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Fancy Talk
Interview with Tove Rasmussen Daulokke French Bulldogs
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f ancy?
Fancy Judging
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Fancy Coverage
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Fancy Tricks
Frenchies In Australia by Virginia Rowland - USA
The Healthy Fancy
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Where “Good Frenchie!� comes from, by Anna Denisova
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Fancy Judging
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Fancy Coverage
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Fancy Champions
next issue: APRIL 2014
by Sharon Dykes - Tres Beau
Fancy Coverage
Eukanuba Dog Show (USA)
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The Dating Game by Lori Hunt, DVM
The Fancy in Review
The Frenchie Fancy 2014 - The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of the services of products within those advertisments. The information contained in this online and print magazine is for general information purpose only. The information is provided by us and our collaborators, and while every efford is made to provide information which is both current and correct, we make no representations on warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliavility, suitability or availability with respect to the online magazine or the information, products, services or related graphics contained within the online magazine for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will Frenchie Fancy be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loos or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising for loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this online and print magazine.
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Frenchies in Italy by Vinus vd. Veekens - NL KC Uruguay Anniversary Specialty
Meet the new Champions around the world
www.FrenchieFancy.com or write us at:
POST WESTMINSTER + Crufts ISSUE!
f ancy beginnings
Welcome to the fourth issue of The Frenchie Fancy magazine! It’s great to share current news of our breed with our world wide enthusiasts again. It’s what we love to do! Whether you are reading this on your tablet or you have your print copy out, please take your time and enjoy the issue we’ve prepared for you, our extended frenchie family.
Netherlands), Tove Rasmussen (Denmark), Toni Saira (Finland), Guilherme Rocha (Portugal), Karen Cram (Canada) and Daniela Hofmeister-Akkad (Austria). You will find them with limited copies of our issue at select shows, so get yours with them while they last! You can always order your copy online at FrenchieFancy.com - Or even purchase a full year subscription with a special price!
This is our post French Bulldog Club of American Nationals issue. It was great seeing all of our friends and all the visitors to our booth there. We are releasing this issue at our World’s most televised and recognized show, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Gardens in New York City, New York!
We will be at the Westminster and New York Specialties, and select shows throughout the year with copies of our issues and a few other surprises, so come up and say hi! See you guys soon... With love from the Fancy Team,
Our breeder interview for this issue is an exciting one, it is with Tove Rasmussen from famed Dauløkke Kennel in Denmark. We also feature write ups from Vinus van der Veekens and Virginia Rowland from their assignments in Italy and Australia respectively. Picture coverage of Eukanuba and the American Nationals, as well as from an exciting specialty judged by Victor Raamsdonk in Uruguay this past November, and also some great articles about training and health. We’d like to thank our French Bulldog enthusiast friends overseas that help our very popular publication’s visibility around the world: Anna Denisova (Italy), Ana Jagtiani (Spain), Sarah Ventham (UK), Kelly McClelland and Mell Greenall (Australia), Bitten Oldereide (Norway), Magnus Berglin (Sweden), Jakko Broersma (The
Vivianne Mello, Fernanda Barlow, Matthew Dover The Frenchie Fancy Team
Send us a message! info@frenchiefancy.com www.frenchiefancy.com | facebook.com/frenchiefancy
FRENCHIE FANCY Creative Director Vivianne Mello info@frenchiefancy.com
Advertising Director Fernanda Barlow ads@frenchiefancy.com
Marketing Director Matthew Dover mkt@frenchiefancy.com
Photography Hannah Walker Wila Hogs Contributors Anna Denisova Lori Hunt, DVM Sharon Dykes Vinus vd Veekens Virgina Rowland
Distribution
EUROPE
AUSTRALIA
Ana Jagtiani (Spain) Anna Denisova (Italy) Bitten Oldereide (Norway) Magnus Berglin (Sweden) Sarah Ventham (UK) Jakko Broersma (NL) Toni Saira (Finland) Guilherme Rocha (Portugal) Daniela Akkad (Austria) Tove Rasmussen (Denmark)
Kelly McClelland Mell Greenall BRAZIL / SOUTH AMERICA
Vivianne Mello UNITED STATES
Matthew Dover (East) Fernanda Barlow (West)
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FANCY advertisers AUSTRALIA McANDREW, Karen & Laurie (emorette) ................ 33 BELGIUM RAAMSDONK (de la parure) ................................. 46 VERMEULEN, Marc (marver’s fortuna) ................ 89 VRANCKEN, Maria (marver’s fortuna) ................ 89 BRAZIL MELLO, Vivianne (vixbull) ........................................ 93 MENEZES, Alexandre & Claudia (dicar) ........... 106, 107 CANADA SAINT-AMOUR, Sophie ............................... Back Cover StJOHN, Shelley (robobull) ................................. 8, 9 CROATIA CABRIJAN, Rudi (orange frenchies) .................... 16, 17 ENGLAND FRIEND, Darren & Natalie (kingfriend) ....................... 51 KRALL, Jack & Frances (jafrak) .......................... 48 FINLAND SAIRA, Toni (carte truffe) ............................. 76, 77 HUNGARY JAKAB, Akos (hard black jack) ...................... 85 IRELAND CROARKIN, Kevin & Lisa (kesasonas) .................. 36 ITALY VITALI, Valerio (Oldoinyo Lengai) ........................... 92 JAPAN YAMANAKA, Kazumi (coco vialatte) ..................... 63 PERU RODRIGUEZ, Jorge (sansimonbulls) ........................ 84 POLAND DZIKIEWICZ, Joana (sweet cookies) ........................ 44 RUSSIA KHOMASURIDZE, Revaz (a’vigdors) ............... 94, 95 Salmin, Elena (wila hogs) .................................... 42 SITNIKOVA, Tatiana (frustyle) .................................... 49
SPAIN fernandez, Francsco (señorio de carthago) .. 86, 87 MARTÍNEZ, L. Fernando (claude de gold) ......... 72, 73 TAIWAN CHANG, Mourning (KMdaddy) ............................. 52, 53 THAILAND phrukwattanakul, Viruch (napachai) . Cover,2,3,74,75 USA alkevicius, Sheri (enchanté) ............................ 98, 99 Berrey, Dave (homewood) ............... 7, 10, 11, 27, 109 BROTT, Karen (chambord) .................................. 34, 35 BUTTERFIELD, Shannon (fantasia) ......................... 78 COVALUCCI, Billy (campcovo) ........................ 43, 64, 65 dalton, James (fabelhaft) ................ 8, 9, Back Cover dover, Matthew (bella luna) ............................ 64, 65 dYKES, Calvin & Sharon (tres beau) ................ 18, 19 ECARIUS, Debbie (Suirac) .............................. 100, 101 FAGIN, Teddy .......................................................... 14 GRANT, Cindy (préféré) ..................................... 66, 67 HEARST SHAW, Patricia (diva) .......................... 110, 111 HILSMAN, Roxanne (hilsman) .......................... 7, 109 HOKE, Nicholle (haloridge) .............................. 82, 83 HUNT, Lori (assisi) ................................................ 44, 45 JORDAN, Landon & Jennifer .................................. 15 KAUFMAN, Paula (miradon) .............................. 28, 29 Laponsey, Patsy (laponsey) .............................. 103 LEGER, Sheree (bydezyne) ...................................... 88 Mccarthy, Barbara (banyan) ............................ 40, 41 Meletti, Robin (Kobi) ........................................... 102 MILLER, Stephen (péché mignon) ........................ 12, 13 NEIDIG, Jill (bella ridge) ......................................... 43 NEWCOMB, Bob & Nancy (newcomb) ...................... 82 ORBAN-STAGLE, Suzanne (justus) ..................... 68, 69 PALOWODA, Debbie (odessa) .............................. 101 RICE, Kimberly ................................................... 68, 69 SCHETTINO, Lorene (shady harbor) ..................... 43 SCHOTT, Monica (hotschott) ............................... 50 SIEGMAN, Elena (rockydell) .............................. 10 , 27 Smith, Robert (péché mignon) .......................... 12, 13 WOLFINGER, Linda (lwolfranch) ....................... 108 VENEZUELA ARRAEZ, Luis Armando (de combray) .................. 40, 41
this issue’s stats - 19 countries. 112 pages.
