proud to have Number 1 Terrier on the front cover – Paddy – MBIS MBISS GCHG Bluecrush Freedom and Whiskey! Bred and owned by Eva Hart Hansen and presented by Blake Hansen. Professional handler Milton Lopes is the first interview, which is followed by the great report from Westminster Kennel Club 2022. I would like to thank Rhonda Cassidy, Mike McGuire and Kaitlyn Price for lovely photos! In this edition we are welcoming 2 articles from Europe – Report from the World Dog Show Madrid by Grzegorz Gebik, and article about World Whippet Congress held in Italy! Charie McDaniel will tell us her story about being a very well-known and successful ownerhandler. Meet the Breed in our August/September edition is about Non-Sporting group –Dalmatians and French Bulldogs. The Best in Show Magazine team would like to say thank you to all our subscribers, advertisers, and interviewers for being part of our existence! See you in October. in Show
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CONTENT BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE14 20 58 34 66 92 160 134 LopesMilton KennelWestminsterMcDanielCherieClub Dalmatians French Bulldogs ShowWorldCongressWhippetDog-MadridCLICKRINGSIDELEASHOWNER-HANDELRFROMWITHINTERVIEWHANDLERANMEETTHEBREED fromNewsTHEMEETBREEDEuropeRINGSIDECLICK
Breeder/Owner/Handlers: The Basenji Sisters (Kathy & Julie Jones) • www.BasenjiSisters.com SpecialtyAnotherBestof Breed Basenji Club of Northern California ~ Mr James Donahue ~ Group 2 San Fernando KC ~ Mrs Christie Martinez ~ Group 4 San Gabriel Valley KC ~ Mr Shawn James Nichols ~ Group 4 Contra Costa County KC ~ Mrs Helen Nietsch ~ Group 3 Burbank KC ~ Ms Christine Erickson ~ Group 2 Burbank KC ~ Mrs Pamela S Lambie ~ In just 4 weeks he was awarded; CaptainCaptain is starting the summer off hot!
Co-Owner: Ming Chua (GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari WinTinTin SC x GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari High Win Warning SC) We our sincerely grateful to all of the judges that have recognized Captain. GCh Jasiri-Sukari Cap-Tin GChObvious Jasiri-Sukari Cap-Tin Obvious Multiple Specialty, Group & Reserve Best in Show Winning
INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER
MILTON Lopes
Milton thank you for taking time for this interview. Please tell us more about your beginnings and how you got involved in the sport of dog showing? I started in 1983, when I was ten years old. After nagging my parents for years, they finally gave me an Irish Setter; his name was Mike. We started showing him right away as a puppy and immediately realized he was not show quality. We then got a Gordon Setter from the Atalla family in Brazil which won a few groups, people started to get me to help them show their dogs and here I am.
Do you remember your first show? Did you have mentor back then or a handler that inspired you?
I remember, it was not fun to go third out of three! At the time in Brazil the late Flavio Werneck and Marcelo Chagas were two of the top handlers. My father and I would often drive or hop on a bus to meet them at dog shows so I could work for them and learn.
Do you know approximately how many BIS wins you have won up to today? What was the feeling winning your first BIS in the US? I never counted but I can say that at least 600 is an honest guess, most of them in South America, Canada, and Asia. My first American BIS occurred when I was living in Canada. I came to the Montana Circuit with the Welsh Terrier, GCh. Darwyn’s I Am Not Arguing That. What would you say is highlight in your career so far? I have been very fortunate to have shown dogs in more than 20 countries during my 39-year career, so more than a specific win or moment I would say that the friendships that I was able to build with people from over the planet are the most important thing that I have achieved. Can you name three dogs you have showed in the past and why you have chosen them?
Ch. Starhaven Andrew W, Standard Wirehaired Dachshund. Andrew won everywhere he went, and we got approximately 60 BIS titles in seven countries. He put my face on the map and I am sure that things would have been very different if I had not been part of his career.
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INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER · MILTON LOPES
Ch.Wallylama’sGrandSlam,EnglishSpringerSpaniel. Gaston was also a multiple BIS winner in several countries. He was one of those dogs that gives 110% all the time and never has a bad day. He was fun to live with, fun to show and the first dog I campaigned when I left Brazil to live in Canada. Ch. Paceway At Rosemount, Dalmatian. Vino and I won 42 BIS titles together and as far as I know he is the top winning Dalmatian of all time in the world with over 150 BIS, most of them in Australia. It was a great opportunity to be able to be part of his career and show some of his very successful kids here in the US. Can you please name three dogs you have not shown or owned in past that you would have liked to? That is a very easy one—the Akita Ch. Tobe’s Return of The Jedi, English Springer Spaniel Ch. Salilyn’s Condor and Afghan Hound Ch. Pahlavi Puttin’ On The Ritz. I have goosebumps just thinking of them. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. All breed shows. These days specialties held in conjunction with all breed shows rarely mean something out of the ordinary, and the nationals in several cases are dragged on for way too many days becoming boring for those that are not involved with aspects other than conformation. You are now breeding Dalmatians? We just had our very first litter of Dalmatians eight months ago and just finished our first homebred champion last month. Many people think that I am
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE 25 INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER · MILTON LOPES
judge the quality of dogs in any country by looking at pictures only. These days many dogs look outstanding on Facebook and magazines for example and are a total disappointment in person when you see them move. But I have to say, I was very impressed with the Dalmatians that I saw in Australia years ago.
In my opinion the breed is in trouble; there are so many different types of Dalmatians but with similar forallfaults,inmyopinion.AlthoughIhaveseenDalmatiansovertheworld,IhavenotshownoutsidetheUSthepastsevenyears,soitwouldnotbefairto
INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER · MILTON LOPES
How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? I am a straight shooter and I think that unfortunately the breed changed for the worse, which is not a phenomenon specific to Dalmatians, as it has happened in many breeds. My barometer is the national and the bred by class which should be the most important and the most competitive. I always try to go to the DCA National Specialty, and I believe that years ago there was better overall quality. The purpose of dog showing was, and still should be, to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock. Do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? Certainly. These days pretty much anything can finish. Sometimes you look at the specials line up and wonder how some of those dogs got majors to finish. I remember that not only in Dals, but in many breeds just a handful of dogs are needed for a major. When I was a kid in Brazil and someone imported an American champion, we all knew that it was probably a very high-quality dog. The same does not apply these days and this is not something specific to Dalmatians. What is the worth of having a champion dog when it is not worthy of the title?
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE26 a Dal breeder because of my long-term relationship with my client Paulo Carneiro Filho from Brazil (Whitecap Kennel). Although I am deeply involved with his breeding program and showing his dogs for over 20 years, breeding Dalmatians is a very recent thing for me, and the Dalmatian is the breed of choice of my wife Jules (she had a Dalmatian before I did!). With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?
In 39 years I have never seen anything other than declining in numbers and quality, and I am not talking about the US only but the countries where I used to actively show. And when I say quality, I do not mean dogs only, I mean quality of people. Many of the great handlers, judges and breeders are gone and I believe that something needs to be done very soon to make this a sport again. Nowadays I would call it a game, as sometimes I feel that a dog’s quality, temperament, and presentation are not the most important things when in the ring. Do you have any future goals/wishes in the world of pedigreed dogs, or life in general?
INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER · MILTON LOPES
Please name three people—one judge, one breeder and one handler that you specially admire?
I must break the rules: the late Enrique Fillipini from Argentina, a gentleman, a showman and very knowledgeable dog person. Nowadays Michael Woods from Canada checks all the boxes for me, from the way he exams to the way he points at the dogs. Always a pleasure to show to him, win or lose. As a breeder that is a tough one and I will pick two again: Pat Trotter and Karen Staudt-Cartabona. These two ladies are my idols since my first steps into the dog world. As a handler, my pick is Flavio Werneck; most of us knew him and miss him a lot. Always willing to help and always willing to learn, a good friend and extremely versatile professional. I believe that being open to learn is a very important quality in the business of handling dogs. What you would do If you did not choose to be a handler? I love taking care of the plants and flowers, so I would say a gardener or landscaper. Where do you see the sport of pedigreed dog showing evolving ten years from now?
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I have a very clear image of what I believe the ideal Dalmatian is, and no one is harder on our own dogs than I am. The goal is to retire from handling and look at our backyard and see dogs that are healthy and close to our vision of what an ideal Dalmatian is. Being a champion is secondary. I would really hate to look out of my window and see mediocre dogs, regardless of their titles and achievements.
