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Fancy Talk
Interview with breeder Jill Neidig Bella Ridge French Bulldogs
44 Fancy Health
Scratch that Itch! by Dr Lori Hunt DVM
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Fancy Details
Santa Barbara Kennel Club by Lori Hunt DVM & Sharon Dykes
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Fancy Details
What’s in a Pedigree? by Gale Golden
The Frenchie Fancy 2017 - 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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next issue: feb 2018 4
frenchiefancy.com
pre westminster EDITION!
f ancy beginnings
Hello Frenchie Fanciers! Welcome to our special pre FBDCA National Specialty week edition! We are so excited to share this special edition with you. But first things first... Thank you for your ongoing support of our publication! We are so proud of what Frenchie Fancy has become after half a decade of success! We truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We so enjoy making something for our breed that we hope will stay here for many, many years!
We have such an exciting edition this season! Our incredible interview is with the famous breeder Jill Neidig from Bella Ridge French Bulldogs. Jill has had such a positive influence in our breed, both in the ring and right outside making sure that all goes smooth. It is an exquisite experience to learn a bit more about her and how she thinks. Dr. Lori as always gives us the details on a health topic, and this time she updates us about skin issues in Frenchies. Gale Golden gives great tips on how to evaluate a Pedigree and see which dogs are influencing your breedings and to what degree. And judges write about their experiences in judging the Santa Barbara KC Specialties earlier this year! Remember that you can order your Frenchie Fancy magazine hard copy online, or purchase a full year subscription with a special price! For more details, please access our website: www.FrenchieFancy.com
Our next issue will be our in time for the Garden, so whether you’d like to introduce a new Frenchie to the Fancy, celebrate a new Champion or start off your special in the new year, don’t hesitate to contact Fernanda Barlow at ads@frenchiefancy.com or Facebook! Please enjoy this very special issue that we have prepared for you with love! And don’t forget to come say hello to us at the Frenchie Fancy table. See you all in Missouri! With love from your Frenchie Fancy team...
Fernanda Barlow, Matthew Dover, Vivianne Mello 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
Contributors Gale Golden W Jean Dodds, DVM
Distribution
EUROPE
AUSTRALIA
Photography Ann WIldman Fernanda Barlow RedDogFoto.ru
UNITED STATES
Ana Jagtiani (Spain) Anna Denisova (Italy) Bitten Oldereide (Norway) Magnus Berglin (Sweden) Sarah Ventham (UK) Jakko Broersma (NL) Toni Saira (Finland) Daniela Akkad (Austria) Tove Rasmussen (Denmark) Mourning Chang (Taiwan)
Kelly McClelland
Matthew Dover (East) Fernanda Barlow (West) Vivianne Mello (South)
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FANCY advertisers ARGENTINA BLOIS, Sergio (AVLIS&BLOA) ..................................... 70 MAZZONE, Roberto (NAMASKAR) ................................. 119
UNITED KINGDOM CLUBLEY, Ben & Aisha (FRABULL) ....................... 128, 129 SMITH Linda (BELLICOSE) ............................. 98, 99
AUSTRALIA ARUNACHALAM, Senthil (senarabull) ................. 60, 61
USA BARLOW, Fernanda (CARAMURU) .......................... 130-133 BELOCK, Luann (Fayme) ........................................ 72, 73 BERRY, Pat (FOXMOOR) .......................................... 18, 19 BYRUM, Barbara (BYRUM) ............................................. 59 CRON, Donna (MATISSE) ........................................ 76, 77 DALTON, James (Fabelhaft) ....... COVER, 7, 14, 15, 52, 53 DENNY, Nicole (PINNACLE) ............................................. 74, 75 DOBBINS, Martha (ENCORE) ................................................. 71 DOVER, Matthew (BELLA LUNA) ....................................... 68 EGAN, Ann ...................................................................... 31 FITZGERALD, Melissa (WINDSWEPT) ............................ 40, 41 FORGIONE, Karen (DIAMONd RIDGE) ............................. 46, 47 GOLDEN, Gale (MORGAN MANOR) ................................. 67 HAGGAS, Vickie .............................................................. 101 HILSMAN, ROXANNE (HILSMAN) ......................................... 30 HULSEY, Vivianne (VIXBULL) ................................... 130-133 HUNT, Lori (ASSISI) .............................................. 106, 107 HUSSELMAN, Andrea (PRAIRIE GEM) ............................. 