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THE NEW
Frenchman
Joey ON THE WEST COAST
GCH. MAJOR LEAGUE MIGHTY JOE AT WINSOME
January 2014
Breeders: Teresa & Harrold McDermott l Owners: Landon & Jennifer Jordan l Handler: Jay Serion www.jayserion.com
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FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
Tove Rasmussen with one of her Frenchies (top) and Rook (Am CH Dauløkke’s Nordique Crouton) owned by Donna Cron.
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the ancy talk interview with TOVE RASMUSSEN, the breeder behind the name DAULøkke FRENCH BULLDOGS - DENMARK For years, Nordic French Bulldogs have been some of the finest ones in the world. Among many good breeders, Tove Rasmussen from Denmark has helped shape and define breed type in that region, and has aided those breeders lucky enough to have incorporated her lines. The results of her hard work can be seen in all continents, always with her signature look stamped. Mysterious, knowledgeable and determined, this breeder knows what she is looking for. The Frenchie Fancy had a chance to chat with her about her past, present and future plans in showing and breeding French Bulldogs and you can read all about it in this exciting interview.
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FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
Before you were involved with frenchies, you had a history with German Shepherds. When did you switch breeds? What made you switch to such a different breed? What were some of the challenges you first encountered? My former husband and I were deeply involved with GSD in all their aspects. Both in showing and training the dogs, we reached ELITE-LEVEL for our breed work within 10 years - that is an achievement that really takes some special work and talent. We both also reached Gold Level in education of dogs, IPO and tracking trial. We were selected BEST BREEDER and collected a lot of other big achievements and honors. Our first litter was born in 1983. The last litter of Dauløkke GSD was born in 2005. We never actually switched breeds! It was for other reasons that things developed like that. In 1997 we bought our first French Bulldog. It was Chen Chen–Chanell Number One “Channie”. She was not bought for breeding purposes, but because our son needed a dog in the house that would be his and that could be his best friend every day, be in his room and in his bed, etc. He always suffered a lot if one of the GSD had to move away. We went to a couple of shows so he could see what kind of dog he would like, and he was totally ”sold” by those flat nosed charming and very loving little dogs. I had seen a Frenchie in a dog hotel several years before, and back then I had promised myself, if ever possible, I would like to have one… So that’s how I introduced my son and my husband to this breed.
She was not a successful show dog, but she had so many other qualities, her temperament which was excellent, a solid health, and a pedigree that was worth working with. So I decided to give it a try, to breed her. I was convinced she could bring better offspring than herself. So HERE YOU GO! I was into it and I was right… Her daughter in her first litter, presented all in all far better cynology and balance. Her daughter in her second litter even achieved the title of International CH. The first litter of French Bulldogs registered by the name of Dauløkke was proudly born in 1999. Channie was in our house until she left us at 11,5 years old… But she is still a big part in our hearts, not a week passes by without us talking about her in one way or another. She was one of the best things that entered our lives. As I started to think about breeding this breed, I observed there were details about them that I wish were better and I had in mind – I had liked to see more balanced dogs, with more harmonic movement.
Channie was the best buddy for my son; they had the most wonderful time together for many years – and so did we. We decide to try showing Channie and of course, I was hit by the Frenchie fever, very easily!
(top) CHEN CHEN-CHANELL NUMBER ONE (left) DAULØKKE’S LUFFEE
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FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
Which French Bulldogs (not bred or owned by you) have made the biggest impression on you since your beginning? I was impressed with Leibøll’s Muffee and Leibøll’s Mercedes from the first sight. Unic de la Parure, Trusardi de la Parure and Omar Sharif de la Parure I saw as gorgeous Frenchies too. But, who didn’t?
Are there certain areas of opportunities or faults that you are willing to overlook in favor of the overall picture of a dog? When evaluating a french bulldog, do you have characteristics that you do not excuse? I’m willing to overlook pale nails and a small tail if the dog is otherwise excellent in my eyes. I don’t excuse bad fronts, bad temperament and bad breathing.
Would you use a dog in your breeding program that has some outstanding virtues but that possesses one major fault? I would rather not.
Do you believe that there are dogs that are of “breeding quality” but are not necessarily “show quality”? Yes certainly… It just depends on how good you are as a breeder...
What makes a French Bulldog an exceptional example of the breed? In my opinion the type is in first position – all over balance, square head, nice dark eyes, well carried ears of nice shape, well arched neck, a correct sound front, a nice typical topline with an underline that fits in harmony
Top to bottom: MultiCH DAULØKKE’S SEDEUX LE SUPERBE; AM CH DAULØKKE’S URBAN LE BLANCE and DKCH,SECH DAULØKKE’S ROQUEFORT.
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FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
to the topline. Rear angulation in harmony to the front so the movement appears sound and free. In addition, I like to see a nice warm medium brindle color and black nails. Such a dog is exceptional.
Many people say our breed is a head breed. How do you feel about this statement? Do you believe that more focus should have been given in the standard to other aspects, such as movement or the outline? Well, I have heard that before… Of course the head structure and its details have to be valued high. There can’t be any doubt about that... But we also have to consider the body balance and a sound movement, only that way we have the whole package that we want to see... Now this is meant according to the F.C.I. French Bulldog Standard that I breed for. When that is said, we should not strive to breed French Bulldogs with a movement like an Afghan Hound’s, that’s wrong. Balance is the keyword.
You have attended the American French Bulldog National Specialty in the past. Do you feel that some French Bulldogs could easily win in both continents, or are they very distinct types? I had the pleasure to be at the FBDCA Nationals in 2011 and that was a big event for me in many ways, so different from Europe. So amazing and great, and I
(1) MULTI CH DAULØKKE’S UZO LE CHAMOUR; (2) DKCH DAULØKKE’S ARISTOBELLE DU TEX liked the concept. There were many nice dogs there in type and outline, so it sure is possible to do well here in Europe too, it depends quite a lot on what the judges at the event value to see.
The FCI standard does not describe movement in great details. To you, what is the importance of movement? Movement has quite a big importance to me; it tells me more about the dog’s cynology than a standing picture.
Do you believe in inbreeding (tight breedings between mother/son or father/daughter)? Are there certain colors or markings you don’t breed together? No I don’t believe in tight inbreeding, and I don’t do it. Bottom line is, it doesn’t bring any improvement to the gene pool at all – I don’t want to go in details as that would take pages to do!
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FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
Here in Denmark we have an ethic code not to do inbreeding closer than 6,25%. Cousin to cousin. Even that is too close sometimes, it depends on many factors.