SOUND KENNELWESTMINSTERCLUBDOGSHOW the horns RINGSIDE CLICK Photo credits: Rhonda Cassidy • MikeMcGuire • Kaitlyn Price
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE38 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW SPORTING group 1 1 2 3 4 ENGLISH SETTER GCHS CH CIARA N’ HONEYGAIT BELLE OF THE BALL FDC CGC Breeder. Amanda & Vito Ciaravino & John & Mary Nowak & Brian Silbernagel Owner.Van Jacobsen & Lee Afdahl & Amanda & Vito Ciaravino BRITTANY GCHG CH BRIGADIER SHAMROCK ALL SILVER STARS Breeder. Mike Lee & Julie Lee & Beth Rosener Owner. Mike & Julie Lee & Beth Rosener & Jaime Cox GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER GCHG CH CLARITY REACH THE SKY VJK-MYST Breeder. Claire L Malcolm & Mariah M Dupuy Owner. Carley Simpson & S Acevedo & V Atkinson & Y Hassler-Deterding WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON GCHG CH GLACIER’S STAR SPANGLED Breeder. Mary Beth Lutrick & Donald Lutrick & Lisa Durand Owner. Cindy Wood & Gary Wood & Lisa Durand
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE 39 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE40 WORKING group 1 1 2 3 4 SAMOYED GCHP CH VANDERBILT ‘N PRINTEMP’S LUCKY STRIKE Breeder. Mengru Wu & Judi Elford Owner. Correen R Pacht & Marc Ralsky & Judi Elford & Blair Elford DOBERMAN PINSCHER GCHB CH ALCHER TMAC WITCHCRAFT V GENTRY Breeder. Deb Romans & Cheryl Green & Tony Mackenzie Owner. Cheryl Green & Tony Mackenzie STANDARD SCHNAUZER GCHG CH CRIVITZ HUMPHREY BOGART VON DIABLE Breeder. Amy Shaffer Owner. Amy Shaffer & John Low & William Matthews III & T Skinner GIANT SCHNAUZER CH HEARTHMORE’S WINTERGREEN MOUNTAIN CGC TKN Breeder. Cherlann Ambrose Owner. Katherine Bernardin & Cherlann Ambrose & Sandra Nordstrom WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE42 HERDING group 1 1 2 3 4 GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG GCHG CH GEM-N-I RIVER OF URLOVED CGC Breeder. L Jewel & B Stamper & R Waitsd Owner. Richard A Waits AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD GCHP CH LK MICHIGAN I’M YOUR’S Breeder. Marcie Boomsliter & Suzanne T Ritter & Jenny Woelzlein & Carol Hawkins Owner. Marcie Boomsliter & Rick Boomsliter OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG GCHB CH WYNSILOT AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Breeder. Dora & Dale Meyerr Owner. Dora & Dale Meyer PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI GCHG CH TRIFECTA FANTASIA CGC TKA Breeder. Stephanie S Hedgepath & Linda Stoddard & Denise M Scott Owner. Jane Will & Stephanie Hedgepath & Denise M Scott WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE44 HOUND group 1 1 2 3 4 BLOODHOUND GCHB CH FLESSNER’S TOOT MY OWN HORN Breeder. Bryan & Chris Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar Owner. Bryan & Chris Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar BORZOI GCHG CH JUSTART MAJENKIR STATUS SYMBOL Breeder. Stuart McGraw & Justine Spiers & Karen Staudt-Cartabona Owner. Shigeru & Akiko Iwakiri & Stuart McGraw & Justine Spiers & K Staudt-Cartabona NORWEIGAN ELKHOUND GCH CH VIN-MELCA’S JOYRIDE Breeder. Patricia Trotter Owner. Miranda Vance & Andy Vance HARRIER GCHS CH BLYTHMOOR SHEEZ-BEEZ TELL ME NO TALES Breeder. Margie Dykstra Owner. Sheila Allen WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE46 TERRIER group 1 1 2 3 4 LAKELAND TERRIER GCHG CH HI-KEL TERRYDALE NANHALL MIZZCONCEIVED Breeder. Hayley Keyes & Terrydale KNLs Owner. Maripi Wooldridge & Jennifer Stevens & Ariel Cukier SEALYHAM TERRIER GCHS CH GOODSPICE EFBE MONEY STACHE Breeder. Margery L Good & France Bergeron Owner. Margery Good & France Bergeron & Emily Bennett & Lucy Spiegel & S Middlebrooks CAIRN TERRIER GCHS CH HJOHOO’S HJO WANT IT ALL Breeder. Elisabeth Teodorsson Owner. Victor Malzoni Jr AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER GCHP CH ROADHOUSE’S LIFE OF THE PARTY CA RATN DN CGCA Breeder. William G Roadhouse & Danny Casanova Owner. Kimberly Rudzik & Ellen Bannin & William Roadhouse WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE48 NON SPORTING group 1 1 2 3 4 FRENCH BULLDOG GCHP CH FOX CANYON’S I WON THE WAR AT GOLDSHIELD CGCA CGCU TKN Breeder. Sandy Fox & Perry Payson Owner. Sandy Fox & Morgan Fox & Perry Payson & Alexandra Vorbeck DALMATIAN GCHS CH PLANETT’S POP STAR Breeder. Barbara Kaplan-Barrett & Dr Ed Barrett Owner. Barbara Kaplan-Barrett & Dr Ed Barrett TIBETAN SPANIEL GCHS CH LANTANA’S TIME TO TALK AT BRADMAR CGC Breeder. Carole Ziers & Shirley Carroll Owner. Barbara Eymard & Melinda Marler & Gail Krall & Sabrina Hewitt XOLOITZCUINTLI GCHB CH BAYSHORE STONEHAVEN FIRST LADYY Breeder. J Frank Baylis & Jeff Margeson & Lynda Hylton & Veronica Wade Owner. M Michael & C Thornhill & F Bayliss & J & J D Margeson & L Hylton & V Wade WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE50 TOY group 1 1 2 3 4 MALTESE GCHB CH TA-JON’S WALK OF FAME Breeder. Tammy Simon & Diana Egnor Owner. Dragica Hunter & Tammy Simon BRUSSELS GRIFFON GCHS CH BELLETERRE WALKIN AFTER MIDNIGHT Breeder. Belleterre Kennel Owner. Stjohn Knl & Belleterre Knl & Susan Depew & Evelyn Hole & M & J Bazell ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL(Blenheim & Prince Charles) GCHB CH RINGO STAR OT NEVSKOGO HOBBITA Breeder. NE Sedykh Owner. Patti Caldwell & Richard Caldwellr SHIH TZU GCHB CH HALLMARK JOLEI OUT OF THIS WORLD Breeder. Luke & Diane Ehricht Owner. Luke & Diane Ehricht WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW
BEST GCHB CH FLESSNER’S TOOT MY OWN HORN in TrumpetShow
R. BEST GCHP CH FOX CANYON’S I WON THE WAR AT GOLDSHIELD CGCA CGCU TKN in WinstonShow
OWNER - HANDLER
CHERIE McDaniel
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs, and what breed of dogs you have shown over the years.
I am 2nd generation in “dogs” as my mother was involved in breeding and showing many AKC breeds. My love started when I was 5-6 years old with Collies and then Toy and Miniature Poodles. After college, I became an avid Yorkie breeder and exhibited many. One I bred obtained his CD at 6.5 months of age, the youngest in the breed to earn this achievement. I also had an OES whom I obtained a CD on also. Since 1996 I have been involved with Miniature Pinschers, finishing numerous dogs all fromtheBBEclass. MykennelnameisCheristar,named after Cherie’s Stars.
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Where did you get your foundation dogs in your main breeds and what breeders from the sport do you work with today? My MinPin foundation dogs came from several different breeders where I plucked the dogs from their stock. I knew the type I wanted and waited until I discovered what I liked. From these I developed my own recognizable type by linebreeding with occasional outcrosses, now on my 7th generation in my program with much success. How difficult or easy do you find it fitting dog shows into your “normal” life? Traveling to shows is much easier now since I’m retired. Although I showed at many 2-4 day shows with only 3-4 days off work at a time. There have been many long drives and very little sleep to accommodate showing but you can’t win if you don’t show. And winning makes the drive home easier! Would you rather win an all breed best in show or a speciality best in show? An All Breed BIS and a Specialty BIS are both huge compliments to your breeding program. I will take either and have fond memories of both wins and accomplishments. On the whole, do you believe there are too many all rounder judges judging your breed and not enough breed or group specialists? Yes, there are a few All Breed judges that know true MinPin Breed type. However, on the other hand, many often place a mediocre dog over the one who best meets the standard in our Breed and Group ring. It doesn’t do our breed justice. Please share with out readers some of you highlight’s in the show ring, so far. I have 2 top bitches I bred and have Specialed in the past 3 years. Both exude true MinPin Breed type and have the outgoing ring presence and attitude. Each took their turns at winning our Regional after our National Specialty 2 years in a row. Each are multi Specialty winners and group winners while my current bitch is a BIS winner. She won the Toy OH Gr at the Royal Canin show 2021. Each were #1 MinPin OH for 2020 and 2021 consecutively. Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. (show ring, litter box and/or stud.)
FROM AN OWNER-HANDLER LEASH
MBISS GCHS Cheristar’s I Am Cybill Shepherd BCAT garnered many top ring wins. She was a joy to show and always gave her ‘all’ in the ring. I never bred her and presently she is in a top Performance home.
Cheristar’s Macie’s On Parade! has been a great producing dam. She is responsible for many typey puppies with great attitudes. She recently produced the #2 MinPin Bitch (Breed) in 2020 and the #2 OH that year.
FROM AN OWNER-HANDLER LEASH CH Cheristar’s OOHS And AAHS! was a terrific stud dog and produced many typey MinPIns. This B/R has sired 3 MBIS winners, National Specialty winners and many CHCH.
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MBISS BIS GCHS Cheristar’s Reh-Pin’s I Am Charmed For Cheristar is my most recent Special. She finished #2 Breed and #1 OH in 2021. She is a strong line breeding back to my OOHS And AAHS! She is co-bred with Mary Silfies. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? I truly enjoy the Royal Canin show in Orlando every year. It’s a massive venue and well organized. There are many vendors and the weather is generally just beautiful in Florida that time of the year. Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference. I love the Specialties mainly since the judges are often Breeder judges or All Breed judges very familiar with our breed. The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons
Is there any advice you would like to give both to Professional Handlers, Owner/Handlers and also judges?
I have no advice for Professional Handlers. They know their job and how to present their dogs well. The OH ring has become very competitive. I recommend the OH to have fun and remember this ‘is your time to shine.’
FROM AN OWNER-HANDLER LEASH and rankings? I love to have my dogs evaluated in the ring. I always show my class dogs in the BBE classes. But if I have a top ranked CH Special I am campaigning, I am always watching the rankings.
What are your hobbies outside of the world of dogs? I enjoy gardening, maintaining my property and spending time with all my puppies and retired CH. And when our schedules coordinate, my daughter and I get together. Do you judge, and if not would you like to judge some day? I am very actively breeding, showing and producing top MinPins. At this time, I do not want to judge as I feel it would be a conflict of interest to combine both. I am always judging ringside and evaluating my breed.
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Would you like to see this class introduced at general championship shows in the USA? Breed class/stakes is a great idea although the show participants in my breed are not plentiful. I doubt it would be very popular although I would participate if offered.
How do you feel competing with Professional Handlers? Is it always a level playing field? “Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder”. I compete in the GR level often and with many Professional Handlers. I win and lose to many other Top Ranked Specials. But my dog and I are a team and this is illustrated in the presentation. The dog is comfortable and having fun, not robotic show dogs. Many shows in Europe have a breeds class/stakes where breeders compete with a team of dogs bred by them.
You have a level playing field. And to some judges, please study the standards before you judge each breed. Watch the overall balance, conformation, type and attitude. Our breed should be animated and confident. The specimens should be self possessed, tail up, using their ears and showing no fear.
Talking about DALMATIAN 66 Meg TRAMACCalleaDalmatians 7680 Carrie Jordan Fran NSPIRDDarlingDalmatians PACEAWAY Dalmatians
TRAMAC Dalmatians
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Dalmatian and dog showing. My parents bought a Dalmatian because my dad was with the City of Davis Fire Department. Mom took him to obedience class, and someone said he was a nice-looking dog. There was a fun match nearby, we entered the Dalmatian, and he won a first-place ribbon. That was in 1968 and I have been going to dog shows ever since. My parents were told his registered name needed to be unique, so they came up with Tramac – Thomas Raymond (my brother) and Margaret Anne Callea. I’ve shown many breeds over the years, really anything anyone would let me show as a kid including a guide dog that was neutered and the judge overlooked it! But Dals have always been my focus.