48 JENO Andrea (DE LILLE) ........................................... 111 JETER, Sharyn ........................................................ 126, 127 JOHNSON, Carol (IMAGINE) ...................................... 8-9 KARR Stephanie & Jerry (DRIFTWOOD) ................... 72, 73 KNAACK, Shirley .............................................................. 69 KOTT, Jody (GYPSY CANYON) ....................................... 32, 33. LEGER, Sheree (BYDEZYNE) ............................................ 57 LITZINGER, Dana R. ....................................................... 8, 9 LY, Rick (RICKLY) ......................................................... 34-37 MASSEY, David & Cindy (SANG REAL) .............. 108, 109 MATTINGLY, Debra & Kenneth .......................... 90, 91 MIKLOS, Jana & Milam (LIONHEART) ............................ 46 MILLER, Stephen (PECHE MIGNON) ............................. 88-91 PATTON, Kevin (DAMARI) ......................................... 124, 125 RIDDERIKHOFF, Cretia (MON ANGE) .................................... 93 SANCHEZ, Anibal & Zeeba (REVERIES) ............ 40, 41, 58 SCHOTT, Monica (HOTSCHOTT) .......................................... 65 SHAW, Patricia (DIVA) .............................................. COVER SIGLE, Peter ...................................................................... 101 SIMON, Susan & Dick (EPIC) ...................................... 38, 39 SMITH, Rob (PECHE MIGNON) ................................ 88-91 SOLER, Adrienne (DOS MARTINOS) ........................... 100, 101 SOSA, Patricia & Luis (BANDOG) ................................ 116-118 STRAUB, Aurelia (MARQUESA) ........................................... 96 THOMAS, Kim ....................................................................... 95 TRAUFLER, Amy (MATISSE) ...................................... 76, 77 WHITON, DAnn (cAROUSEL) ...................................... 124, 125 WOLFINGER, Linda (LWOLFRANCH) ................................. 103
BRAZIL GHATTAS, Munir (GHATTAS) ...................................... 49-51 GUIMARAES, Sergio & Monik (SM CHEROKEE) ............. 62-64 CANADA BERREY Dave (HOMEWOOD) ............................... BACK COVER MAINGOT, Linda (ELTORRO) ................................... 92 MCINTYRE Anne (PETITE CHERIE) .......................... 16, 17 SAINT AMOUR, Sophie (DI ORO) .............................. 14, 15 ST. JOHN, Shelley (ROBOBULL) ...... COVER, 7, 52, 53, 84,85 CHINA JIANG, Hao (LEOMEN TEA) ................................. 86, 87 LIN Michael (ALPHA FADOU) ............................. 54, 55 LUO, Viva & Roy (OVERTOP) ............................... 112-115 COLOMBIA GALVIS, Jairo (VILLA GLORIA) .................................... 10-13 PEREZ, Lisandro (MA PETITE CHERIE LICA) ................. 94 LOPEZ, Norberto (CHATOS DEL VALLE) ................. 94 ZULUAGA, Walter (LEON GEROME) ............................ 42, 110 COSTA RICA ABARCA, Adrian (ADABAR) ............................................. 69 PEREZ, Raul (RAPEMO) ............................................... 69 YIN, Siben & Stephanie (SAINT HONORE) ............... 84, 85 HUNGARY ZEITLE, Eniko (DUMM-DUMM ROYAL OF FRANCE) .... 82, 83 ITALY FERATTINI, Barbara ......................................................... 102 MEXICO KUCHEL, Erwin (KUVIBULL) ............................ 42, 43 VIANA, Ana (VIANAC) .......................... Inside Back Cover ZULUAGA, Walter (LEON GEROME) ........................... 42 PERU BEHR, Isabel (TRESOR) ..................................................... 56 PORTUGAL MIRANDA, Maria Joao (CANIPALMA) .......................... 97 RUSSIA KOZHEVNIKOVA, Elena (PALEVYH BULDOGOV) ......... 122, 123 SPAIN GARCIA, Dario (VALLEBAR) ............................................. 50 PABLOS, Jonatan (TEAM ROCK) ............................... 120, 121 ROMERO, Jose (ASTIGIS VETUS) ..................................... 66 SAMPER, Johana (VALLEBAR) ........................................ 50
this issue’s stats > Frenchies from 16 countries, in 136 pages.
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
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the ancy talk
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
interview with jill neidig of bella ridge french bulldogs
H
aving had some of the most memorable and top dogs in our breed’s US history, Jill Neidig of Bella Ridge French Bulldogs has had great success in the whelping box and the show ring. In addition to that, Jill has always been the first to volunteer to dedicate her time to French Bulldog clubs of North America. We are honored to share with you a little bit more about Jill’s past and present in French Bulldogs. Please enjoy the read.