What dog of all times do you think that has made the most impact in our breed, in a positive way? Oh my God – I won’t dare to give that “title” to any dog. There have been several dogs that have done a great impact to this breed in positive way, both females and males. A male can bring very nice offspring with some lines, and then bring not as nice offspring with totally different lines, and it’s the same with females. Well, a bit of this question is already answered in a previous one. Some of my own bred dogs have done a very big impact to the dogs that are seen and respected worldwide by now, too.
What is the current French Bulldog scene in Denmark and in Nordic Europe? What do you feel are the strong points and weaknesses? There are some nice, lovely dogs in this part of Europe and Denmark. Some very exquisite too, in my eyes. (left) Multi CH DAULØKKE’S ELISIR D’AMORE (right) Multi CH DAULØKKE’S QUO VADIS
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The strong points of the best ones are the type, bone and balance. Weaknesses – well, as it is all over the world, a thing to be noted are that the dogs don’t need to be any heavier and to be careful about “overdone” dogs and dogs that are too loaded in the front. That doesn’t do the breed any good.
Which dogs bred by you are closer to your ideal of type? I have to mention DKCH, SuCH Dauløkke’s Roquefort, MultiCH Dauløkke’s Nordique Haut-Couture and MultiCH Dauløkke’s Elisir D’Amore. I have other favorites and upcoming, but I have chosen those three because they also have proven their worth in my breeding program.
In all your years of breeding, what has been your favorite breeding that you’ve done so far? Wow that’s some kind of question. It is very hard for me to choose one single combination! I have had several combinations that have brought excellent quality, of course also some that didn’t meet my hopes in the end. But if I take a trip down Memory Lane and look back, I see that a good move I made was when I was allowed to breed my Leibøll’s Praline to Romeo (MultiCH Robobull Fabelhaft Xcelsior) in Connecticut
We all work hard to achieve consistency in our lines. What do you think is the signature look of Dauløkke French Bulldogs? The type and harmony.
We know that success attracts a lot of gossip, and it is no secret that you have some of the most desired French Bulldogs in the world. What are some of the funniest things you have heard about yourself?
Multi CH DAULØKKE’S SARTRE LE ROYAL
an incorrect front is the hardest thing to be fixed in a breeding program. - USA. That is now 11 years ago. That combination gave me a lot of what I hoped for. It seems in first sight to be an outcross but it was not completely – far back both lines come from the same little river, a Danish bred female. Funny, isn’t it?
How do you choose a stud dog to your bitches? When planning a breeding, do you place more importance in type or in pedigree?
A very curious question! I think I basically do what all serious breeders do in the first place. But also, I have some personal ideas and observations that I use as a tool too. Pedigree and type is essential.
What is, in your opinion, the conformation characteristic that is the hardest to be fixed in a breeding program? An incorrect front. But several other things are hard work too.
Well, it is mostly like this; you are always the last one to know. But it seems to be a hot topic what Mrs. Rasmussen is wearing at today’s show, and that is a bit funny! Otherwise I try not to bother too much about gossip.
What has been the biggest honor or achievement in your breeding life? There are many in my opinion. If I have to choose, the first one would be when my MultiCH Dauløkke’s Uzo le Chamour won Best of Breed at the 100th year Anniversary of IKFB in Darmstadt 2009, it was such a big honor for me, this event was also extraordinarily well organized and in amazing surroundings. It was a weekend who will always will be printed with pride in my heart. The 100th year Anniversary of The Danish Bulldogklub 2008 is very memorable too, I got BEST BABY Dauløkke’s Honoré de Balzac, BEST JUNIOR male Dauløkke’s Elisir D’Amore and BEST CHAMPION MALE Dauløkke’s Uzo le Chamour. At the World Dog Show 2008 held in Stockholm, it was so great too. I had JUNIOR WORLD WINNER Dauløkke’s Fenneton le Duc owned by Revaz Khomasuridze, and Vice Junior Winner Dauløkke’s Elisir D’Amore. Well, as I started to say, there are a lot of top achievements and here I have mentioned a few.
Is judging in your plans for the future, or would you just like to continue breeding and showing? I have heard that question quite a number of times. My answer is, as always, no.., I never saw myself in that position, it is not a “thing” which I feel is a must for me, so I leave that job to others ;-) I have my dogs, the breeding work, the shows, my friends and my home to deal with, so there would not be any space for traveling around as a judge too, anyway.
FANCY TALK - Tove Rasmussen “DAULOEKKE”
If you had to start over and choose another breed, what breed would you choose to have? I’m not going to start over. But if I should, it could have been with Bullmastiff or a Griffon type. I also like some terrier types, like Kerry Blue Terriers… Well, that’s NOT going to happen! I’m honored to be chosen to participate in this Interview in this absolutely top Frenchie Fancy Magazine, thank you.
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(1) AM CH DAULØKKE’S PIROL LE ROI; (2) MULTI CH DAULØKKE’S SORBÈ DU PARIS; (3) DAULØKKE’S XARAGAIA; (4) MULTI CH DAULØKKE’S HONORÉ DE BALZAC; (5) DKCH DAULØKKE’S ARISTOBEAU DU TEX; (6) UK CH DAULØKKE’S RENOIR LE BLANCE
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f ancy judging FANCY JUDGING - Virginia Rowland
JUDGING FRENCHIES IN AUSTRALIA
FBC of NSW 55th Championship Show - September 14th, 2013 by Mrs. Virginia Rowland (USA) & with pictures from Amy Lee Corbett and thanks to Liz Davidson
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t was such a pleasure to be invited to Australia this past September to judge a French Bulldog and Bullmastiff Specialty held near Sydney. This is my second trip to Austrailia, some years ago I traveled to Melbourne to judge; it was great to visit a new part of the country. I am so thankful to the members of the French Bulldog Club of New South Wales for the invitation to judge the Specialty and to offer my very sincere thanks to the wonderful hospitality and kindness extended to me by so many club members! It really made the long trip so worthwhile! As someone who is very involved in French Bulldog judges education in the USA, my first French Bulldog judging assignment in Australia was very exciting for me. It was of course interesting for me to study
the Australian French Bulldog standard and to note the many similarities with the AKC standard but some significant differences which of course I respected when judging in Australia. The most significant difference between the two standards is the fact that the Australian standard has no disqualifications. So no worries for me in Australia with weighing a dog or disqualifying a dog for an incorrect coat or nose color. Overall the quality was really outstanding. The dogs had excellent breed type, good bone, most moved well – free and flowing. The Australian standard lists bat ears and the short tail as the breed characteristics – all the dogs had bat ears, vast majority had correct ear carriage. Most had correct short tails, a few dogs had extremely short tails, and the ideal
BEST IN SPECIALTY SHOW - CH EMORETTE MISS EADEE
low tail set is rarely seen – in Australia and the US. (I think the outline of the dog in silhouette, the strong gently roached back and good tuck up are an important breed characteristic, hence I note in my comments when the dog had a nice outline.) The Australian standard lists the ideal weight for a dog as 28 pounds and bitch as 24 pounds. In the US, any French Bulldog an ounce or more over 28 pounds should be weighed and disqualified, so as judges we try to educate our eye to the weight of the dogs. I think most if not all the males I judged were under 28 pounds at least by one or two pounds, some more – which is fine by me but may not be fine if Australian breeders are breeding to the standard. Some of the dogs I judged were noisy breathers, this may be related to the stress of being shown, but I’d remind breeders to pay attention to this, the standard specifically mentions: Dogs showing respiratory distress highly undesirable. Quite a few of the puppies had long toe nails (I didn’t notice this in any of the adult dogs being exhibited.) The standard mentions nails short. I understand some puppies don’t like having their nails cut but if they get used to having long nails their feet can splay, they no longer have the compact, well knuckled feet the standard calls for. The young male that I awarded Challenge dog to was of outstanding quality. I will love to see how he matures. The Best of Breed winner has the maturity and wonderful breed type that has made her a star in the show ring.