We got our first Dal from a family who happened to have bred to a rather special dog that Corky Vroom showed. He finished his championship in his first three shows. We were so lucky have Bandit in our lives, he was truly a very special dog in so many ways. We got our second Dal from Fred Klensch – Pacifica Dals. I am lucky to have two special people I work very closely with in my breeding program. Jennifer Meisch – Spotlite Dals and Crystal Beam – Treasure Dals. It is invaluable to bounce ideas between the three of us. I know it helps us to make the best decisions in our programs. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
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Where did you get your foundation Dalmatian and what breeders do you work with today?
I can’t say I was mentored in my breed as a kid. There were far fewer dog shows in the early 70’s. I went to all seminars anyone would take me to. I learned so much from them. At one of these seminars, I asked Rachel Page Elliot what she meant by upper arm. I must have been maybe 15 or 16. She grabbed me by the hand and took me over to several dogs that were there for hands on judging. She took my hands in hers and taught me about shoulders. I know that teaching moment is why I put so much emphasis on CALLEA
MEET THE BREED DALMATIAN MEG
Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect the most anywhere in the world past or present?
The Dalmatian in the US has a different standard than any in the world. We have a disqualifying fault for height when nowhere else in the world is there a DQ for height. We also call for a Dal that is approximately square. Again, no where do they ask for that. The height of most male Dals in other parts of the world start at our DQ height, so it is difficult to bring foreign dogs into our pedigrees. American Dals have a very specific type. It is not a sporting outline, breed.butoneofacompact,balanced,longdistancetrottingWearelosingtruebreedtypetogeneric
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE72 MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN fronts and shoulders. That was a very special day in my life in dogs.
whohealthOnewhobreedstruetothestandard,always.Onewhotestsandstandsbehindtheirdogs.Someonetakesachanceandsellsgooddogstopeople
There are some I do admire in Dals and in other breeds. There are very few with true breeding programs in my opinion. Very few who breed for two or three or more generations out. Most are breeding for their next winner. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?
breeding and judging. We do have a few judges who truly understand American Dalmatian breed type, but very few. breeder?Whatinyouropinionmakesarespectablepreservation
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Please mention some of your most successful dogs owned or bred by you. Most importantly it would have to be Mocha because she brought Jim Smith into my life. Without Jim’s generosity I would not have had the opportunities to have shown my dogs to their full potential. Mocha was Jim’s first Best in Show winner of any breed. Mocha’s
MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN who want to start showing and continues to mentor them as they grow, even if they go in a different direction. No preservation breeder should ever sell as a show/breeding prospect puppy one that has a major fault in our standard or structural faults as a start to someone’s show career or breeding program.
How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? The main one is temperament. They have gotten so much better. I do have to say, I see some back sliding currently, which I chalk up to pet parents and fur babies. Dalmatians are a guard dog breed. They are not fur babies. Also, skin health, we now know what foods are best to feed to Dals and they are so much healthier than in the past. For better or worse the breed, like other breeds, are always evolving. A few years of dogs of good type, then big dogs, then fine boned. The one thing I see that seems to be the new norm is fine boned, under done, whippety dogs. The first word in bold type in our standard is substance. I have always said Dals are kind of a drake and hen breed. The boys should look the part and the girls are more feminine. You should not have to look to see if it is a dog or a bitch. Our breed is more heavily marked than in the past. That I am sure in most part due to 40+ years of hearing testing and for the most part only breeding bilateral hearing (hearing in both ears) dogs. Our hearing is correlated to the white gene, so breeding bilateral to bilateral we seem to get more color. Not a proven fact, just my observation. What is your proudest achievement in the world of Dalmatians? When I got a letter from a now young adult whose childhood dog was one of my puppies and how much that dog meant to him. He shared many memories of his childhood that were wrapped around his dog and how much he loved his special spot. That really is the best. Ribbons come and go but placing a dog who had that much influence in his boy’s life is the most important thing to me. If you were asking about in the ring, I have bred more Best in Show winners than anyone in the US. I am very proud to have bred two national specialty breed winners, three best in futurity winners, and two top 20 winners with a very small breeding program.
money into showing a bitch, his answer was, “judges need to see what correct breed type looks like and how it is supposed to move.” The best answer ever. If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? I have been thinking about this question for a bit and once this dog popped into my head, I have not given it another thought. It would have to be Ch. Pal-Dals Black Bandit, the dog I mentioned above, the sire of our first dog. He was truly a great one. Wonderful temperament
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE74 brother Trapper was also a BIS winner. Mocha’s daughter Bindi and son Tanner were Best in Show winners. And the ever so special Lilith, who was from the last litter Jim and I co-bred and is a breeding he wanted to do for years. When he saw Lilith’s photo at 4 weeks, he said it is positively that one! Mocha is a ROM, her daughter Bindi is an ROMX, as is her daughter Soleil, Lilith’s dam. What three dogs not owned by you have you greatly admired? Mick the Kerry Blue, Fifi the Doberman and Counterpoint’s Lord Ashley, a Pointer. Oh, you meant Dalmatians I bet! Hmmm, Tuckaway Winged Foot, for his style, showmanship and breed type and the ability to produce it. Panore of Watseka and Centura Signature Sidekick, a dog I always admired and used and got a singleton. I hope to use him again and get a few more to pick from. Do you think black and white Dalmatians win more over liver and white dogs under some judges because of their color? Not as much as in the past. Years ago, yes. Livers 40+ years ago did not have the clear marking pattern the black dogs had. Now, that is not much of an issue. Also, some judges do not use livers often because they are eye color nuts. Livers will never have as dark an eye as a black dog. How important are markings in a Dalmatian? Markings are 25% of our standard. However, structure and soundness is a far greater percentage of the standard. Markings are important, but soundness and temperament should never be overlooked in favor of markings. Do you judge? Who is the greatest Dalmatian that you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing? I judged regular classes before the 2018 National Specialty on the parent club approved breeders program. I was the first Dal breeder to have the privilege to judge on that program. The greatest Dalmatian I have seen would have to be Mocha. Yes, balance,breedshewasmine,butshewastrulyagreatone.Undeniabletype,style,soundallthreewaysandbalance,balance.IaskedJimwhyhewantedtoput
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE76 BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE 76 and so correct. Loaded with type, balance, lovely markings, classic outline. I was lucky to see him early on in my life in dogs. I am not sure I knew what I was seeing at the time, but I think he set my eye for a correct Dalmatian.
The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? The purpose is to see other dogs that will hopefully improve your own breeding program and for others to see your dogs. For far too many it is all about the ribbons. They breed for their next winner, not for the future of their program. To take a pedigree you have worked on for years and bring those pieces together and hopefully get a litter of consistently correct dogs has always been my goal. And if you are lucky, you might get a flyer. Ribbons and rankings are fun, but it is really about that little boy and his special dog who was purposefully bred to be happy and healthy its entire life. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? My wishes, I am afraid, are not realistic. We will never have dog shows again where we are able to talk openly about another dog to learn and compare. I have been threatened with a bench for commenting to a friend about another dog’s short comings. If we cannot talk about dogs, good and bad, how is anyone going to learn what they have or what they should strive for. I find most breedings in my breed are what we call “cheap and easy” breeding. Yes, you can get dogs that will finish, but they are generic and often not correct. And why do they finish? Because the judging system promotes generic dogs and fault judging. Dogs that really have nothing wrong with them but have nothing to offer. When in the past a dog who had a good or great virtue was appreciated for that virtue. My goals will always be the same, to breed happy, healthy dogs who are sound, balanced, beautiful in type and a dog that raises a little boy who appreciated the difference that dog made in his life.
MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN
Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Dalmatian and dog showing.
It is hard to narrow it down to just one but the breeders who consistently have or had great dogs that I admired are Suzy Hughes, DVM (Snow Hill) and Rod and Patti Strand (MGR). CARRIE NSPIRD Dalmatian
JORDAN
When I first started in Dalmatians (1992) Tom and Carole Harris mentored me – Daisydot Dalmatians. I studied pedigrees and books and while driving to dog shows we would discuss the good things about the picture of the dog and what could be improved. We also discussed the dogs in the pedigree. It was so exciting for me…I just loved that. They also had a handling class at their home, and I learned to show.
MEET THE BREED DALMATIAN
2001) when there were fewer regional specialties in a calendar year (before back-to-back shows). Before owner handler was a thing, I showed Jack his last year and half of his show career and he was top ranked. My breeding program today “NSPIRD” Dalmatians is primary focused on Jack’s breed type, presence, and showmanship. I was inspired by Jack and my mentors to continue and pursue to breed great dogs. My Foundation dog “Jack” was acquired from Dr. Sid and Francis Remmele. I co-owned him with Tom and Carole Harris – Daisydot Dalmatians (CA).
Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
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HeALLCH.DalmatianIknowitisabitusualforoursport,butmyfoundationwasamaledognamed“Jack”MBISMBISSTuckawayWingedFoot,CGCROMX.HeisatoparoundDalmatianinthehistoryofthebreed.broketheBISSrecordwhileshowing(1994–
With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where do you believe your breed is currently strongest? I feel our breed could benefit from an internet site and database for Dalmatians that contained clickable pedigrees, pictures, CHIC numbers, and other health information for our breed. We currently do not have anything like this set up and it is hard to find information and details of dogs that are not in your area. I think a site as I mentioned would help our breed tremendously. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? To me, a respectable preservation breeder is a person who is passionate about doing what is right for the breed per the breed standard. Knowing the qualities, temperament and type that are Dalmatian breed characteristics and are incorporating these animals in their breeding program. A breeder that breeds for the betterment of the Dalmatian focuses on a moderate sized dog that can do the work the breed was intended to do.
How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? In the many years I have been in the breed I have seen so many changes to the breed and type of dogs in the ring. The one thing I have seen in my breed that has improved is temperament. When I first started in the breed Dalmatians could be a bit edgy. For the worse changes in the ring today I am seeing size as a problem i.e., dogs being too tall and weak rears.
The sister in the litter CH. Tsunami was a great producer. She had an unfortunate accident, and her tail was cut in half and that ended her show career. Please mention your most successful dogs, owned, or bred by you.
Dogs: MBIS MBISS CH. Tuckaway Winged Foot, CGC ROMX “Jack”, MBISS GCH. NspirD Hollywood Legend, CGC, ROMX, CA “Andy”, MBISS GCHS.
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What is your proudest achievement in the world of Dalmatians? My proudest achievement to date is producing a litter where three males, Andy, Argus, and Joey, were in the top twenty for multiple years for both breed and all breed standings. All three littermates were multiple regional specialty winners and multiple group winners. Argus was a multiple best in specialty show and a national specialty winner.
A: CH. Snow Hill Never Say Never (B), GCHP Bret D N Adventureland Star Coach (D), CH. Beachcomber Flower Power (B) Do you think black and white Dalmatians win more over liver and white dogs under some judges because of their color? Judges should not judge color. They should judge the dog as a complete package. I will say overall markings of liver Dalmatians has much improved since I first started in 1992. How important are markings in a Dalmatian?