When and how did your history in French Bulldogs start? In the early 1990s my husband, two sons, and I were on a family vacation in Paris, France. On our way to the Pere Lachaise Cemetery, to see the lead singer of The Doors Jim Morrison’s grave, we saw our first French Bulldog. A gentleman was walking a brindle French Bulldog ahead of us on our path to the cemetery. We were all curious to find out what breed that marvelous little bat eared dog was and thus began our love affair with the French Bulldog. Almost ten years later, we purchased our first French Bulldog, Jack (BISS CH Pudgybull’s Jill’s Jack of My Dreams) as a puppy. At the time we owned four companion dogs, two Miniature Schnauzers and two Boston Terriers, of which two had been rescued. I had met Marilyn Burdick, Pudgybull French Bulldogs, five years prior to purchasing Jack from her. I was working as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery and had the honor of taking care of Marilyn’s daughter Laurie for the delivery of her first child. At the time I didn’t know that Marilyn was a French Bulldog breeder. Several years later, I cared for Laurie again prior to the delivery of her second child and had the opportunity to visit with Marilyn again. Little did I know what a pivotal role those interactions would play in my future as a French Bulldog owner, exhibitor, and breeder. Sadly, a year later, Laurie
was in hospice care at home dying from cancer. During this time I had transitioned from nursing to owning my own retail dog and cat gift business. One of my employees, Linda Shelburg, was a very good friend of Marilyn’s. She told me that she was raising a French Bulldog litter for Marilyn while Marilyn was helping care for her daughter Laurie. I then realized we were talking about people that I knew and had cared for during my nursing career. To make a long story short, Linda spoke to Marilyn telling her that I was interested in purchasing one of the puppies. Of the two puppies, a bitch and a male, Marilyn told me she wanted to sell the male. Her conditions were that he remain intact, be shown in conformation and be co-owned by her. I was honest telling her that we had never had a “show dog” but that with her guidance we would abide by her wishes. On September 11, 2001, Marilyn and Linda walked into the store with the most beautiful puppy that I had ever seen in their arms, our Jack! During this tragic day, this beautiful French Bulldog puppy brought my family and I the greatest joy. Even though I knew virtually nothing about French Bulldogs, I was able to discern that Jack was a “good one”! He easily finished his AKC Championship, won Award of Merits at the 2002 FBDCA National and 2003 Westminster Dog Show, and was #4 French Bulldog in Breed and #8 All Breed in 2003. Jack will always hold a very special place in our hearts as being our first French Bulldog. We credit him with initiating our love for the breed and our “dog show addiction.”
What was your first French Bulldog like? Jack (BISS CH Pudgybull’s Jill’s Jack of My Dreams) was a poster boy for an “American type” French Bulldog. His pedigree reads like a “Cox novel.” Marilyn Burdick, a former Bulldog breeder, had
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS built her French Bulldog breeding program on line breeding with the Cox bloodlines (Doris and Hershel Cox, Illinois). Jack was small (22 pounds), compact, and had a smaller head and ear set. Jack’s strong points were his beautiful bone and overall balance. He was an amazing show dog with a dynamite personality and “look at me” attitude.
Did you have a mentor starting out? Marilyn Burdick, Pudgybull, James Dalton, Fabelhaft, Shelley St. John, Robobull and Cindy Grant, Prefere provided me with critical information and guidance during the infancy of my breeding program. The commonality between all of these individuals is that they have been breeders for many years, not only in French Bulldogs, but other breeds. I will be eternally grateful to them for their willingness to entrust puppies with me as well as share their expertise and passion for the breed. Ms. St. John was instrumental in providing me with the information I needed to prepare for my first litter. Her guidance was the foundation for my knowledge on caring for the pregnant bitch, whelping, and raising puppies.
What were some of the challenges you first encountered when putting together a breeding program? The first challenge was making the decision to become a breeder. I did not take this decision lightly. Beyond having companion dogs as an adult, I had never had any experience with breeding dogs. If I was going to become a dog breeder, I wanted to create a breeding program that positively impacted the breed. Little did I know that this decision to become a breeder was only the tip of the iceberg to the extent of the commitment and challenges that I would face. The second challenge was educating myself about French Bulldogs and breeding dogs. It was a very steep learning curve learning about the breed standard, line breeding, the current and past bloodlines of French Bulldogs, reproduction, and raising puppies. It is amazing how much there is to learn and I quickly realized this would become a lifetime process. 22 frenchiefancy.com
“Mafia” GCHP MBIS RBIS Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor Mafia Campcovo
FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
The third challenge was establishing credibility with reputable French Bulldog breeders and being able to conduct business with them. In the beginning I focused on purchasing a puppy as a potential foundation bitch. I quickly learned that purchasing puppies as potential show prospects and breeding stock is a very competitive, sometimes “cut-throat” business. Purchasing quality puppies was not only expensive but also laden with “strings attached”. These “business transactions”, often verbal “contracts”, easily became tainted with personalities and emotions. The personality issues became distractions, which at times threatened me in keeping my focus on my breeding program. This was the greatest challenge of all in the early days: to keep focused on what was important- my dogs and my breeding program.
What are your thoughts on line breeding? I believe that line breeding is critical to a successful breeding program in order to maintain consistency in phenotype and a healthy genotype. In regards to phenotype I evaluate the consistency in type for the potential dam and sire, as well as their littermates and offspring. As for genotype, I try to gather as much information as I can about the existing and potential health issues in the line. With my own dogs and bitches I do extensive health testing prior to considering them for breeding. These two evaluations are critical in order for line breeding to produce healthy beautiful puppies and adults. With this being said, line breeding is not the slamdunk answer to every breeding decision. On occasion, I select an outcross breeding to protect the line from inbreeding and unnecessary health risks.