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French Bulldog Club of NSW September 2013
RUBISS & Puppy in Show - D’ACCORD VALENTINO
Minor Puppy in Show- Bruin Ambassador
Baby Puppy in Show - Emorette Eadee Ma Mere
Res. Challenge Dog / Open Dog - Ch Amindi Chuck Berry Ison Top
I awarded DACCORD VALENTINO the Challenge Certificate because I felt he had the most pleasing head and expression, correct outline, outstanding mover. Similar to RCC in size. Both very nice dogs. The CC bitch, CH EMORETTE MISS EADEE, held up a little better than the RCC. Both had beautiful typey heads, good bone and really nice outlines. The Challenge Bitch was awarded Best of Breed. Her maturity and beautiful type makes her a star in the show ring. I predict great things for the young male.
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FANCY JUDGING - Virginia Rowland
Best in Show/Best of Breed/Australian Bred in Show BISS Ch Emorette Miss Eadee
Junior in Show- Ch Jonhah Taylor Made
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Open in Show / Reserve Challenge Bitch Ch Daccord La Vie En Rose
Intermediate in Show - Ch Daccord Frederic
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PICTURE BY hannah walker
by Lori Hunt, DVM
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the healthy ancy The Dating Game by Lori Hunt, DVM & French Bulldog Breeder
Well, the much anticipated time has arrived: your girl is in season and you have decided to breed your first litter of Frenchies. Of course you have already done all your homework well in advance. You have had her health testing done and she is at least on her second season or 2 years old (the latter is my preference). You’ve also studied her pedigree and some stud dog pedigrees, and you’ve identified your bitch’s shortcomings (unless, of course, she is perfect in every way) and tried to find a stud dog who compensates for them. You already have a mutually agreed-upon contract with the stud dog owner, signed by both of you. …But getting off my soapbox and back to the subject at hand… your sweet girl is about to become a mother, and you are asking yourself ‘Where to begin?” First, it is very important to find a veterinarian who understands breeding and reproductive physiology. Not every breeding goes
perfectly and you want to have someone you trust who can help you over the bumps along the way. You also need to have confidence in your vet and have a good rapport with him/her so that you feel comfortable asking questions (and let’s face it; you will have a LOT of questions!). Once you see that your girl is in heat, the first thing you should do is call your vet and the stud dog owner. This gives everyone a heads-up that the time is approaching so that people can plan accordingly. I know this article is about the bitch, but this is a good time to point out that any stud dog owners who are offering their boys to suitable ladies should be having their boys’ semen checked periodically. This enables you to be sure that the necessary January 2014
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THE HEALTHY FANCY - The Dating Game
plumbing is in good working order. If you are offering extended semen, your boy should be test chilled, to be sure that he and the extender get along, so to speak, so that those valuable sperm will arrive at their destination unharmed and ready to boogie. I also recommend brucellosis screening every 6 months for active stud dogs.
You have selected your reproduction veterinarian and you are ready to begin. I usually recommend that my clients bring their bitches in on about day 5 for a physical exam, a vaginal smear (to be sure that the bitch appears healthy and normal reproductively with no signs of infection and that she is indeed in season), and a brucella screening. At this first visit, I also draw blood for a progesterone test to get an idea of how the bitch is progressing. This is when the bitch owner and I discuss how the breeding will be carried out. Will we be doing a fresh AI (artificial insemination) with the bitch and stud both here at my hospital? Will we be doing AI’s with fresh chilled semen? A Natural tie? Transcervical Insemination (TCI)? Surgical AI with fresh or frozen semen? There are a multitude of choices and some are better than others for each individual bitch. It is extremely important to give your veterinarian a full breeding history so that you two together can decide which method is best for you and your bitch. The method by which she is to be bred will affect the timing of subsequent progesterone testing and, eventually, breedings. For a maiden bitch (a bitch who has never been bred) who is within her prime breeding age, i.e. 2-5 years of age, I recommend the least invasive insemination method possible. For bitches who have had trouble conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term, you may opt for a surgical AI or TCI. Both methods insure that semen is getting where it is supposed to go. With a surgical AI, there is the added bonus of allowing your veterinarian a chance to examine the uterus and ovaries for any abnormalities. This can shed some light upon trouble in past attempts at breeding. At this point, you have decided by which method you will breed your girl, the stud dog is on alert and your sweetie pie is cooperating and her heat is progressing normally. Now the fun begins!
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I highly recommend progesterone testing to time your breedings, for several reasons. You can get perfectly timed breedings and you have an EXACT due date. The latter is my biggest reason for doing it. How wonderful to know exactly when your bitch is due and not to have to guess or look for her to whelp any day within a week’s time frame! This way there is one less thing to worry about, as there are plenty of other things to worry about without having to guess her due date. As previously stated, I run the first progesterone on day 5 or 6, then I usually run one every 2-3 days depending on what the previous test result was. For example, for any progesterone that comes back less than 1 ng/dl, I will run the next test 3 days later. Once the bitch has risen above 1 ng/dl, we know our girl is on an upward trend; hence, I run them at least every other day and tailor it around weekends, dog shows, etc. Most of you are probably familiar with what progesterone numbers mean, but I will briefly go over them here. A progesterone level of less than 1.0 ng/dl is considered baseline (all bitches who are not in heat, or have not been in heat within the last 60 days, have baseline progesterone levels). Generally, once a bitch climbs over 1.0 she has started the uphill battle toward ovulating. A progesterone level at or near 2.5 ng/dl is indicative of the LH (lutenizing hormone) spike, which precedes ovulation by approximately 48 hours. Ovulation occurs at approximately 5.0 ng/dl (or the day on which her progesterone is between 4-10 ng/dl for the first time). Your bitch will be due 63 days from ovulation. Period. End of story! A common misconception is that breeding dates affect due date, and that is simply untrue. Her due date is dependent ONLY on what day she ovulated. About 48 hours after ovulation, the eggs have matured enough to become fertile; this period of fertility lasts for 48-72 hours. Essentially, out of her 21 day cycle, her eggs are only ready for conception to occur for 3 days. However, bitches can become pregnant by being bred up to a week before the eggs are ready. Canine sperm are tough, persistent little fellows, and can live a long time in the female’s reproductive tract (up to 11 days in one proud dog’s case). The average life span of fresh canine semen is 4-5 days. So you can see
by Lori Hunt, DVM
how it is possible for your girl to be bred early in her cycle and still get pregnant, but this is not our goal. Our goal is to have semen ready and waiting the day those eggs become fertile, so that we can produce the largest litter possible. My recommendations for the best days to breed your girl vary depending on what method of breeding you are using. If you are using fresh semen, via either a fresh AI or natural service, I recommend breeding anytime from the day of ovulation to 5 days after ovulation, with the optimal breeding days being 1-4 days post-ovulation. With fresh chilled semen, I recommend breeding 2-4 days after ovulation. Chilled semen has a shorter life span than fresh, so timing is more critical. Chilled semen has an approximate life span of 72 hours. Using frozen semen is even more critical, since its lifespan is only about 12 hours. In this case, I recommend breeding your girl by surgical AI (the best method), or TCI on day 3 after ovulation. One last note: please be sure and run progesterones out past the level of 5.0 ng/dl. You need to be sure that your honey pie actually DID ovulate. While it
is possible to predict the best breeding days from progesterone levels of 2-3 ng/dl, it doesn’t tell you whether she actually ovulated. You may find yourself wondering what happened when in 30 days or so is she is NOT bred! Numerous things can cause a bitch to stall and not complete ovulation. Stress, travel, changes in sleeping environments, etc., can cause her to NOT ovulate. Occasionally, a bitch experiences a split heat, where she actually goes out of season and comes back in again for a more normal season (hopefully) in 2-12 weeks. If it is necessary to plan breeding days from lower numbers, i.e. in the case of shipped semen, be sure and check that the progesterone level has risen above 5.0 ng/dl. It will be one less thing to rule out in the awful instance that she didn’t get pregnant. Here we are now at the end of this diatribe, and you have bred your girl to the best man for her. And so the waiting begins… Remember she is due 63 days from ovulation! We can talk about pregnancy detection and care of the pregnant bitch in another article… till then, Happy waiting!