If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud that is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? I have three; CH. Lord Jim, CH. Merry Go Round XKE, and CH. Bottoms Up Tuckaway Gusto
The way I interpret our standard is seventy-five percent structure, movement, and correct form. Dalmatians are carriage dogs and need to move correctly to cover the ten-to-twenty-five miles they ran with the horse. If you are going to be a spot counter in this breed, make sure the spot on the coat is clean and a crisp round spot and the pigment is rich in color. As a judge, who is the greatest Dalmatian that you have ever had the pleasure of judging or seeing. Yes, I do judge. GCH. Canalside Imperator
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Bitches: CH. Daisydot The Liver Wild “Olive”, CH. Traisides Gold Mercedes ROM “Olivia”, CH. NspirD SpotsAfire On Madison Ave “Maddie”, GCH. NspirD Absolutely Fascinating “Co Co” What three dogs not owned by you have you admired?
MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN NspirD SpotsAfire Unscripted “Ike”, BISS GCHB. NspirD SpotsAfire Michelangelo “Michael”, BISS CH. NspirD Wynn Cowboy Soldier “Teddy”
What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? My goals are to continue my passion to breed better dogs in the future while enjoying the dogs I am currently showing and honor all the great dogs of my past who have contributed and helped me get to where I am today.
The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? The purpose of dog shows and showing is to show off your breeding stock and win ribbons to get ranking and both are important to the sport. A good breeder needs to understand some great dogs do not get specialed and some great dogs in the breed ring are overlooked by judges because of the pro handlers on the end of the lead. If you have a good eye for a dog and your breeding program, you will know that the best dog does not win all the time and to look beyond the rankings and ribbons.
My first Dalmatian was a 12 month old bitch who knew “the ropes” so we progressed together. Within our first year she became an Australian Champion and went on to win BOB at our biggest show the Adelaide Royal Show in 1969. The following year I thought of Breeding and used the Challenge winning Dog from the same show. That first litter produced 3 Champions for the PACEAWAY prefix. I was then obviously hooked and have been involved with the World of Dog Shows ever since. As I progressed through my Judging career, I choose to have a breed from each Group as I was studying. Hence I have owned/shown a Smooth fox terrier, English setter, Saluki, Shetland Sheepdogs, Boxers and my second Breed Lowchen.
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs, the Dalmatian and dog showing. (please mention your kennel name, its meaning and any other breeds you are involved with.
Dalmatian
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MEET THE BREED DALMATIAN Fran Darling PACEAWAY
My first love was horses, so it was only natural that a “coach dog” would join the family. Having shown horses, I thought I would try the world of Dog Shows.
My first Dalmatian was from an elderly lady in Adelaide , South Australia. I am currently working with other breeders in Australia and overseas and particularly with Jenni O’Connor (Paceaway and Neehi) to import and export to other Breeders around the world with Grand Champions in USA, Brazil, India, Europe and New Zealand. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
Where did you get your foundation Dalmatian and what breeders (if any) do you work with today?
I wasn’t lucky enough to have a mentor as my original elderly Breeder was soon not involved in the Breed. A mentor can save you a lot of time/work. I am currently currently working with Breeders in USA ,Europe, Scandinavia and New Zealand. Australia does not have a height disqualification and therefore the Australian Dalmatian is usually a unique blend of USA , Europe and Scandinavia Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world. (past or present)? Breeders in the US and Europe have been happy enough to share Bloodlines with us to keep the Breed progressing Jilloc’s from Sweden , Nspired from US ,Merry Go Round from US, Dvojica from Scotland and Whitecap from Brazil. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publication available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Australia is often seen as the “world down under” and not a major influence on the Breed. However as previously mentioned since we are able to combine both US, European and Scandinavian lines we have produced dogs that can hold their own around the world. Multi titled Paceaway AtRosemount (Vino) was the Top show dog in Australia before competing in the Eukanuba World Challenge making the final before staying on his second visit to gain the following titles American Champion, Argentinian GrandChampion,BrazilianNationalGrandChampion, International Champion, Pan-American Grand Champion , Uruguayan Champion and Australian Supreme Champion. He has left his mark in the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil and India.Our latest export is a Vino daughter combining with American lines who is already a Silver Grand Champion, A Top 20 Qualifier for the National and is currently in Top 10 Dalmatians in US. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? Respectable has the Breed at heart to continue to produce a dog suitable for purpose. In the case of the Dalmatian a beautifully spotted dog bred to run All day with a coach. Not someone Breeding different colours and longhairs.
What is your proudest achievement (so far) in the world of Dalmatian? I think being the Breeder of Vino has been Special. To have your dog inducted to the Hall of Fame speaks for winningitself.Vinowasaremarkableshowdogfromthestart,BestBabyPuppyinShowathisfirstNational Specialty. He became #1 Show dog in Australia twice representing Australia at the Eukanuba World Challenge. After making the final he had to return to Australia and have 30 days in a Quarantine facility. A week after his release he competed in the New South Wales Top Dog competition which he won (A true testament of his fabulous temperament and great showmanship). He still holds the Breed record with 153 Best in Show awards. PACEAWAY has been the Top Breeder of Show Dogs for 10 Years. Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you. (show ring, litter box and/or stud.) With over 200 Champions produced at PACEAWAY it is hard to list the major dogs however Ch Paceaway Zapan was the TOP Dalmatian in Queensland for 5 years, Ch Paceaway Kiwi Konexion was Best in Show at Toowoomba Royal Show, Multi Ch Paceaway AtRosemount his record speaks for itself and Ch AmGChS Paceaway Eyeliner is doing her sire proud currently shown in US.
What three dogs not owned by you have you greatly admired? Satin’s Clownin Around (US), Alphadirato Future Brand (Nor) and Dvojica Voodoo Magic (UK) Do you think Black & White Dalmatians win more over Liver & White dogs under some judges because of their color? In the early days many Breeders of Black spotted Dalmatians really concentrated on the spotting . Those of us that branched out into liver spotted (knew they generally had smaller and often more spots) so they concentrated more on structure and movement. Once a judge has seen that beautiful “economic movement of a true Dalmatian” bred to run all day. It doesn’t matter what colour the spots are… How important are markings in a Dalmatian? It is not possible to necessarily breed the number or position of the Spots but we can breed for quality of spotting. Deep dark pigment in both Blacks and Livers with nice clearly defined spots. The Dalmatian should have spotting pleasant to the eye.
How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? Withtheintroductionofdifferentlinesfromdifferent countries the overall quality has improved. There was a push to introduce “healthier” Dalmatians with the “Backcross Project” to produce Low Uric Acid Dalmatians (LUAs) To date this has not produced healthier Dalmatians and has produced a marked decrease in quality of spotting.
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Do you judge? Who is the greatest Dalmatian that you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing? I am a fully qualified International All Breeds judge.
MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN
What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs? The sport of pedigree dogs has been around for a long time. It is hard in todays world to run a large kennel to try different breedings and combinations. So you need to work closely with other Breeders for a common goal. In some respects with the more sophisticated use of frozen AI greater cooperation can exist in producing world class Dalmatians.
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I saw Satins Clownin Around (Jester)as a young puppy while visiting America for the Dalmatian Club National. I asked to buy him but was unsuccessful. I was pleased years later when revisiting the States that I could identify his progeny. If you could go back in time and use 1 dog at Stud (that is no longer alive.) who would it be and why would you use him? Probably Jester. I am looking forward to using his grandson in the near future. The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? We are lucky enough to have a ranking system. That should represent the Best Breeding stock.
MEET THE BREED · DALMATIAN
Talking about FRENCH BULLDOG 9488 Perry Payson James Dalton FOX CANYON Frenchies FABELHAFT Frenchies 104 Diane QAZARABurveeFrenchies 120 Luis & Patricia Sosa BANDOG Frenchies
One of my strengths is the ability to surround myself with caring and supportive friends in the fancy. We learn from each other, and without this sense of community and team play, none of us would be successful. Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world, past or present?
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldogs and dog showing.
mostwhoTonameonepersonorkennelwouldleaveouttoomanydeservemention.ThebreedersIhaveadmiredarethosewhohaveandcontinuetobreedFrench
I was 11 years old when I bought my first show dog which was a beautiful Doberman bitch named Gina. I bred her when I was twelve, so I have been doing this for almost 50 years! After showing a French Bulldog for the first time in 1984, I immediately knew that I had to have one. Their delightful temperament and character combined with the fact they have enough substance so as not to be delicate like some toy breeds, made it a no-brainer for me. Goldshield is my kennel name, and it represents strength and protection as found on a police officer’s badge. Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders (if any) do you work with today? I obtained my foundation bitch in 1986; she was tightly line-bred on Cox French Bulldogs.
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Bulldogs of correct type while maintaining soundness, structure, and temperament.
MEET THE BREED FRENCH BULLDOG PERRY PAYSON FOX CANYON frenchies
Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? I am fortunate enough to travel the world as I show and judge dogs. I have found stunning examples of the breed everywhere I have traveled. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? Someone who is breeding because they are passionate about what they do, and they continually strive for the betterment of the breed. How has the French Bulldog changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? An ideal French Bulldog is one that is beautiful in type, moves correctly and is well-balanced with a happy, confident personality. I find the breed in general has improved throughout the years. What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder? Currently I am showing “Winston”, GCHP CH Fox Canyon’s I Won the War at Goldshield CGC CGCA CGCU TKN, owned by Alexandra Vorbeck, Alexandra Geremia, Felicia Cashin, Sandy Fox, Morgan Fox, and myself. He is currently #1 dog all breeds, and in 2022 won the Non-Sporting Group and Reserve Best In Show at Westminster. He is an absolute joy. My dog Dreamy, GCH CH BIS, BISS Goldshield’s Catch a Dream De La Rive Gauche (Winston’s sire), received the Gold
The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? I think most breeders/owners are doing what is best for the breed and the sport.
What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs? My fervent wish is that breeders raise the bar each year in producing typey, sound dogs with amazing structure.
CH Bandog’s One in a Million, CH Obsession Dell Akiris, and CH Lefox Goodtime Steel Magnolia. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? Simple. Westminster. Every time I attend, I am reminded of the beautiful dogs that were exhibited in years past. The history and sense of magic are like nothing else in the world. It has been my dream since I was a small child to show a dog at Westminster. What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog possess in your eyes? A correct head piece is an essential part of any Frenchie, but my goal as a breeder is to breed not only a typey dog, but one that is well-balanced with correct shape, conformation, and movement. Do you judge? I have been invited to judge both in the states and abroad, and every assignment has been an honor. French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging? A French Bulldog is all about the shape. Judges must understand shape and balance from the nose to the rear of the dog. There are no extreme angles. The dog should be all smooth and flowing.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG Production Award from the French Bulldog Club of America. Dreamy’s dam, GCH CH Robobull Goldshield Just a Dream (Dream) won the brood bitch class at the Frenchie National. Please choose three Frenchie’s not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.