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
If you could breed to any dog, dead or alive, which one would you choose and why? “Dante,” BIS, MBISS CH Robobull Fabelhaft Inferno was a magnificent French Bulldog as a companion, show dog, and also as a prepotent sire. After campaigning him for two years, I knew and loved him. His greatest attribute was his beautiful temperament. He loved to stand on your lap and nibble your earlobe. He was a magnificent dog in all rights. Anyone who got the opportunity to see and know him would agree. When I saw him shown as a Veteran at the Nationals in Boston, he took my breath away. His conformation and movement were still impeccable. Dante was a shining star both in and out of the ring. Rest in peace sweet boy.
What is type to you? Type is the essence of being a French Bulldog according to the breed standard. It’s not what I think, but what is written in the standard. This type is what I can see, the phenotype. Another facet of type is genotype, the genetic make-up of a French Bulldog. Phenotype and genotype combined are “type” to me. One does not exist without the other. Both are equally important in a breeding program.
Do you think our breed is a head breed? Is this a trick question? With that being said, nothing is prettier than a beautiful head, lovely properly set bat ears, round dark eyes, and a soft expression. Once that has been taken in, than the rest of the package has to be there to match that breathtaking head! A French Bulldog does not live by his/her head alone but no one can deny that is what we all look at first. I love to see a puppy or dog’s first impression made with that beautiful “bucket head”.
What are your thoughts on repeat breedings? I think repeating a breeding is justified when I or another co-breeder need a bitch and/or male out of this dam and sire for the future of our breeding programs. I would consider a repeat breeding if this goal has not been met with the first breeding and the first breeding’s get were outstanding. 24 frenchiefancy.com
“Kate” Am Can CH Imperiale Bella Ridge’s Kiss Me Kate
FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
In your years of breeding, what has been your favorite litter that you have bred to date?
In your opinion, what makes a co-ownership work well?
My favorite litter would have to be Kate (Am Can CH Imperiale Bella Ridge’s Kiss Me Kate) and Gio’s (CH Shadyharbor’s Capo de Capi) litter. This was Kate’s first litter, five beautiful puppies, three males and two bitches. I co-bred this litter with Lorraine, Vincent, and Lorene Schettino, Shady Harbor French Bulldogs and Juanita and Vincent Imperiale, Imperiale French Bulldogs. One male was placed as a companion and I kept a bitch, Natalie (Can CH Am GCH Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor’s Il Bacio) and a male, Will (Can CH Am GCH BISS Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor’s Baciare E Dire). The third male, Mafia (GCHP MBIS RBIS Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor’s Mafia Campcovo) I co-own with Billy Covalucci (Campcovo French Bulldogs) and Lorene Schettino. The Schettinos own the second bitch, Fia (CH Shady Harbor Picciolo Capo Bella Ridge Imperiale). This was a once-in-a-lifetime dream litter.
In general, I don’t think co-ownerships work well. In a perfect world, a co-ownership would work if the individuals involved have shared goals with excellent communication and the absence of control, greed, and deception. This is rarely the case and most co-ownerships end up miserably.
What is one trait that you simply cannot stand when you see in a French Bulldog, no matter how nice the rest of them are? This question is easy to answer: difficulty breathing. This trait is not only heartbreaking to witness, but life-threatening for the dog. Brachycephalic syndrome is the number one health issue for our breed.
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
What has been the French Bulldog bred by you that has been closest to your ideal of type? Frank, Can CH Am CH BIS, BISS Bella Ridge Lebull’s Let’s Be Frank was a lovely brindle male out of our Belle - CH Fabelhaft Florabelle and Fargo - BIS CH Lebull’s Fargo. Frank was a tiger brindle that oozed type and had the attitude to match. Frank was #1 French Bulldog Breed and All Breed in 2008. Campaigned when he was only a year of age, he commanded the ring. Sometimes I pinch myself when I see pictures of him. It is always hard to believe that such a beautiful dog was a result of my breeding program. He made me incredibly proud to be his breeder.
“Margaux” Margaux GCH Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor’s Fire Fly
What is your process to evaluate puppies as show prospects? When do you start looking at them and what do you look for? The classic response to this question would be “right out of the sac” when they are born. As cliché as this may sound, I think it is an excellent beginning to evaluate a puppy. After that I let them grow up and continue to observe them for type/conformation, balance, movement, temperament, and health. Four months is my gold standard. By that time, they have been evaluated by a veterinarian at least three times and congenital health issues have generally been detected or ruled out. Health testing has been initiated (CERF, DNA testing if parents are not clear for genetic issues, spine x-rays for the OFA database). I generally have not made my final decision until then. Along with the objective data, a tremendous amount of subjective evaluation has gone on. Like other breeders, I just have a “hunch” that this is a good one! Have I always made the right decision? Absolutely not! I have made “mistakes” in placing a puppy that is “show quality” in a companion home. After an initial reaction of disappointment, I resign myself to the fact that this “great one” will live a life of leisure as a beloved companion!
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
When you choose a breeding, do you put more emphasis on type or on pedigree? Initially, it would be with pedigree, as I primarily line breed. Then, I consider type, both pheno and genotype. Selecting a breeding by pedigree only makes sense if the type and consistency of type meets my criteria as well.