About the Author: Lori Hunt, DVM is a practicing small animal veterinarian in Westlake, Ohio. She has a special interest in reproduction and brachycephalic breeds. For almost 15 years, she has been a French Bulldog breeder, exhibitor and veterinarian to several hundred regular frenchie patients. She also consults worldwide on many Frenchie cases. Meet Lori and her Frenchies on her website: www.assisifrenchbulldogs.com
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the ancy in review by SHARON DYKES
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n April 5, 1897 American breeders of the French Bulldog came together and created a club. They already had a dog; they were already competing with their dogs. They were passionate about their breed and specifically about the Bat ear. The first French Bulldog club of America Standard was set down by the club in 1897. It specified the bat ear as the only accepted ear. The history of our club is well documented and easily accessed on the FBDCA website. Please enjoy. My point is that the founding members already had the dog… They formed the club to protect that dog… They wrote up a description of how the dog was to look going forward, so that future generations would maintain breed type. They described the dog as a whole. This description is the standard of the breed and should be interpreted as it reflects the whole dog... Not pieces and parts. I have heard comments made both by judges and by breeders stating that there are many “types” of French Bulldogs, that they are a “confusing” breed. I disagree; at least I disagree that it should be that way! The standard describes a particular type of dog. Other than weight and color changes; our breed standard has not changed very much from the beginning… Yet the dogs in the ring are all over the place. So what is the problem? I believe that the problem lies with segmenting the standard. It is done by breeders, Judges, and instructors. People have their “favorite parts” of the standard, or areas they choose to place special emphasis. They often can quote that sentence verbatim, but exclude the balancing statements written within the standard. The statement is then out of context. For instance if we focus solely on the phrase: “Muscular dog of heavy bone” we could get some very overdone dogs. The standard describes a “muscular dog of heavy bone”; that is “small to medium in size”, “under 28 lbs.”, “compact”… “With no feature being in such prominence from either excess or lack of quality that the animal appears poorly proportioned”. That is the larger picture. To make my point, I will use an analogy to separate it from our dogs and our strong biases regarding them.
I have a sofa. I believe it to be the perfect sofa! If I decided to have a club where we would all have perfect sofas like mine, I would have to describe mine. I would say that it is 6 feet long, it is leather, and it is a soft olive green. It is camel backed, with rolled arms, and brass bradding. It has chunky wooden feet and six cushions (3 on back and 3 on the seat.) Now if you joined my club and wanted a perfect sofa like mine, can you see what would happen if you focused only on “soft olive green”, or “6 feet long” …to the exclusion of all the rest of the parts? What would be the chance that you would end up with the sofa described in that sofa standard? There would be many “types” of sofas in our club… It would be “very confusing” for the sofa judges. The FBDCA standard is a description of a whole dog. It was not intended to be segmented or taken out of context. Just because I have a personal preference for “soft olive green” sofas; it is not a more important trait than the rolled arms, or the shape of the back in the overall picture that the “sofa standard” was depicting. Just because a member has a “soft olive green sofa” does not mean they have a “standard sofa”. Nor does it make them a better person than the person who has a red sofa with rolled arms and camel back… Neither are standard sofas. Oh I know! “There are no perfect dogs”. I agree, we are all in a process but we will have better breed identity much more quickly if we study the whole standard and not just beat the drum to our favorite parts. Webster describes “Standard” as something set up and established by authority as a rule for the measure of quantity, weight, extent, value, or quality. It also means normal, usual, typical, regular. We have a written standard that describes our breed established by the authority of the membership, however I do not think we have a look described as normal, typical, usual, or regular. Golden retrievers have that. When you look in their ring they have definite breed identity. I believe the problem is the segmentation (splitting up, division, detachment, partitioning, separating) of the standard. Segmentation creates types… Not type! Sharon Dykes resides in Eastern Oregon with her husband Calvin and for the last 12 years have been involved with the French Bulldog breeding under the kennel name Tres Beau. Their emphasis is on temperament, health and conformation. January 2014
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f ancy coverage FANCY COVERAGE - FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
French Bulldog Club Of America National Specialty September 2013 - Topeka, KS - USA
an overview by MATTHEW DOVER and pictures from THE FRENCHIE FANCY TEAM What an outstanding year with exceptional dogs once again at this year’s National Specialty! One of my favorites to date! The welcome party got things started with a bang. When you entered the ballroom, you were transported back to the Hollywood Era! Instantly surrounded by Paparazzi and the whole place was teaming with Stars. On the red carpet was a real line up of “A” listers! Everyone who is anyone was at the “Barkademy Awards”. The co-chairs of the party Jill Neidig and Susan Caton did a fabulous job. The money that was raised was donated to the French Bulldog Village and
French Bulldog Rescue Network. This was a star studded party that won’t soon be forgotten! The week started off immediately on Monday, getting right into this year’s National Independent Specialty. Judging was done by long time World Renown French Bulldog breeder and artisan Phillip Stemp. Winners dog and BOW went to Bella Ridge Imperiale Prefere’s Garcon Doux. Winners Bitch went to Frenchkisses Robobull Firefly. Select Dog GCH Prefere Bella Ridge’s Frankly Speaking and Select Bitch CH Imperiale Bella Ridge Fox Canyon Rihanna.