If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud (that is no longer alive) who would it be and why would you use him? There are three I can name that had a strong impact on our breed; CH Bandog’s One in a Million, CH Robobull Fablehaft Excelsior, and CH Cox’s Good Time Charlie Brown. They were all amazing sires consistently producing sound, beautiful moving dogs, and they are behind many of the top winners today.
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MEET THE
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldog and dog showing.
MEET THE BREED FRENCH BULLDOG JAMES DALTON FABELHAFT frenchies BREED ·
I have always respected the work of the De La Parure Kennel in Belgium. Their early dogs have contributed to the success of many kennels around the world over the years including mine. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? I have had the pleasure of judging French Bulldogs in many countries around the world and there have always been quality dogs to be found but sometimes not consistently. Outside of the USA I would say
I bought my first French Bulldog, Ch. Justamere’s Dunkin’ Fr Apples, in 1996 from dear friend Ann McCammon. I owner-handled him to become the number one French Bulldog in the USA in 1997. I work with and mentor many breeders around the world and I am always willing to discuss the breed with those who have a genuine interest and passion for the breed as I do. Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
When starting out Ann McAmmon was a wonderful source of information and encouragement to me. There were some others, but Ann gave me a great foundation upon which to build. I have worked primarily with my friend Shelley St. John (Robobull) for over twenty years and together we have produced many top winning and producing champions along the way. I am proud to say that the influence of the Fabelhaft and Robobull dogs can be seen far and wide including the current top winners in the breed.
Which French Bulldog breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?
I have been showing dogs since I was a child in Ireland in 1974. I started with Smooth Dachshunds and bred many Irish champions including my first breeder owner handled Best in Show winner at the age of sixteen, IR Ch. Fabelhaft Firefly.
FRENCH BULLDOG
Where did you get your foundation French Bulldog and what breeders do you work with today?
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2. American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year nonsporting nominee 2017.
How have French Bulldog’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? I feel that while there have always been quality dogs through the many years of my involvement in the breed. We find ourselves currently facing new and difficult challenges not just in French Bulldogs but with the dog world. With the rise of animal rights activists and disreputable breeders trying to cash in on the unfortunate rise in popularity of the French Bulldog it is more important than ever to try to protect and preserve the breed as we know it. Kennel clubs and breed clubs need to do more to protect the survival of the sport as we know it.
What are some of your proudest achievements in the world of French Bulldogs? I have been so very fortunate that it is difficult to choose.
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3. Multi-BIS, multi-BISS, FBDCA national specialty BIS, AM CAN CH Fabelhaft to Hot to Handle, the number one French Bulldog in 2007 and 2008.
Scandinavian breeders produce dogs of the type I like most.
4. Multi-BIS, multi-BISS, AM CAN CH Fabelhaft Robobull Inferno the first FBDCA Top Twenty Winner, and one of the top producing dogs in the history of the breed. His progeny includes multi-BIS, BISS, FBDCA, National Specialty BIS, multi FBDCA Top Twenty, and Westminster FBDCA Top Twenty Winner, and one of the top producing dogs in the history of the breed including multi-BIS, multi-BISS, multi FBDCA National Specialty BIS, multi FBDCA Top Twenty and Westminster KC winning progeny.
1. Creating breed history with multi-BIS, BISS, FBDCA National Specialty, BIS, FBDCA Top Twenty Winner, AM CAN CH Robobull Fabelhaft Im On Fire--the first French Bulldog to win the non-sporting group at Westminster Kennel Club in 2010 since the breed was first exhibited in 1897.
5. Fabelhaft Robobull, winners of the FBDCA Top Twenty Invitational a record breaking six times and
What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? Someone who is honest and ethical and who breeds strictly to the AKC breed standard primarily for the love and betterment of the breed both now and in the future.
Multi BIS, multi RBIS., multi BISS, FBDCA National Specialty BIS, FBDCA Top Twenty Winner GCHP Haloridge’s Cruisin The Open Sea, Westminter BOB and Group 4.
6. Crufts Best of Breed win with multi BISS AM CAN VEN COL MOKAODC Robobull Catatumbo under the legendary Mr. Victor Alexander Van Raamsdonk (De La Parure). Breeder of approximately two hundred AKC champions. Most recently puppy world winner Madrid 2022 AM CH Fabelhaft Robobull Excaliber. mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you.
Please
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE 105 MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG holding the record for more dogs qualified to compete in the top twenty than any other kennel.
7.
Multi-BIS, multi-RBIS, multi BISS CH Fabelhaft Robobull Ferragamo our young star just starting his specials career this year.
BIS, multi-RBIS, multi-BISS FBDCA Top Twenty Winner GCHG Robobull Fabelhaft Catara currently the number one French Bulldog bitch in the USA. I believe she has
8.
Multi-BIS, multi-RBIS., multi-BISS GOLD GR CH Liburnium Diamond Fabelhaft, the only bitch in the breed in over a decade to win BOB at Westminster KC and achieve number one ranked status and take four months off during her campaign to raise a litter.
Yes. I have been fortunate to judge the breed in many countries, and most recently at championship level in the UK. I believe the first breeder-judge from the USA to do so around the world as well as the USA including the FBDCA National Specialty show and FBDCA Top Twenty Invitational which has allowed me to ascertain the current status of the breed worldwide. While I have
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE106 one of the most beautiful heads and expressions I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Please choose three French Bulldogs not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present. I have seen a few over the years that I have admired and have been fortunate to own the ones that I really loved. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? 1. FBDCA National Specialty - the most important show for any serious French Bulldog breeder. What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog have in your opinion?
A top French Bulldog must possess all the essential hallmarks of the breed as described by the AKC breed standard. A beautiful head with correct ‘bat’ ears, perfect balance in body proportion, a correct top line both standing and, on the move, correct movement, and of course a wonderful temperament.
Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG
French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging? Before you judge, not only read the breed standard but be confident you understand it. If you are unsure, then please do not hesitate or be afraid to ask questions from a variety of reputable sources. The FBDCA has an excellent judge’s education committee always willing to help you. Judge the dogs without fear nor favor. Do not be fooled by fake news and photoshop nor allow an exhibitor to try to influence, disrespect, or harass you in or outside of your ring. This is something we have seen more of in the last few years. Judge as you see the dogs in your ring on the day as presented not what you remember from last time or a magazine ad. Treat all exhibitors with equal courtesy and attention and be able to explain your decisions if approached in a genuine manner after judging is over.
If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who would it be and why would you use him? Although I never saw him in person it would be Ch. type.ColonelTrusardidelaParureforhisbeautifultimeless
What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? Fortunately, after so many years I have accomplished everything that I ever dreamed of and then some in the dog world. Not just in French Bulldogs but breed records with my other loves the Afghan Hound and the Japanese Chin. I am more than satisfied. My future goals are to simply live my best life every day, try to stay healthy, share a nice glass of wine and lively dog discussions with friends and family around the world. I would also like to use my experience and knowledge to help the next generation of preservation breeders and those who truly love the French Bulldog for what he is--a sweet little fun-loving clown, and the best friend and companion anyone could ask for.
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE108 had the pleasure to see some beautiful dogs there is not one that I have judged to single out. Several were of top quality and could compete anywhere in the world. Although I did not judge her, I always admired Ch. Obsession del Akiris bred in Italy but owned in the USA and until recent years the breed record holder.
The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? Unfortunately, yes. At the end of the day rankings only matter to the owner or breeder of the dog and are often soon forgotten. What matters to me is the overall success and influence of a breeding program over a longer period where the real accomplishment can be assessed. With the huge influence that social media plays in our lives people feel that they can say or do anything to and against others. The dog world has become a reflection of current society. We are subjected daily to false claims, fake news and vicious personal attacks on social media which often go unchallenged.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG
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Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, French Bulldogs and dog showing.
I started to learn about the French Bulldog as a judge initially, even before I own a Frenchie. The more I learned about the breed, the more fascinated and intrigued I became by these clown dogs, with bat ears that fart, burp, and snore like a sailor! Like the Pekingese which I was showing and breeding at the time, they are a brachycephalic breed so naturally, I had a special affinity for these flat-faced breeds, and I just found them hard to resist! So now, I have a house full of them with four oldies that sleep with me.
I have been involved in the world of pedigreed dogs in America for almost 30 years, since 1993 when I immigratedheretoattendcollege.Beforethat,Ilivedin Asia, England, and Australia where I met and learned a great deal from the great Dr. Harry Spira, who authored the book on canine anatomy and terminology. My first breed was the aristocratic Afghan Hound, and they will always remain my first love. After I graduated from university, I got involved with the Pekingese (which of course appealed to my Chinese heritage), and now, my focus is the French Bulldog. My first introduction to French Bulldogs was due in large part to the late Ms. Elaine Rigden, a well-respected and famous Pekingese judge and handler. I got to know Ms. Rigden quite well through showing Pekingese, and her husband, Mr. Jerry Rigden, was the handler who campaigned the well-known Francine to be the Top-Winning French Bulldog in America.
MEET THE BREED FRENCH BULLDOG DIANE BURVEE & QAZARA frenchies
My kennel name is Qazara ~ ‘Where Only The Very Best Will Do.’ My first homebred Frenchie litter is now close to 15 years ago, so I must have been involved in the breed in some capacity for more than a dozen years and judging them both here and abroad for an approximate same period. I have always bred on a limited basis because of my constant travels overseas. As I am a bit of a perfectionist, I must be totally convinced about the breeding before I subject my bitches to the challenging work of pregnancy and motherhood, so a breeding can take years for me to plan. Because I only breed for myself, I can take my time to do all the research and deliberation I need. It is only during the past 10 years or so that I have started to campaign my homebred Qazara French Bulldogs seriously to top honors, and the highest level in America. I am proud to say I have bred many Best in Show winning French Bulldogs in the USA. The meaning of my kennel name is a personal one I would like to keep private, but the slogan reveals a lot about the standard, motto, and practice of Qazara.