In your opinion, what should breeders from the United States be working on to improve the breed as a whole? Health testing, sharing of the results, and participating in research dedicated to our beloved breed are the key components to improving the breed and most importantly their quality of life. As breeders, we have to commit to health testing prior to making critical decisions as to which dogs and bitches will be included in our breeding programs. Only by making educated, sound decisions for breeding, based on the health of our French Bulldogs, can we optimize the chances for healthy puppies and adults.
Do you aspire to judge French Bulldogs? I have had the honor to judge several regional sweepstakes and will judge the 2017 FBDCA National Sweepstakes. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding. In regards to becoming an AKC judge, I have considered this possibility, but have not made a final decision.
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
What has been your most treasured achievement or win so far? In 2014, a puppy that I bred, Margaux, GCH Bella Ridge Shady Harbor Imperiale’s Fire Fly, was awarded Best Puppy in the 4 to Under 6 Month Competition under esteemed AKC Judge Bruce Smith. I was incredibly proud of this beautiful puppy who stood like a rock on the table to be examined and actually walked on lead! I had worked diligently with Margaux for months prior to the show. I told my husband she would have an “advantage”over the other puppies if she was trained to perfection. Margaux did not disappoint when it was “show time.” Despite her stellar performance in the ring, she decided she didn’t need to stand on the table for the win picture and I had to hold her! I will cherish that win for a lifetime.
If you could give advice to someone who is starting out in our breed today, what would it be? Breeding French Bulldogs is a balancing act of business and passion. Even as a hobby, a successful breeder needs to establish a business plan and breeding template. Careful, thoughtful, educated decisions are critical to any breeder establishing and maintaining a successful breeding program. Develop strong relationships with other breeders. I refer to these relationships as being part of a “family”. Breeders that you can count on are critical in helping you build and maintain a small, yet quality breeding program. It is a quid pro quo network of trust and respect. No matter what, remember why you wanted to do this in the first place….for the love of the breed. If you are true to that commitment, anything is possible. Focus on your dogs and your breeding program. Honesty, integrity, and excellence are the key elements to success as a breeder.
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FANCY TALK - JILL NEIDIG - BELLA RIDGE FRENCH BULLDOGS
Jill with “Will” Can CH Am BISS GCH Bella Ridge Imperiale Shady Harbor Baciare E Dire
Jill Neidig, Bella Ridge French Bulldogs, lives in Canfield, Ohio with her husband Dr. David Neidig and their beautiful French Bulldogs. She purchased her first French Bulldog in 2001 and has been actively showing French Bulldogs in conformation since 2002. Jill established her breeding program in 2005. Bella Ridge French Bulldogs have won American and Canadian All Breed Best in Shows, Best in Specialty Shows, Best in Sweepstakes, Best of Opposite Sex in Sweepstakes and Winners Dog, Reserve Winners Dog, Reserve Winners Bitch, Select Dog, Select Bitch, and Award of Merits at FBDCA National and Regional Specialties. Jill is a member of the French Bulldog Club of America, French Bulldog Fanciers of Canada, and the French Bulldog Club of DallasFort Worth. She has chaired the FBDCA Breeders Education Committee, participated as fundraiser for the 2013 FBDCA’s 10th Anniversary Top Twenty and the 2016 FBDCA National Trophy Committee, has served as Raffle Chair for the 2011 and 2012 FBDCA Nationals, and co-chaired the FBFC National’s Raffle and Silent Auctions. Currently she is a member of the FBDCA Health and Genetics Committee. As a retired nurse (primarily worked Surgical Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Labor and Delivery as a staff nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist), Jill keeps busy with caring for her family and her beloved dogs. She is a community activist and loves to do interior painting and work in her yard. November 2017 29
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f ancy health scratch that itch!
and other ways to help our itchy french bulldogs written by LORI HUNT, DVM
We have all seen, owned, or known an ITCHY french bulldog. They may be rubbing their faces, scratching their backs along rough surfaces, scooting around on their bottoms, rocking back and forth, or strumming/rubbing their bellies. They may have ear infections, irritated facial folds, chew and/or lick their feet, or just plain have a “smell”. They can be incredibly uncomfortable and for their owners it can be equally uncomfortable to watch and frustrating to treat. Unfortunately for our beloved French bulldogs, skin disease is a very real concern in this breed. Several types of underlying diseases can cause skin issues. I already covered many of them in a previous article. You can reference “The Skinny on Frenchie Skin Disorders”, published in the October 2014 issue of The Frenchie Fancy. For this follow up article, I will focus on the most common cause of skin issues in dogs and a few of the most effective and readily available treatment options. Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease that affects almost 10% of dogs worldwide and, I suspect, an even higher percentage of french bulldogs. It is likely an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms to an otherwise harmless substance. That substance thus becomes an “allergen” to the pet. Allergens that cause us to have runny noses and eyes (pollen, dust, dander, etc.) most often cause
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dogs to develop skin problems. Foods can also become allergens for some dogs. Symptoms don’t develop until AFTER repeated exposure to the allergen, rendering the dog “allergic” to it, thus Atopy most often arises in animals 1-5 years of age. This helps explain why a dog that showed no signs early on can now ‘suddenly’ be allergic to something. The incidence of atopy is increasing in both animals and humans, and is most common in purebred dogs due to its inherited nature. Allergies can be diagnosed through skin testing, blood testing, and/or trial therapies. Atopy can lead to a lot of secondary issues, such as Pyoderma. It is the most common type of skin infection in the dog. It is characterized by a multitude of symptoms such as skin fold infections in the face, between the toes, around the vulva in the bitch, external ear canal infections, chin acne, pustules, crusts, etc. Usually pyodermas are secondary to underlying abnormalities of the metabolic or immune systems, i.e. allergies, skin parasites (mites, fleas) and endocrine diseases, like hypothyroidism. There is also an idiopathic primary bacterial folliculitis most common in short-haired dogs. Idiopathic means a folliculitis of spontaneous origin without an underlying abnormality. Pyodermas are not limited to bacterial origin, but can also erupt with a fungal component, such as yeast or ringworm. It is important to get to the source of the infection, particularly with recurrent infections, especially as we are seeing a rise in resistant bacteria.