INDEPENDENT SPECIALTY RESULTS Judged by Mr. Phillip Stemp - UK Best in Specialty Show GCH CH COCO VIALATTE ROBOBULL HOT FLASH Sire: Fabelhaft Robobull Pyro Dam: Angelina of Princess Merumo
Best of Winners / Winners Dog BELLA RIDGE IMPERIALE PREFERE’S GARCON DOUX Sire: Préféré Unparalelled Dam: CH Imperiale Bella Ridge’s Kiss Me Kate
Best Opposite Sex
Select Dog GCH PREFERE BELLA RIDGE’S FRANKLY SPEAKING Sire: CH Bella Ridge Lebull’s Let’s Be Frank Dam: CH Préféré Heiress Apparent
Select Bitch CH IMPERIALE BELLA RIDGE FOX CANYON RIHANNA Sire: CH Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor’s Baciare e Dire Dam: Imperiale’s Claudette Colbert
Best Veteran
GCH CH BELLA RIDGE SHADY HARBOR’S YOU’RE BREAKING MY HEART Sire: CH Shady Harbor’s Capo dei Capi Dam: Bella Ridge’s Anna Nicole CGC TD
CH SUMFUN’S SOME LIKE IT HOT Sire: CH Harpers GiGilo Mad About You Dam: SumFun’s Lil Miss Independence
Winners Bitch & Award of Merit
GCH BELLA RIDGE IMPERIALE SHADY HARBOR MAFIA CAMPCOVO GCH CUTTINGEDGE HOLLYWOOD FROG IN FOG CITY GCH FABELHAFT ROBOBULL JOHNNY CASH FRENCHKISSES ROBOBULL FIREFLY
FRENCHKISSES ROBOBULL FIREFLY Sire: GCH Robobull Fabelhaft I’m on Fire Dam: LeChateau’s Hot N Sassy 54 frenchiefancy.com
Awards of Merit
FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
Awards of Merit were granted to GCH Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor Mafia Campcovo, GCH Cuttingedge Hollywood Frog in the City, GCH Fabelhaft Robobull Johnny Cash, and an unprecedented Award of Merit from the classes to Frenchkisses Robobull Firefly. Best of Opposite went to GCH CH Bella Ridge Shady Harbor’s You’re Breaking My Heart and finally an exciting triumphant conclusion, Best of Breed went to GCH Coco Vialatte Robobull Hot Flash. Tuesday this year brought us something very special. Our club’s first ever Baby Puppy Competition. The overall quality of the babies was really exciting! Breeders have been working hard and it showed. It was no easy task for esteemed breeder Judge James Dalton of Fabelhaft fame. Best of Breed Baby Puppy went to Miradon Candy Crush and Best of Opposite went to Chitawee’s Preordained! Congrats to all the exhibitors and their lovely babies.
4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition Judged by Mr. JAMES DALTON - USA Best of Breed Puppy
Best of Opposite Puppy
MIRADON CANDY CRUSH Sire: CH Miradon Holy Roller Dam: Miradon Sugar Rush
CHITAWEE’S PREORDAINED! Sire: CH Lawson’s T Coolest By Far Dam: Gnik’s Miss Libby January 2014
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FANCY COVERAGE - FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
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FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
On Wednesday we had a great entry for Sweepstakes under breeder judge Mary Devine. This is always an exciting event for our Nationals and this year was no exception. Mary’s choice for Best in Sweeps went to Peche Mignon Fabelhaft’s Heartbreaker. Best of Opposite in Sweeps to Miradon Rocket Science.
SWEEPSTAKES Judged by MS. MARY DEVINE - USA
Best in Sweepstakes
Best of Opposite Puppy
PECHE MIGNON FABELHAFT HEARTBREAKER Sire: GCH CH Fabelhaft Robobull Hot Commodity Dam: CH Fabelhaft Peche Mignon Babydoll
MIRADON ROCKET SCIENCE Sire: GCH CH Miradon Celebration at LWolfRanch Dam: Miradon The Science of Sexy
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FANCY COVERAGE - FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
TOP 20 INVITATIONAL RESULTS Judged by MS. DIANE BURVEE, MRs. Helen Lee james AND MRs. jean burns Best of Breed GCH CH LIONHEART FORTUNE FIVE HUNDRED Sire: GCH CH Lionheart’s Can’t Touch This Dam: GCH CH Lionheart Fabelhaft Fortune Teller
Best of Opposite Sex GCH CH EVERGREEN’S GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES Sire: GCH Skosh Of Evergreen Bella Ridge At Behold Dam: Ch Evergreen’s Work Of Art
Wednesday Evening brought us one of our National’s Most Exciting events: The Top Twenty! This year’s Top Twenty was done so well. A sparkling evening of black ties and evening gowns. Our judges who had this year’s honor to go over our Nation’s Top dogs were all breed judge Helen Lee James, breeder judge Jean Burns and our Mystery judge Diane Burvee. Winner of the Top Twenty was awarded to RBIS GCH Lionheart’s Fortune Five Hundred. Best of Opposite was awarded to GCH Evergreen’s Girls in White Dresses.
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FANCY COVERAGE - FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
The National was judged by prestigious breeder judges Claire Johnson (bitch classes) and Brenda Newcomb. This greatly anticipated show got off to a terrific start.The tension in the great room was palatable as the ladies made their choices. Winners dog and Best of Winners went to Orions All Button Up For Highwood. Winners bitch went to Crusader’s Moment of Truth. Select dog was GCH Rickly’s Copen’s Play Or Pay. Select bitch went to GCH Annies Kich Ann. Awards of Merit were awarded to GCH Viola Bella Ridge Peachhill No Guts No Glory, GCH Fulla Bull Soulja Boy, CH Azar’s X Treshic Magic Man, and GCH Napachai Hilsman Throw Caution To The Wind. The grand finale of this spectacular event ended with Best of Opposite going to BIS BISS GCH Diva’s Bastille My Heart and Best of Breed to BIS Multi BISS GCH Lebull’s New Hope Wooly Bully. A superb time was had by all! Best Veteran in Show is a huge honor at a National specialty and this year that honor went to CH Gypsy Canyon’s Dom Pierre.
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FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
Rounding up the end of the week we had the breeders competition judged by long time revered breeder Juantia Imperiale of Imperiale French Bulldogs. First in this class was Debbie Ecarius from Suirac French Bulldogs.
FOR MORE PICTURES AND SHOW COVERAGE, VISIT:
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FANCY COVERAGE - FBDCA National Specialty Week 2013
NATIONAL SPECIALTY RESULTS
Judged by MS. CLAIRE JOHNSON AND MS. BRENDA NEWCOMB Best in Specialty Show
Select Dog
GCH CH LEBULL’S NEW HOPE WOOLY BULLY Sire: BIS CH Lebull’s Fargo Dam: CH Arista Coco Chanel BT
GCH RICKLY’S COPEN’S PLAY OR PAY Sire: GCH CH Lionheart’s Thumbs Up! Dam: GCH CH Copen’s Jackpot! Amuse-Bouche
Best of Winners / Winners Dog
Select Bitch
ORIONS ALL BUTTON UP FOR HIGHWOOD Sire: CH Qazara’s Monsieur Harrods Dam: CH Highwoods Everybody’s Talkin
GCH ANNIES KICHA ANN Sire: SB’s Frnch Dream Spanky Dam: Bets Katie
Best Opposite Sex
Best Veteran
GCH CH DIVA’S BASTILLE MY HEART Sire: GCH CH Idefix de la Parure Dam: CH Illustre de la Parure
Winners Bitch CRUSADER’S MOMENT OF TRUTH Sire: CH Enchante’s Couture Black Tie Affair Dam: GCH CH Crusader’s Rumor Has It 62 frenchiefancy.com
CH SUMFUN’S SOME LIKE IT HOT Sire: CH Harpers GiGilo Mad About You Dam: SumFun’s Lil Miss Independence
Awards of Merit GCH CH VIOLA BELLA RIDGE PEACHHILL NO GUTS NO GLORY GCH FULLA BULL SOULJA BOY CH AZAR’S X TRESHIC MAGIC MAN gch ch napachai hilsman throw caution to the wind
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f ancy coverage
FANCY COVERAGE - Eukanuba
Eukanuba National Championship December 14, 2013 - Orlando, FL - USA
judged by Mr Norman Patton and with pictures by THE FRENCHIE FANCY TEAM
Best of Breed
Select Dog
GCH CH COCO VIALATTE ROBOBULL HOT FLASH
GCH CH Bandog Major League Homerun at TxStar
Best of Winners / Winners Dog and Award of Excellence
GCH Lionheart’s Lulabelle at Amse
Miradon Rocket Science
Best Opposite Sex GCH CH Diva’s Bastille My Heart
Winners Bitch LAWSON’S SATIN & LACE 70 frenchiefancy.com
Select Bitch Awards of Excellence GCH BELLA RIDGE IMPERIALE SHADY HARBOR MAFIA CAMPCOVo GCH CH Major Leagues Mighty Joe At Winsome GCH CH Lefox Born To Boogie GCH CH Lionheart’s Fortune Five Hundred
Eukanuba National Challenge 2013
FOR MORE PICTURES AND SHOW COVERAGE, VISIT:
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PICTURE BY LENA SALMINA - WILA HOGS
PICTURE BY LENA SALMINA - WILA HOGS
Where “Good Frenchie!” comes from - by Anna Denisova
f ancy tricks
WHERE “GOOD FRENCHIE!” COMES FROM
by Anna Denisova, CTC Fall in my kennel always means puppies. I completely take time off from work and other activities to dedicate myself to raising a litter. I actually start even before pups are born, doing T-Touch massage on the future Mom. Then, at 3 days of age, I introduce the babies to their first neurological stimulations. As soon as the ears open, I start playing the “Rumor” CDs and start clicker training. And certainly lots of handling. At one month of age, pups are moved to a living room to have the possibility to engage in even more family activities, including play in a puppy gym as well as puppy parties that we organize with family friends of all ages. Why so much fuss? The reason for all that is very simple. I want my puppies to grow into happy, well-behaved and very much loved dogs. To reach this target there are two essential factors: 1) selection for a good temperament; and 2) early socialization and training.