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Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders do you work with today? They often say the best thing any breeder can do is to invest in the best bitch money can buy, and I could not agree more. I am very blessed to start out with not just one,buttwo,exemplaryandincrediblybredfoundation French Bulldog bitches. The first one is Harmony (Ch. Harmony De Elka Gyvybes Zyme At Qazara – bred by Elina Borisova in Vilnius Lithuania) who goes back eight times to the legendary Ch. Colonel Trussardi De
Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding plans with? I am blessed to have had many good mentors along the way. Seeking the fitting and most knowledgeable mentors is of paramount importance for anyone embarking on a new breed. Colette Secor (of LeFox fame) is for me the best French Bulldog mentor in America, and she has helped me a lot and steered me in the right direction when I was just starting out. Like the forementioned, I have a good relationship with Tove Rasmussen of Daulokke fame in Denmark whom I admire and respect. I have also learned from many others enroute such as the Van Raasmdoonk family, Jakko Broersma, Magnus Berglin, Hakan Hall, and Peer Bucholz, to name a few. Yes, there is a select group of very dedicated top breeders from around the world that are constantly in contact, who continue seek to improve and do the right thing by a Frenchie, through the network of discussing dogs and comparing breeding notes to make better future breeding decisions. Knowledge and education is the key, and judges need to know that the French Bulldog is not an easy breed to comprehend and it is understandable that mistakes in the judging arena can occur. Better breed mentoring with true bonafide
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MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG La Parure, the blueprint of French Bulldogs. Harmony only had one litter, but what a litter it was, as it was the very first documented dual-sired litter utilizing imported frozen semen from two top sires from two different countries, namely Denmark and Spain. From that litter came Ch. Qazara Monsieur Harrods who is the modern-day top sire as his offspring have not only accounted for more BIS than any other sire in history, but his children have also won BISS and winners at the various national specialties. My second foundation bitch hails from Europe’s top kennel in the form of Ch. Daulokke’s TeTe-A-TeTe With Qazara. TeTe is the Top BIS-producing dam in American history, and the only bitch to date to have produced multiple Best in Show children. Quite a feat when she has only produced a total of six puppies in two litters. This only goes to show that it should always be about quality, not quantity. TeTe’s breeder is Ms. Tove Rasmussen, whose dogs I not only continue to work with, but also have a tremendous influence on the Qazara French Bulldogs. There are also several other top breeders in Europe that we have had the privilege and honor to have collaborated with, such as two of the top breeders in Spain, Mr. Julian Coronado and Mr. Jonatan Carreno de Pablos. We are and will always be successsharedeternallygratefultoallthebreederswhohavesokindlytheirdogsandbloodlinesforustoachievetheweenjoytoday.
It is unfair to list some and leave others out, as we do have some very clever breeders in French Bulldogs, so I shall say that I respect any breeder who truly tries to do his or her best when it comes to breeding. And with that, I mean the ones who do their homework and utilize the absolute best and most suitable dogs and bitches from anywhere in the world. These are breeders that leave no stones unturned when it comes to their breeding endeavors. Breeding should never be about convenience, and I so admire breeders who health test their stock, and who can produce consistent type and quality litters from one generation to the next. That is the testament of a top breeder. In French Bulldogs, it is a difficult feat to accomplish because it is not a breed that always breeds true. Frenchies originate from crossing an English Bulldog with an English Toy Terrier so that combination with two such different breeds on such a diverse spectrum makes the breed very volatile, and not always susceptible to breed true.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG experts are necessary to counteract the current education deficiency for both judges and breeders alike. I have applied in breeding French Bulldogs the knowledge, mistakes, and success I had earned from my stint in the Pekingese and Afghan Hound, and these experiences have helped me tremendously. As we can only be as good as we allow our minds to be open to learn constantly and continually.
Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect the most, anywhere in the world past or present?
We all must respect the Van Raamsdonk family (De La Parure) for what they have done for the breed in both Europe, and North America. Their dog, the late great Ch. Colonel Trussardi De La Parure is known to be the ideal Frenchie even today. A good deal of the stock that top breeders have will descend from one of the De La Parure dogs. The French Bulldog is a man-made breed, and with that, comes many challenges not just limited aestheticstohealth.Itisabreedvaluedstrictlyforjustitsphysicalandclown-likecomicalpersonality,soit must be special and exquisite – not plain and common like most we often see. It is truly not an easy breed to muster in breed showing or judging. Plus, you do not have the luxury of coat to camouflage any structural shortcomings. So, I must say I can respect anyone who can breed a healthy, correct, and sound Frenchie that conforms to the standard, and exemplifies the correct square head with tall round bat ears and a shapely silhouette that a typical French Bulldog bleeding in type should have.
aSelectioniskey,andonemustknowwhentoeliminatecertainspecimenandfaultfromthegenepool,to prevent propagating undesirable traits to taint the breed. A respectable preservation breeder should be very selective in the caliber of dogs, lines, and people that they work with, and they must truly protect, preserve, and promote for the breed’s betterment.
How has French Bulldog changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? In terms of health, the breed has certainly improved as we have more advanced health testing protocols
The main difference between the European versus American French Bulldogs is that those American cream/fawn colored Frenchies (most with deceptively dyed noses/pigmentation) that we commonly see winning in the ring here are a disqualified color under the FCI Breed Standard as they lack the black points (nose, pigmentation, etc.). The AKC Breed Standard is the only standard in the world that allows these self-masked creams and fawns without black noses and pigmentation much to the dismay of the purists in the Frenchie world. Remember type follows color, and hence, it explains why most of these American cream/fawn Frenchies we see also often lack the fill, upsweep, layback, ear shape/size and outline the breed requires. It is my earnest opinion that American pedigrees also lack the consistency in genotypes and phenotypes that linebreeding can offer. The American breeders really need to do their homework and vastly improve in several areas (including mandatory health screenings) before they can catch up with the Europeans, especially in the three breed-essential departments: head, ear, and silhouette. Plus, bone and substance.
What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? To preserve, one must understand the history, purpose, and trend of the breed. A respectable preservation breeder must health test and truly understand the breed, its purpose, and the family of dogs in the pedigrees they are working with, plus being honest and honorable in their transactions.
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MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where do you believe your breed is currently strongest? Without a doubt, the breed is, and has been the strongest in Europe, where the French Bulldog originates from. The breed has stayed truer and more authentic over in Europe with more emphasis on type and health. As someone who has frequented and judged French Bulldogs overseas more than any of my American counterparts in the last 10 years, I would say with confidence that across the board, the best pool of Frenchies are in Western Europe, with a particular concentration in Scandinavia, although we have witnessed some brilliant breeders in Eastern Europe like Russia, Poland, and Lithuania. American Frenchies, on the other hand, are comparatively much more heterogeneous with different head styles, shapes, size, and proportion.
While there is no perfect dog, and one should never ‘throw the baby out with the bath water,’ but on the same token, not all dogs/bitches need to be bred from.
There are many highlights I am proud of, but I am most thrilled with the consistency and quality of my Qazara Frenchies.ThetrueessenceofFrenchBulldogseachone of them represents both as well-loved family members, and as top-winning specimens in the ring. Without any compromise on health, temperament, and essential breed characteristics such as a square head, correct bat ears, and silhouette. As a breeder, I am always flattered when the most discerning international connoisseurs praise the consistency and quality of my Qazara French Bulldogs, as it is these genuine heartfelt accolades from breed experts that I hold near and dear to my heart. These gestures of encouragement are also the motivation that keeps me going and trying to be an even better breeder. On the same token, I am also tickled to bits to hear how much the Frenchies I have placed in pet homes are love, pampered and cherished.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG that the conscientious breeders are participating in. In terms of presentation, I wish we would take notes from the Europeans; Frenchies should be free stacked to highlight their silhouette, not hand-stack to contort them into the desired shape, as a Frenchie is all about its head and silhouette. Judges need to hold handlers that use foreign substances to color the nose and pigments of those cream/fawn Frenchies accountable and excuse them. Rodney Merry should not be the only judge that would dismiss a Frenchie from his ring for foreign substance and dye. More judges should follow suit and judge accordingly to the standard and AKC rules with no preferential treatment for the ranked dogs or known handlers. Improve the DNA through selective breedings instead of via the tack box. What is most detrimental to the breed is judges who do not truly comprehend the breed, so they reward showmanship and presentation over breed type and quality. With many of our top-ranked dogs lacking the correct square head, bat ears and toplines, judges are sending the wrong message to the breeders that this is what it takes to win. Over the course of time, some breeders with correct typey dogs have become discouraged to exhibit and the ring has become filled with only plain mediocre specimens. What has happened to upsweep, layback, cushioning, width of muzzle, and the desired inverted-U lip line? Most of these breed-essential attributes have become almost extinct due to judges accepting and rewarding pendulous flews with no under jaws that you would not see on a French Bulldog. Having said all that, overall, the breed has improved marginally, but certainly could benefit from greater consistency across the board in all avenues of breeding, showing, and judging.
What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder? Winning the national, regional and all breeds Best in Show must be every breeder’s dream and proudest accolades. I am very blessed to have accomplished all those top honors, and best of all, to do so as a breederowner-handler. I am proud that my homebred bitch, Purple (GCH Qazara Eternal Reign) is the top winning breeder-owner-handled Frenchie in history. I am fortunate to be the very first breeder in the world to breed a dual-sired litter utilizing imported frozen semen from two countries, and hence, hopefully paving the way for others. I am also delighted to have bred/ owned the top sire and top producers in the breed.
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The first dog that comes to mind is Ch. Colonel Trussardi De La Parure, because to many, he is the epitome of what a French Bulldog male should be. He is moderate as the breed standard called for, and he is not exaggerated in anyway. He has all the essential breed points in the right amount, and that is hard to achieve. Trussardi gave many modern-day breeders the blueprint to vision what an ideal French Bulldog should be. The other dog I respect and feel that is important to the breed today is Ch. Daulokke Elisir D’Amore. Pedro is not only a great sire that stamps his type, but I also feel that he has changed and improved the breed in Europe for the better with his correct balance, shape, size, head,andtype.VeryoftenwhenIadmireadogorbitch, I usually find Pedro behind in the pedigree somewhere, and that says a lot. Nothing screams French Bulldog more than a beautiful typey curvy brindle bitch with a gorgeous headpiece with upsweep, layback, and those tall, round scalloped Danish ears. Let us remember that it is the bitches that are the backbone of the breed and catapult the breed to the status that it enjoys today.
While I will not name any specific beautiful bitches as there are several worldwide in the past, as well as at the present time, I shall admit I have a soft spot for them as they represent to many what a truly exquisite French Bulldog should be. What is your favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? Most would say their national specialty has to be the favorite show, but I have several favorite shows.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG Please choose three Frenchies not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.
Namely in no order of preference: Crufts, World Dog Show, Westminster, EDS and the AKC National Championship cluster in Orlando. I strongly urge every American fancier (especially Frenchie folks) to venture abroad and check out these wonderful big shows. You will never see a show with 22,000 entries here, with a conglomerate of dogs from all different countries and lines. It is also a fantastic opportunity to visit kennels, learn from these breeders and network. I would not have the success I enjoy, nor the knowledge I do if I had not been a regular attendee to all these pivotal events abroad year after year, where I have gained so much from. On top of seeing some of the best dogs, it is a chance to travel, and experience different sights, culture, and cuisines.