Treating atopy can be difficult and frustrating for both the dog and its owner. It’s important to remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint and that Atopic Dermatitis will likely be a lifelong battle. Not every treatment works for every pet. It can often be trial and error to find the treatment with the most benefits and least risks for the individual. Steroid treatment has long been used in fighting allergies. It is usually given at an initial higher dose that is then tapered down. It can be very effective for short term improvement, but is a poor long term option, as it has multiple risks to the body’s organs and endocrine system. ATOPICA (cyclosporine) is a nonsteroidal option for treatment produced by Novartis. It was the first FDA approved oral medication for canine atopy. ATOPICA targets and supresses the body’s immune cells which are involved with the allergic reaction. It does have some side effects. The most common of which are vomiting and/or diarrhea, gingival hyperplasia and papillomas. It is not safe in breeding animals or dogs with a history of cancer. To learn more, you can visit: www.us.atopica.com One of the newer medications available is APOQUEL (oclacitinib) manufactured by Zoetis. To understand how it works, one must first understand what a cytokine is. In the most basic sense, a cytokine is a group of small proteins that are responsible for signaling cells to do something by attaching to receptors on the cell. There are cytokines for many things, including pruritis (itchiness). APOQUEL targets the cytokines for itch to give the dog fast relief, within 4 hours of administration, regardless of the type of allergy. Side effects are minimal, with most being gastrointestinal in nature and self limiting. Another benefit of this medication is that it can be used in conjunction with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and allergy desensitization shots, which the aforementioned drugs cannot. It can be used safely over the long term, though dogs who remain on it for a long time should have periodic blood work and be monitored for skin infections and neoplasias. It is not to be used in pregnant or lactating bitches, or breeding dogs. On its initial release to the veterinary community, its supply was limited, however it is now readily available. For more information, visit... www.apoquel4dogs.com The newest treatment option is an injectable immunotherapy, known as CYTOPOINT, aka Canine Atopic dermatitis immunotherapy aka CADI, manufactured by Zoetis. This is the most specific treatment available as it targets a specific type of cytokine called interleukin-31 (IL31). IL-31 causes itching in dogs. CYTOPOINT contains an genetically modified monoclonal antibody against IL-31. The antibody binds to the IL-31 causing pruritis to dissipate. It remains in circulation for 4 - 8 weeks, thereby controlling the itch for the dog for that amount of time. Because CYTOPOINT is a biologic therapy and not a drug, it is naturally broken down by the body and not eliminated through the liver or kidneys. This makes it one of the safest choices with minimal to nonexistent side effects. Additionally, most medications can be given without issue along with the injection. It is also excellent for long term use, or as a short term remedy. However, it has not been tested in pregnant, lactating or breeding dogs. More information can be found here: www.cytopoint4dogs.com If you have an itchy french bulldog, you are not alone. I hope this has armed you with good information to discuss with your veterinarian.