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As for the first point, I do believe we must dedicate more time and money to cull temperamental problems out of our breeding programs. I realize that Frenchies, being a small and potentially non-dangerous and nonbarking breed, give breeders less reason to be worried about hereditary character issues. Contrary to guardian or hunting dogs, who, to gain Championship titles and often a stable home, must demonstrate precise character traits. I will leave the breeding issue at this point as my main goal is to describe the training process that can be done. But I would recommend looking through the studies made for guide dog selection, where character is of a prime importance. A wonderful book to start with is “The New Knowledge of Dog Behavior” by Clarence Pfaffenberger. Socialization and training of a puppy in a kennel environment is quite tricky. We all wait for this beautiful dog with outstanding charisma to be born, instead very often it happens that we see someone crying over a beautiful potential Champion with soft or stubborn character. Character that won’t make for a show ring. “Bad character” is often the reason for our pet puppies to be given away by the owners or being left home alone for long hours, or even worse: experience severe physical punishments, as their company becomes difficult and not satisfactory. But there is some good news. If we work our best to socialize and train our Frenchies from the very start as well as throughout the first year of their lives, we will significantly increase the charisma and overall “good character” factor in our kennels. I believe one of our biggest challenges is time: The individual time we can dedicate to each of our dogs and puppies. Especially, if we talk about kennels with a large number of litters and puppies. Here, the only advice is management and redirection. If you do not have time to do it yourself, lessen the number of dogs and/or hire someone to help you out. Another struggle is the technique. Many breeders do not have necessary scientific knowledge on how dogs learn and how to teach them. I do advise all dog people to learn the essential of training theory, it is the key to have more success with whatever you do with dogs. The best resources available for that is the book “Excelerated Learning” from book author Pamela J. Reid, and the numerous training articles by Bob Bailey. Otherwise, you can always search for help of a professional dog trainer (when I say “dog trainer” I mean the officially certified person using scientific non-coercive approach to dogs, non TV-gurus or commercial celebrities). It’s even better if this person has experience with breeding and is aware of breeders necessities and limits. It might be a good idea to have a trainer working with your
kennel on a constant basis, much like as it’s done with a veterinarian. When these two things are sorted out, you are ready to start. It’s been proven by various studies that you can give the most to your dog in the first 16 weeks of life. They say the best moment for a puppy to leave for a new home is at about 7 weeks of age to proceed with active socialization in his new home. But this is almost impossible if we talk about show-potential puppies, as well as ones who are to travel abroad to reach their new owners, often breeders as well. Most of the puppies end up spending way too much time in a puppy pen with their litter mates or other young dogs. That’s where the major problems begin. Not only do these youngsters lack the opportunity to learn important things about their future life, but they can also misinterpret their own roles in the canine and human societies. That is because in a litter, some (often smaller puppies) often become more passive and timid, while others (usually stronger) puppies become rude and guarding resources. Both get constant reinforcement for their inappropriate behavior (like jumping on the breeder for attention) and fail to develop their true personality at full potential. By four months of age, puppies usually make up their minds about how the world works and how to behave “to survive”. From the trainers perspective, by four months of age a normal pet puppy must have been in most of the places he will visit in adulthood, like downtown, dog park, school yard, market or any other place with many people. He must also have heard most of the noises that could potentially scare him, like vacuum cleaner, fireworks, children cry, shouting and so on. Must have walked and made his business on different surfaces like grass, sidewalk, grate. Must have met and had positive experience with at least 100 people, especially men and children, as well as other people’s dogs of different ages and sizes. Must have learned to come when called, be well on the way to being housebroken, and have bite inhibition. For a show puppy, we must add to that list the experience he will need in a show ring. I would recommend to get the puppy acquainted with environments similar to a dog show. It’s encouraged to work a lot on positive reinforcement for being in a crate. Check out “Crate Games” of Susan Garrett. If you show in free-handling style, I would teach the puppy to free stack any time he needs anything (instead of the classic “sit”). If you handle the dog while stacking, I would do a lot of games involving you (and other people) touching the puppy. Sometimes I see some colleagues bringing puppies to the dog show with them “to get them used to it”. Personally I do not encourage people to do it unless you can leave at any time and dedicate 100% of your time to the puppy. If you are busy at a show and do not have time to reinforce your puppy throughout the
Where “Good Frenchie!” comes from - by Anna Denisova
day and avoid bad experiences, you are taking the risk for a puppy to associate shows with something boring and even worse, scary. The only reason for a young puppy to visit a dog show is to learn that it’s a great opportunity to have a fun time with his human. So, all of the above is a lot of work to do with a puppy and actually with any dog that we expect to be well behaved. And the more issues that the animal has, the more complicated that the training process becomes, as it is essential to introduce preventive training well ahead of time. For example, if you are dealing with a timid dog, you will work more on making him feel secure on different occasions, reinforcing any courage and attention that he gives to you. If you have an hyperactive pup, you must dedicate time to teach him impulse control. If your dog constantly asks for attention and expresses juvenile behaviors (like licking, laying down with ears close to the head), you must pay attention not to reinforce these behaviors involuntary (by petting and giving attention, for example). Still, every situation is unique, it is impossible to prescribe a recipe that is good for all. But for sure we shouldn’t expect a puppy who became an adult in a primitive context to be an outgoing, well-behaved animal that is able to deal with the world outside of a pen and/or its breeder’s home. Since for most of us Frenchies are first and foremost family members and life companions, I am pretty much sure that many of the Frenchie Fancy readers already do have different creative solutions for puppy and young dog socialization... So please share your success stories on our Facebook page! Since all of us have suffered from or with bad temperament dogs, let us unite our forces to deal with behavioral issues. Let us make “Good Character” a new Fancy in a breed world. I bet it’s worth it! See you next issue,
About the Author: Anna Denisova, CTC, is a pet and show dog trainer and counselor. She started her career with dogs as a show-dog handler and gained practical experience working with various breeds of dogs. She graduated with honors from prestigious Jean Donaldson San Francisco SPCA Dog Trainers Academy (USA) and successfully completed Operant Conditioning Workshops with world famous animal trainer Bob Bailey, also known as “a teacher of teachers” (Sweden). Anna continues her dog training education working virtually with Susan Garrett and SAY YES Dog Training (Canada). Apart from training dogs, Anna owns the French Bulldog Kennel Hellzapoppin. All of Hellzapoppin Frenchies are exclusively ownertrained and shown in conformation in Italy and abroad. Anna lives with her family and dogs on Varese Lake in Northern Italy.