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extremely difficult breed to grasp for both judges and breeders alike, but there are certain key points judges need to remember when judging Frenchies: 1. Know how to prioritize by judging the head initially, the silhouette (topline, underline, outline), and then movement 2. Judge the whole dog, and do not zoom in and get hung up on one single feature
French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging? andTheFrenchBulldogissomisunderstood,misconstrued,misrepresented.TheFrenchBulldogisan
What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog have in your opinion? Let us remember the original purpose of the French Bulldogs as they are bred solely for their aesthetics and personality, so looking beautiful and typical of the breed is of utmost importance. The French Bulldog is a head breed so it must have a beautiful head and expression first and foremost! The forefathers of the breed designated more points to head properties than any other components. The current revised AKC Standard clearly states, “The hallmarks of the breed are the square head with bat ears and the roach back,” meaning the silhouette. Why are dogs winning without a correct square head, proper bat ears and desired silhouette with a roach back and rise in the right place? For me, the head comes first, and it is the first thing I look at, and the last thing I see. The silhouette is also very important with its distinctive topline, underline and outline. Remember that French Bulldogs are not arebredtoherd,hunt,orperformanyspecificactivity.Theybredspecificallyfortheiraestheticsandclown-like personalities so kindly prioritize accordingly when judging/breeding, and keep Frenchies highly special and exquisite, not generic.
Some people are wrongly caught up in the statistics of number of champions where it comes to stud dogs, whereas I am more concerned with the consistency of quality and similarities phenotypically in his get. Especially with studs that are never at public service that have fathered a plethora of offspring. What I am especially interested in when seeking studs is that they can sire dogs that go on to become top sires, and out of a valuable tail bitch line. On that note, two late
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG
Claude Monet was my BOB winner at the Scandinavian Specialty where he went on to win BIS that day and became a top sire.
5. Understand what constitutes a great head, substance, shape and make 6. Judge the dogs and bitches equally with due allowances to the bitches as the standard clearly states, and reward accordingly
3. Judge and reward based on type over showmanship/ presentation 4. Judge it in a breed-specific manner: examine the head front on, and in profile, free stack, and move on a loose lead at the correct speed
Yes, I have had the privilege to judge French Bulldogs, and present breed seminars internationally in more countries from Europe to Asia and Latin America. I have also authored several articles, including one on judging French Bulldogs that has been circulated and translated in eighteen different countries. Currently, I am working on a PowerPoint about the breed. The highlight of my judging career must be judging the Norwegian National Specialty held over the same weekend as the Nordic Winner shows where most of the top Frenchie’s were shown to me. What a great honor that was to judge some of Europe’s top dogs and bitches that I have admired! Ch. Avigdor’s Stranger In The Night was also a dog I discovered as a young dog when I judged the specialty in Russia, who went on to win the World Dog Show afterwards. Ch. Daulokke’s
8. “Seek the TYPE and leave the HYPE” is my best advice! Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?
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7. Know the 5 DQ’s and weigh as necessary
If you could go back in time, and use one dog at stud (that is no longer alive), who would it be, and why would you use him?
Judges, just like breeders, will make mistakes, and education is usually the recommended solution. On the breed level, I pray every day for better understanding, breeding, and judging of French Bulldogs. Also, for the exploitation for indiscriminate breeding for financial gain to cease. On the personal level, I hope to fine-tune my breeding program to bring it to the next possible level, continue to attend the most important shows worldwide, and expand my knowledge as best I can through education, travel, and mentorship. I want all my fellow breeder-owner-handlers to realize that with genuinely good dogs, we can be as competitive as the professional handlers. I want my fellow breeders to have faith, believe and pursue their vision of what their ideal French Bulldogs should be. Let us make our dreams come true, and let us celebrate the world of purebred dogs, and do our absolute best by our dogs, by our compatriots and by our peers, so we can make a difference and make the dog world a better place for one and all. Viva la Frenchies!
BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE122 MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG and great stud dogs I would like to use have to be Ch. Colonel Trussardi De La Parure and Ch. Daulokke’s Elisir D’Amore. Not only because they are as commanding outstanding specimens of the breed, but more due to their prepotency as sires in not just what they have stamped, but also the producing abilities of their progenies from one generation to the next. They are truly the gifts that never stop giving for those fortunate to incorporate them in the pedigrees. For all that these two greats have contributed to the breed, I salute and kowtow to you. The purpose of dog showing was, and still should be to evaluate and ‘show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings? Absolutely. It has become about rankings and bragging rights. The fundamental purpose of dog shows is indeed to evaluate breeding stock, but to evaluate breeding stock effectively; one must come armed with in-depth apprehension of the breed. Instead, it has now become a sport to chase wins, and sometimes sadly ‘win at all costs’ with no regard to the breed standard, or for what the breed was originally bred. I have always had top-ranked specials year after year, so I understand the desire to win. On the same token as a breeder, I realize no winnings can ever compensate, or alter the type and quality of any dog/bitch, or their lack of. It is also my staunch belief that the sport would be a better place with a bigger circle of exhibitors campaigning specials if judges can simply ignore rankings/advertising, and just judge dogs on the day. Make it about the dogs, about the breeds, and about the true spirit of the sport: evaluate breeding stock. That would also make the sport so much more exciting to watch and participate in. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? My current very first wish is world peace and harmony, not just in the world, but also in the sport of pedigreed dogs. We need to celebrate our diversity and individualism and realize that it is the differences and sometime conflicting viewpoints that bring a wider horizon to our paradigms of thoughts/knowledge, so we can grow as one people, as a community. We need to embrace differences rather than discriminate or ostracize, which are not conducive to our growth, advancement, or prosperity. Channel that energy to better use. Remember to share our experience and knowledgetohelpotherssowegrowasaunitedfamily.
MEET THE BREED FRENCH BULLDOG LUIS & PATRICIASOSA& BANDOG frenchies
Do you currently have a network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?
I applied the information I learned from Louise about working dogs to Frenchies. At that time there was no internet and there were much fewer people in Frenchies,soIboughteverybreedmagazineIcouldfind and studied them. Now it is possible to discuss breeding with people from all over the world and you can learn from master breeders in all breeds. Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world.
Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldogs and dog showing.
Our Kennel name is Bandog. I got the kennel name from Louise Sanders when she gave me the Bullmastiffs and the kennel name in the 1980’s. I also got my first Frenchie, Dina, from Louise as a gift to my son to show in junior showmanship. Louise got her in exchange for a stud fee and since she lived on a lake in Florida, she was afraid the Frenchie would drown. I did not want the boys showing Bullmastiffs in juniors due to the safety factor. Even though our Bullmastiffs were of good temperament, if another dog went after the boys the Bullmastiffs would protect them. Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders do you work with today?
My first Frenchie, Dina, came from Louise Sanders. She was my original mentor. Her breeder was Holly Foster. She became my Ch. Lebulls Adams Dina of Ragtime. I work with several young and upcoming breeders in Asia, South America, and the US. It is important to me to be a mentor from my years of experience and help those who want to start in the breed.
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The Frenchie breeders I most respect were Ed Bigham (Bali Hai) and Janis Hampton. Janis’s dogs were the foundation of Foster Hanson who was the foundation of Herschel Cox’s dogs. Another would be Victor Van Rasmsdock (de la Parure) who bred beautiful dogs. Unfortunately, they all are gone now. With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest? In my backyard. We have multiple generations of line bred dogs here at the house. There are also pockets currently around the world with dedicated preservation breeders. What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder? Someone who breeds to the standard and to improve the breed, and breeds for themselves, not just to make and sell puppies. Those who stay away from the latest fads based on money values. How has the French Bulldog changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse? Unfortunately, they have gotten very popular. This change has not always been for the best. But the world has opened due largely to the internet and the possibility of shipping semen. The colored breeders and folks not breeding to the standard have also muddied the water.
What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder? Judging the national specialty both here in the states and club shows in several foreign countries. I have bred well over 100 AKC champions who have won over 400 non-sporting group firsts and 43 all-breed best in
What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog possess in your opinion? Outline, without it, you don’t have a Frenchie, no topline, no Frenchie followed by head and then gait. French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging? Silhouette, silhouette, silhouette, and that they are not just little Bulldogs. The first go around in the ring will usually tell you all you need to know. Then it is fine tuning on the table. Remember that they are very expressive with their ears. The ears do not have to be up all the time. Remember that we are evaluating breeding stock and not showmanship. With many ownerhandlers, some are better at presenting their dogs.
shows.Dogswebredhavewonthebreedatfivenational specialties, three of these and four Best in Shows were breeder/owner/handled. Dogs we bred have sired an additional three national specialty winners. Please choose three Frenchies not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present. Ch. Adams Unique Physique, Ch. Balihai’s Quad, and Ch. Obsession Dell’Akiris. What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why? Probably the national specialty, Westminster KC, and the AKC Invitational show. The reason being since the entry is usually quite large, you can see what dogs are producing, not necessarily the winners, so you can determine who to incorporate into a breeding program.
MEET THE BREED · FRENCH BULLDOG
If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him? Without a doubt Unique Physique, aka Rocky. Patty Adams only bred around two litters, probably two of the finest litters in our breed. Rocky was Smith’s Petite Matre and one of Angel Terret’s bitches.
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Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?
The purpose of dog showing was and should still be to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, or do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?
I am approved for the working and the non-sporting groups. Luis is approved for these the hound group and some toys. Some of the best dogs are presently being shown, so I can’t comment on them.
We all enter shows to win, and we cannot all win. Unfortunately, many are not familiar with judges, their qualifications, background, or experience. Many times, I wish that judging would end at the breeder level, and we had more experienced breeder judges. They do not know what style of dog to show to a particular judge, so they show to everyone with hopes of a win. What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs? To mentor, educate and give back to my breed from my many years in the sport and to see dogs bred by us or out of our dogs be competitive at the national specialty andBestinShowring.ItisthelegacyIleavethatismost important to me as a breeder.