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f ancy judging
french bulldogs @ SBKC santa barbara, california - usa - august 2017
articles by judges lori hunt dvm & sharon dykes pictures by Fernanda barlow for the frenchie fancy
I
had a wonderful time judging at the Santa Barbara kennel club concurrent specialty. I want to thank the club and the FBDCA for the honor. I had a lovely entry of 76 french bulldogs. My classes contained many lovely examples of the breed. Ultimately, my winners dog was a young cream dog from the bred by class. He possessed many of the qualities I look for in a frenchie. Lovely silhouette, nice padded head, strong under jaw, good bite, lovely substance and tight feet. He also had a nice well sprung rib cage and moved soundly, coming and going. My winners bitch was a beautiful mature pied bitch from open. She had a lovely shape, with fabulous substance and a strong head, especially for a bitch. She moved with ease and I was pleased to award her this win. My best of breed class was also full of quality dogs. Ultimately, I could not take my eyes off my winners dog. I placed him Best of breed that day. He is a stunning boy, and I’m sure this is not that last we will hear or see of him. -- Lori Hunt, DVM
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eautiful Santa Barbara...what’s not to love??? The venue is gorgeous...the hospitality was amazing... the competition fabulous! Many thanks to Diana Bates, Arlie Alford, Desmond Murphy and their hard working committees for all the work they did to produce a show that is truly a diamond in their crowns...and for inviting me to be a part. Thanks also to all who brought their dogs to show me! I wished I had more ribbons! I judged on Saturday afternoon after the all breed show. Overall the quality was very good...most entries exhibited adequate bone and muscle. Most of the heads were decent. Movement was improved from other shows I’ve been to. Temperaments were great. Overall, It was a beautiful line up. As a breeder myself, I’m always looking at how to improve our breed. So the areas I feel that breeders can continue to address are: toplines and tail sets, upsweep of jaw, developing more muscle in the cheeks (fill) which would allow a more square head (as opposed to triangular), and ear placement...10 and 2 simply will not do! I look for a total package and place no more emphasis on one trait over another. I want a balanced dog that is muscular with heavy bone while staying within standard weight...a dog that has a large square head with correct ear set and upswept jaw. I look for a deep chest and nice tuck up. I want a beautifully arched neck that continues on to a correct roach back. I want that roach to exhibit itself during movement, which should be free, with reach AND drive. I can say with appreciation, that the future looks good. There were several examples of excellent younger pups shown to me! My Best of Breed was a impressive young Fawn male, expertly handled to exhibit beautiful free movement that carried a correct topline around the ring. GCH Fabelhaft Robobull Casino Royale was a one year old boy who also exhibited bone, muscle, correct ears, square head, a nice solid front and a stunning silhouette. Lovely to look at...I’m looking forward to watching this boy mature. My BOS was a 2 year old Fawn bitch GCH CH Orion’s Only Pearl for Highwood. This girl maintained her femininity while still addressing the important traits of a French Bulldog...nicely balanced, with bone, muscle, a solid deep chest and tuck up. She exhibits topline in every pose. Very inquisitive girl who looked me right in the eyes and said…”Look at me!” I did. Select dog was GCH CH ByDezynes Guilty as Charged a handsome 2 year old Fawn boy with a great head and expression! And it didn’t stop there...deep chest and tucked up to contribute to a beautiful roach back that carried as he freely moved around the ring.
Select Bitch was GCHB CH Reveries Don’t Cry for Me... a nice brindle 19 month old girl with a wonderful upsweep of jaw. She exhibited lovely femininity while still carrying good bone and muscle. There was no doubt she was a French Bulldog. Winners Dog and BOW was Overtop Nuclear Weapon a 2 year old thickly made Brindle boy. Good bone and muscle, great depth to him. Nice head with good upturned jaw. When asked to move...he did! Reserve Winners Dog was Eltorro’s Beau Esprit Libre a Fawn boy exhibiting good bone and muscle...great topline with one of the better tail sets in the show! Winners Bitch Sequoias Princess N Diamonds a brindle piebald bitch exhibited an excellent topline and upswept jaw with good bone and muscle that was proportionate to her frame. She had a sweet expression and inquisitive nature. Reserve winners bitch (and Best Bred By) was ByDezynes Reasonable Suspicion...a beautiful 10 month old brindle bitch who held her own with the older competition! She is feminine while still exhibiting a great set of ears, good bone and muscle, she is balanced with a great topline...looking forward to watching her grow up. Veteran Bitch GCH Petite Cherie Savoir Faire at Foxmoor...an endearing fawn bitch, who still “has it”! It’s always a pleasure to see the veterans going around the ring, but this girl takes your breath away! Still moving well and carrying her topline proudly with beautiful expression...she’s carrying her age better than me! Awards of Merit went to: GCH Highwood’s Guilty Pleasure CH Fully Bulla Grandmaster Flash GCHS Peche Mignon Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend VB GCH Petite Cherie Savoir Faire at Foxmoor WB Sequoia’s Princess N Diamonds Thanks again to all involved (the workers and all of the exhibitors) in what will always in my mind, be a show to remember! -- Sharon Dykes
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“
Don’t you know that A MAN BEING RICH is like A GIRL B EING PRETTY?
You wouldn’t marry a girl just because she’s pretty, BUT MY GOOD N ES S , - Marilyn Monroe
photo by © Gina Clear Photography
M ultiple Gr ou p Placin g BIS S Win n in g
P E C HE MIGNON DIAMO N DS AR E A G I R L’ S BE ST F R I E ND
lovingly presented by D E BR A MAT T INGLY
bred by R OBE RT S MIT H AN D S T E PH E N MIL L E R O F PE CH E MIGNON F R E NCH BUL L D OG S
owned by D E BR A MAT T INGLY, K E NNY MAT T INGLY, T R ACY GR IF F IT H , CAR OL H UR S T- NE VIL LE , R OBE RT S MIT H & S T E PH E N MIL L E R
D E B R A M A T T I N G L Y. C O M
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f ancy details
What’s in a Pedigree? Breeding Power written by Gale Golden, Creator of the Breed Smart Program – 4 Steps to Bigger Litters and a Better Breeding Program
IWhen I see or produce a beautiful dog that well represents the breed standard, I know it is time to study the pedigree. Pedigrees show the ancestral line of descent for that dog. This is important because knowing how much of a role each ancestor played in creating that dog can help direct you in the best way to take them forward in your program. Armed with this knowledge, you will be a much more productive breeder and can plan a thoughtful roadmap of litters for years to come.