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f ancy judging FANCY JUDGING - Vinus van der Veekens
JUDGING FRENCHIES IN ITALY
by Vinus van der Veekens (NL), Kennel of Little Bombardier & pictures from Valerio Vitali
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t has been just over two months ago now since my wife and I visited Robecco Sul Naviglio with the highlight for me in judging the 5th Boulemeeting on the 15th of September 2013.
organized a magnificent dinner of which you can only expect from the Italian cuisine. Wonderful food with some marvellous Italian wines. All in a no nonsense setting surrounded by true lovers of the French Bulldog.
Let me first start by saying that my wife and I had a wonderful time during these days. Magnificent location with perfect hostess Cristiana Lazzari. Friendly exhibitors and a lot of lovely French Bulldogs. Our sincere gratitude to the people in the Italian club who made this all possible.
During my judging of the amazing number of one hundred and forty French Bulldogs I witnessed a good quality in general. Well shaped and strong ribcages, strong bone without becoming too much and correct head shape. I must admit that I have seen less good things as well. Breed specific characteristics that were missing with several dogs shown to me, there were good toplines, many
On Saturday night the Italian club
Best in Specialty Show Multi CH ANGENIEUX FOR LENGAI Sire: Multi CH Critje vd Mestreechteneerkes Dam: CH Nikka dell’Oldoinyo Lengai
Best Opposite Sex & Best Junior NOTHING ELSE MATTERS detta MINILLA Sire: Hervé at Ciboulette Original du Champagne Dam: Ellison del Drago d’oro
Best Baby ZAGATO DELL’OLDOINYO LENGAI Blue Blood Lengai x Alba dei Reali di Spagna Best Puppy MADAME POMPADOUR AT DRUIDWOOD Julius de la Parure x Gold Sierra Lizzy Best Veteran CH JOYEUSE PENELOPE MON TRESOR Multi CH Bruno dell’Akiris x Dinda Petite Chouette Folle 90 frenchiefancy.com
were too flat, correct sized bat ears, many were too small, and some bad mouths. Level bites, wry mouth and even a scissor bite. You can only see these things when you have the dogs on the table and can have a closer inspection of the mouth. With the bigger classes it happened that I had more excellent dogs than just the four that could be placed. Choices were then made on details, like just a more developed under jaw, better tail or tail set or stronger muzzle. I do want to mention that the quality of the females was better than the quality of the males in general.
5 BouleMeeting - Italy - September 2013
I enjoyed every dog that I have judged as a French Bulldog lover/breeder. As a judge I want to point out some of my winners. My best baby male and best baby was a special little man. Besides his promising qualities he showed himself as a grown up dog, full of confidence and with the correct attitude. My best junior female and later on best female of the day came from a big class with strong competition. She stood out for me as the most complete female of the day. The one where faults can be hard to find, well presented and a sound mover. I got two veterans with the females, a grandmother of almost fifteen years with her granddaughter of almost ten years. What a joy to see and my big compliments to their breeders/owners. These old ladies proved that the French Bulldog can become old without too many problems. Finally my best champion male, who I made best
male and best of breed in the end. He is what I call a head turner. The one that makes you turn your head and look twice when he passes by. Excellent in every way and I enjoyed his showmanship the most. He showed that typical French Bulldog temperament, like written in the standard. Lively, playful, sportive with keen eye. The Italian breeders can be proud of what they have achieved so far in our breed. It shows us that if serious people stand up in a breed, good things can be done. My wife and I had a weekend which we will never forget. My sincere thanks to all exhibitors for their trust by entering their dogs in such big numbers. It was a hell of a job to do it, but I enjoyed every single minute of it. Grazie mille per tutti‌
Vinus van der Veekens
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f ancy coverage FANCY COVERAGE
75th Anniversary Show - Kennel Club of Uruguay November 17, 2013 - Uruguay
judged by Mr. Victor Alexander Van Raamsdonk and pictures from patricia maia Best in Specialty Show
Best of Opposite Sex & Best Junior
A’VIGDORS BURLESQUE EST MON STYLE Sire: A’Vigdors Bienvenu Partout Dam: Noblige Empire State For A’Vigdors
Br Lords Staff Antoniete Sire: Peti Llevr Hennesi Dam: Lord’s Staff Raven
Best in Specialty Show MULTI CH A’VIGDORS BURLESQUE EST MON STYLE
Best of Opposite Sex & Best Junior BR LORD’S STAFF ANTONIETE
Puppy Class - 6-9 Months
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Kennel Club of Uruguay Anniversary Specialty - November 2013
Best of Breed Competition
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f ancy champions
FANCY CHAMPIONS
The following French Bulldogs have recently finished a Championship (or Grand Championship) in their countries. The Frenchie Fancy Magazine wishes to congratulate each and every one of them, along with their dear humans!
September 28, 2013 - Richland Kennel Club NEW american champion
Frenchescas Hope to Wynn Owned by Jamie Wilke
October 20, 2013 - Richfield WA - USA NEW INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION
Am GCH Can CH. Trés Beau Vindicator Owned by Calvin and Sharon Dykes
September 29, 2013 - Richland, WA - USA NEW AMERICAN CHAMPIOn
Frenchesca’s Kissme Kate at Trés Beau Owned by Calvin and Sharon Dykes
Sept-Nov 2013 - Europe NEW Jr Euro CH & Jr Russian CH
Frustyle Royal Elegance Owned by Sitnikova & Bobyleva
If you have a Frenchie that finished a Championship between January 2014 and April 2014 and you want the WORLD to know, then your Frenchie could be here! Write us at champions@frenchiefancy.com and get more info. VERY LIMITED SPOTS! 104 frenchiefancy.com
Oct 2013 - Jan 2014
2013 - Samara, Russia new Int Ch & new RKF Ch
Joghurt Dart Azart Gyvybes Zyme Owned by Sitnikova Tatiana
2013 - Korolev, Russia NEW RUSSIAN GRAND CHAMPION
Invictus D’Mayro Frenches Owned by Sitnikova Tatiana
2013 - USA NEW AMERICAN CHAMPION
Can CH FrenchKisses Robobull Firefly Owned by Billy Covalucci & Matthew Dover
2013 - Moscow, Russia NEW RUSSIAN CHAMPION
Bohemia Frustyle iz Piter Grada Owned by Sitnikova Tatiana
December 2013 - Canada NEW CANADIAN CHAMPION
BPIS Fabelhaft Robobull Pink Par Fay Owned by James Dalton & Dr John Turjoman
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