WORLD DOG SHOW 2022 Madrid Photo credits: Grzegorz Gebik
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WORLD DOG SHOW MADRID 2022 FCI GROUP 4 ALMARXILSMARGOTTUATARAPERLUCE PALATINA ERMIA S/D NEZHNYJ HISCHNIK BIGBENTHEVICTORIANLORDASTRA 1 432 WIREAHIRED MINIATURE DACHSHUND WIREHAIRED STANDARD DACHS SHORTHAIRED STANDARD DACHS KANINCHEN LONG HAIRED DACHS BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE148
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WORLD DOG SHOW MADRID 2022 FCI GROUP 5 FENIX DE CAPITANENTRESALTOSFUTURODEL BIAGIO JASIRI-SUKARI SOUTHERN LIVING SAMSPRING CARRY ON MY SECRET WITH JOY 1 432 IBIZAN PODENGO ALASKAN MALAMUTE SAMOYEDBASENJI BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE150
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WORLD DOG SHOW MADRID 2022 FCI GROUP 6 MIRACLE MARY V. FORGET-ME-NOTGRUNSVENV.TUM-TUMS VRIENDJES JARA II DE VALDEMARIA JASMINE NOVA ESPERA 1 432 BASSET HOUND GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN SPANISH PORCELAINEHOUND BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE152
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WORLD DOG SHOW MADRID 2022 FCI GROUP 8 ALMANZA BACKSEAT DRIVER VERY VIGIE I’LL BE FAME’ND FORTUNE BIMBIK’S QUARTO OMEGA DEL MAJACEITE 1 432 FLATCOATED RETRIEVER AMERICAN COCKER CLUMBER SPANIEL SPANISH WATERDOG BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE156
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WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW FCI GROUP 10 JALILA BINT SIRAQ VON HAUSSMAN SARABI DELLA BASSA PAVESE MAJESTRIAN BLUE VERTIGO SOBERS ACHILLEA KARKATI 1 432 AFGHAN HOUND IRISH GREYHOUNDWHIPPETWOLFHOUND BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE160
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Against all the odds the seventh edition of the Whippet World Congress took place as planned in Italy. It was the first time this event had been held since 2020 and it
MAUROPERNA
ThethesupervisionwasorganizedbytheItalianClubdelLevrieroundertheofArnaldoCotugno(SobresaltoWhippets)vicepresidentoftheclubascommanderinchief.historyoftheWhippetCongressstartedin1996
The exhibitors group pic (half of them) before starting of judging
WHIPPET World CongressITALY 2022
taking place in Vermont, USA and was organized by the AWC committee along with Bo Bengston (Boheme, USA). At this location, in conjunction with the Whippet National Specialty, it became an enormous success and attracted some significant international public. The Americans managed to precede the British as the original vision of a World Congress started originally in the native country of the breed but did not take place in the UK until 1999, followed by Belgium in 2002, Australia in 2004, and Sweden in 2008. After a hiatus of ten years, it was held in the US in 2018. Organizing such an event in post-pandemic times was a huge risk. The location was beautiful, Padenghe sul Garda by the Garda lake, but not exactly in the middle of Europe which had caused concern. Padenghe has been
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On Thursday night the theoretical part of the Congress was celebrated with a well-attended gala dinner. The Congress was followed by two specialties held by the Club del Levriero on May 13 and 14. Whippets only were featured on the first day and all sighthounds on Saturday. A third specialty for all sighthounds except Whippets was held on Sunday. The Whippet entry was a remarkable success with 153 entered each day. The judges rotating over the two days were Iva Kimmelman (USA), Thomas Munch (Germany), Bo Bengston (USA), Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (UK) and Yvette Short (UK). Elizabeth Janzon (Sweden) was added as a referee for Saturday’s BOB.
the Netherlands and BOS to the junior male Majestrian Everdell (also BOB juniors) bred and owned in Italy by
More than 250 participants attended from more than 20 countries, including Singapore, Mexico, Brazil, and the USA. Four breed specialists and judges made presentations on four different topics: Iva Kimmelman (Merci Isle, USA) on Building a Multi-purpose Whippet to the Standard, Thomas Munch (Flic Flac, Germany) on Type and Variation of Type, Bitte Ahrens-Primavera (Sobers, Italy) on Whippets vs other Sighthounds, and Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (Sunsalve, UK) on Whippet Breed Standard, Why? Veterinarian and genetic specialist interventions were included during the lake boat tour and covered a wide variety of topics including intervertebral disc herniation and sports-related traumatology.
CreamOnFridayBISwenttothebitchCh.CrèmeAnglaiseIrishbredandownedbyJanWillemAkerboomfrom
Friday BOB bitch Ch.Crème Anglaise Irish Cream (left) & BOS junior male Majestrian Everdell (right) WHIPPET WORLD CONGRESS BEST IN SHOW MAGAZINE 165 the location of many sighthound specialties and other notable events for 15 years, so the committee decided to keep the location as originally planned.
onwasWeatherturnedinfavoroftheeventandthewholeweekspectacular.ThefestivitiesopenedtotheguestsTuesday,May10th,withacocktailparty.Theevent
continued Wednesday and Thursday with the Congress.
The Whippet World Congress was a wonderful experience, and the team of organizers did themselves proud. Everything was beautifully planned down to the smallest details. The venue was exceptional and perfect for this occasion. The presentations, lectures and boat trip were both educational and interesting. We all went home with more Whippet knowledge than we came with. We were also incredibly lucky that even the weatherhadbeenarrangedforourcomfort!Therewasa lovely, family atmosphere once the judging had started and the exhibitors enjoyed every aspect. I am a very greedy judge of Whippets. I want it all: shape, elegance, movement that is effortless in profile, sound
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Saturday BOB bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (right) & BOS Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha (left) the Majestrian Kennel. On Saturday BOB and BIS among all sighthounds was Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile, bred and owned by Arnaldo Cotugno and Annalisa Rovani in Italy. The BOS title was awarded to Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha bred by Giovanni Liguori in Italy and owner-handled by Melita Sternad Lemut of Slovenia. Also, on Saturday the Annual Club Champions of the Club del Levriero were presented with their titles (and no intersex competition) by Bo Bengston. The club champion male bredtitlewasgiventothemulti–Ch.MajestrianBlueVertigoandownedbytheMajestrianKennelinItaly.
The club champion bitch award was presented to Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile. The Congress and specialties have been an enormous success with an international flavor highlighted subjects.asthroughouteveryevent.SizehasnotbeenthehottopicmostbreedershavemovedontomoreinterestingByallstandards,theworkofWhippet breeders worldwide has been applauded. The breed has developed and landed into the modern era without losing its typical traits. We hope to see you in Prague, Czech Republic in 2026 for the eighth edition of the Congress.
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Part of the crowd attending the Congress Mrs Bitte Ahrens-Primavera talking about WHippet vs other Sighthounds The gadget’s official table on the up and back, temperament, and conditioning. When judging I can feel like I got close to my ideal, it just needs a tweak of this or a slightly better that. I can forgive much, but as time goes by, I remind myself that the Whippet is a functioning breed and must be fit
Ibecauseourasthatandforpurpose.ThenIseeotherbreedswhereexaggerationfashionhastakenthemsofarfromtheperformancetheywereintendedforthattheyarebarelyusefulexercisecompanionsonawalk.WemustnotallowWhippetstogothesamewaythroughchanceoroffashion.willnotcarehowoftenadoghaswon,norifitis
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owned by a complete novice, my best friend or my worst enemy. I will give my honest opinion. That is what I owe both the exhibitor and the breed. I will honor that debt. Afterwards I will live with a clear conscience that I did not become a victim of the latest style, splash and dash, or big movement. I want all that is in the breed standard, but I want it all in quiet moderation. I did find some lovely Whippets, particularly in the bitches, which is typical worldwide. There were several of both sexes that I could have brought home with me if I could have just squeezed them into my suitcase!
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Annual Club Champions: bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (left) & Ch. Majestrian Blue Vertigo (right) Italy has its own version of Sandringham Time (look it up on Google). There was much hilarity at the ringside from the UK contingent as there must be a fatality for UK judging to be delayed. We invented a new phrase, Italy time, which is at least 30 minutes later than you thought! I really enjoyed the different pasta dishes that we had the opportunity to try, the gala meal was delicious, and the after-dinner dancing was an education. My personal thanks must go to Arnaldo and Daniela who were my link from start to finish and to whom I will be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Italy, their Whippets, and their hospitality. I confess, I will really miss the cappuccino – it was simply perfect!
The seventh Whippet World Congress in Padenghe sul Garda was the second breed specialized event I have attended. The first that I attended was four years ago in Hunt Valley, Maryland. I went there with my Whippet friendsbutwithoutmydogs.Iwasanobserver,learner,
MELITASTERNAD
and admirer. For somebody quite new in the breed (and showing) as I was at the time, it was very educational and influential for me to meet so many pleasant, open, and knowledgeable breeders, handlers, and dog owners. I am still in contact with many of them. This time in Italy it was different, but especially in the related emotions, before, during, and after the event. I knew a bit better what to expect, which dogs I would be able to see in person, and which friends I would meet again. It was exciting to wait for the date to come. This time I was also showing and had decided at the last minute to enter. I had weighed between dedicating my time to watching the show and catching up with friends or bringing and showing some of my dogs, including a puppy. I am just not able to concentrate well on all. Obviously, the last-minute decision to show was a great one (especially because I had absolutely no expectations). And the expectations I had otherwise were more than fulfilled. It was really overwhelming to see so many friends after such a long time. And this time tomeetsomanybeautifulchildren,siblings,andparents
Friday judges Mr Thomas Much (D), Mrs Yvette Short (UK), Mrs Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (UK) and Mrs Iva Kimmelman (USA) deciding on BOB & BOS. The referee Mr Bo Bengston was later on required. of my own Whippet boys (such a lovely, special feeling as well!). The organizers did a fantastic job and created a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The speakers shared useful experiences, information, and tips, and ittheeveningtogetherwassimplyablast.So,alltogetherfeltjustlikeabigfamilyreunion.Likecomingback
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home for a common holiday season. Top of the top in immense surprises was the show time atmosphere. I have never experienced such a calm, encouraging, and positive spirit from the judges, the audience, competitors, and devoted organizers over two days of showing. I am usually nervous, and not confident in the ring. This time I was able to enjoy showing with wonderful results. My Ian (selected both days into the final cut in a big and strong open class) was getting more attention on the second day by the well-respected judge Iva Kimmelman. It became quite clear that he has good chances for superior results. Even then I miraculously remained calm enough to go through until the end by winning the class, following with a fantastic CAC, and finishing with a dream result BOS. It was an unforgettable feeling indeed! (Well, I did try to pass Ian in the final to his way more experienced breeder, but Ian decided he preferred to go with me, his owner).
Ian(Rock’sRoll&Cha,Cha,Cha),outoftheoutstanding multi–Ch. Sobresalto Standing Ovation (BIS veteran on the same show) and sired by the stunning multi–Ch. Twyborn Big Ben, was born during the pandemic, and due to all the lockdowns, he was hardly ever shown as an adult. In the few shows we attended before the Congress he placed well, and most successfully in the specialty shows. I could not be more grateful to all the respected judges that recognized Ian’s exceptional qualities.
Giovanni Liguori (Uptempo), with whom I own two other dogs that evaluated and placed well. What else can an enthusiastic Whippet owner want? Rhetorical question, of course.
Bo Bengston (USA) selecting the bitch as his BOB as referee at the Friday Specilaty
Iva Kimmelman, for finding him and awarding the unforgettable CAC, and Bo Bengston, Ann BeckettBradshaw and Thomas Münch, all together judging in the BOB competition. I am grateful to Ian’s breeder