This where your pedigree comes in.
Ready to get started?
By learning how much each ancestor is going to contribute to your puppy, you can get an idea how they influence the traits your puppy displays. It could be a little or a lot…but it is great information to know BEFORE you breed and a more accurate way to understand where your traits come from. Using this to your advantage puts consistency of traits in your litters. Using method over time, you will more consistently produce the traits you want and soon get the nice “cookie cutter” litters you see others produce.
PLANNING A BREEDING IS SIMPLE MATH
HOW EACH ANCESTOR INFLUENCES YOUR LITTER
Breeding is a numbers game. By this I don’t mean volume, although there was a time in our sport and still in some places around the world where massive breeding operations produce tons of get. With much to look at, it is easier to see when a standout dogs gets produced. For most of us, with very small household programs, we need to use a different method to be more productive. Understanding how genes are passed and being able to do some simple math can be a powerful tool in raising your breeding game.
One of the questions I get asked most often is to look at pedigrees for a planned breeding. This usually sparks questions from the breeder and myself. To assist them in understanding what I am saying, I created this chart to demonstrate how many chromosomes comes from each ancestor. Of course, we can’t predict the exact ones but we can see trends and the likelihood an ancestor will pass traits.
IN THE BEGINNING 39 + 39 = 72 Your Mama and Papa each have a total of 72 chromosomes that they can contribute to a breeding. Each of those chromosomes carry traits that make up your puppy’s appearance, health and more. Eye color, coat color, bone, substance, topline shape, virtually everything that creates your puppy all ride on those chromosomes. To make a new puppy, each parent will pass half of their 72 chromosomes. So, 39 chromosomes will come from Mama in the form of her egg and 39 will come from Papa in the form of his sperm to create the new puppy’s 72 chromosome profile. The breeding mystery (and fun!) is determining which of the 39 they will pass and determining where your parents got them from in the first place. Don’t forget, your parents each received 39 chromosomes from their parents and so on.
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As you start to study the chart, one thing becomes immediately clear, the first four generations carry the most influence! Each of the ancestors in those generations provide your puppy with 12% or more of their gene pool. Parents give you 50% (remember the 39 chromosomes!). Grandparents 25%. Great Grandparents 12.5%. Plus, if they appear more than once in those first four generations, their influence can be even greater. For example, if CHAMPION BIG WINNER is a grandparent twice, 50% of that puppy’s gene pool come from them (25% for each grandparent position – see chart). Therefore, line breeding a grandparent can be powerful. If CHAMPION BIG WINNER is great grandparent twice, it is 25% (12.5% for each great grandparent position). Don’t forget concentrating the genes this way can be good and bad! If that dog was a beautiful dog with features you need and great health…concentrate away! But, if that ancestor
has a health issue or trait you don’t want even if they are lovely you will want to lower their influence or use ancestors who look like them but don’t have that issue.
HOW TO USE THE CHART FOR YOUR PLANNED BREEDINGS Practical application of this knowledge is what moves you ahead! To use this chart, simply make a copy of the page and fill in the dogs in your planned breeding. Once you do, you can see who will be providing the most to your puppy’s gene pool. Don’t forget to add up the influence if the dog appears multiple times. And remember, seven crosses to CHAMPION BIG WINNER dog 7 generations ago…isn’t a heck of a lot of influence…something like 7%. For the best results with this method, focus on the first four generations and work from there.
“Don’t forget concentrating the genes this way can be good and bad!”
HOW FROZEN SEMEN CAN HELP IMPROVE INFLUENCE Now that you understand influence, you can see how using semen from dogs long passed can improve their influence on your breeding. Let’s say CHAMPION BIG WINNER does appear several times 5 or more generations ago. By using the frozen semen, his influence immediately doubles to parent level. To that you can add his percentages from the other positions in the pedigree and see what you might get. Don’t forget…when using older dogs…styles of dogs like fashions change over time. And there maybe be a funny looking tail or weird looking front assembly that comes back. It could be a health issue as well. Knowledge is power so try to know as much as you can about the ancestors you are concentrating so you make the most productive choice. If you need help in understanding how this works or in using it on a specific situation, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’ll be happy to help and can be reached through our website www.morganmanorfrenchies.com Happy Breeding! Till next time,
- Gale Golden
Calculating ancestor influence on your litter This chart shows how much each dog in a pedigree contributes to the gene pool of a planned litter. For the 2 parents - each contributes 50% For the 4 grandparents - each contributes 25% For the 8 great grandparents - each contributes 12.5% For the 16 great great grandparents each contribute 6.25% For the 32 great great great grandparents - each contributes 3.125% When you get beyond great grandparents the contribution of each ancestor becomes very small. This means that dog will generally have very little influence over your litter unless he/she appears in more than one box. If a dog appears multiple times, just add up the percentage of each position to create a grand total for that unique ancestor.
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