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CONTENT 20 let’s talk
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RESERVE YOUR PAGES NOW! Let’s Talk Bostons 2015 - 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 Let’s Talk Bostons 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.
20 let’s talk INTERVIEW
with victoria wilt, (heartbeats bostons)
44 let’s talk DETAILS
AKC Breeder programs BY pamela preston
60 let’s talk POINT OF VIEW
one question, many breeders. what’s yours?
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bostons at the btca national specialty 2015
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boston terriers at the world dog show 2015 - milan, italy
56 let’s talk PERFORMANCE the performance boston by Christie Kucsik
66 let’s talk HEALTH
raising the singleton puppy by dr. lori hunt, dvm
86 let’s talk TREASURES hand picked for bostons and boston lovers!
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INTRODUCTIONS Hello, and welcome to the 8th edition of Let’s Talk Bostons, your number one international Boston Terrier print and online magazine, where we celebrate all things Boston! We are proud of this special edition that we have put together for you.
This month, we interviewed the breeder Victoria Wilt. She breeds under the kennel name Heartbeats and has produced lovely Boston Terriers throughout the years. Get to know Vicki and a bit of her history in Bostons. We also have articles about health, the AKC breeder programs, performance Boston Terriers and much more. This is our post BTCA National Specialty edition, and you will find picture coverage of the National week. You will also find a Boston Terriers at the World Dog Show in Milan, Italy coverage.
release a new edition and also will be able to participate in different drawings and giveaways! So make sure you are subscribed to our online mailing list and that you have LIKED our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LetsTalkBostons for the latest announcements and news regarding our publication. You will also find great local show coverage on our fan page, which is not to be missed! Our upcoming issue will be the last one of the year, so make sure to get holiday greetings out, as well as your yearly brags! Don’t forget to reserve your ad space with us writing to ads@LetsTalkBostons.com See you all soon, and let’s talk Bostons!
Our cover Boston Terrier is the amazing Mary, a gorgeous girl who is turning heads wherever she goes. Whether online or on the go, make sure you get your hands on our magazine to browse. Simply go to www.LetsTalkBostons.com and read this or any of our back issues on your computer or tablet. We also offer limited hard copies, available to be ordered straight from our website, or by emailing us at info@letstalkbostons.com if you are an online subscriber, you will also get a notice whenever we
Fernanda Barlow, Matthew Dover, Vivianne Mello Let’s Talk Bostons Team
LET’S TALK BOSTONS Creative Director Vivianne Mello info@LetsTalkBostons.com
Advertising Director Fernanda Barlow ads@LetsTalkBostons.com
Collaborators Christie Kucsik Lori Hunt, DVM Pamela Preston Marketing Director Matthew Dover
Photography Debbie Christoff Fernanda Barlow Irina Trifankova Rosa Pahor Talitha Stegen
Send us a message! info@LetsTalkBostons.com www.LetsTalkBostons.com facebook.com/LetsTalkBostons
LET’S TALK advertisers CANADA ZYGAR, Coreen (SULFITY) ......................................... 50, 51 COLOMBIA GALLO, Santiago (SALOGAS) .................................... 48, 49 FRANCE VILLAUME, Fred (du Rocher des Ducs) ................... 12, 13 GREECE ASPROMATIS, Vasilis (HECUBA) .............................. 32, 33 ITALY ZANOTTI, Fabricio (GOTTWJ) ................................... 38,39 SWITZERLAND MATTIOLI, Katharina (GRAUSTEN) ........................... 50, 51 UNITED STATES ALLEMAN, Patricia (TALAVERA) ............... 46, 47, 59, 72, 73 ANAYA, Melany (COOL) ................................................ 94 AYER, Sandra (ayer of magic) ...................................... 8, 9 BARLOW, Fernanda (CARAMURU) ............................. 84,85 BERTSCH, Jeanne ....................................................... 89 BRADLEY, Lynda (Avalon) ............................................ 30 BRIGGS, Kathy (NORTHSTAR) ..................................... 42 BROSSARD, Colleen (CHASELAND) ........................ 10, 11 BURGESS, Merrilee (Touch of Magic) ..................... 91 CAMPBELL, Danielle & Gillian (Campbell Clan) .. 8, 9, 41-43 CANNATA, James ....................................................... 28 CLEARY, Katie (kandee) ............................................ 58, 59 ENRIGHT, Carol .......................................................14,15 FALTERMAN, Emily (ELEMENT) ........................................ 47 FERRERO, Dolores (DELPHI) ..................................... 62, 63 FLORA, John (DELPHI) .............................................. 62, 63 FRISSEL, JAMES (SELLANO) ......................................... 72 GRIZLO, Barbara (TARA) ............... Cover, 2, 3, 26, 27, 31 HARTWIG, Debra (AZCOWBOYZ) ............................... 68, 69
HOWARD, Chad (CHASELAND) ................................. 10, 11 HULLENDER, Adrienne (KAYAS) ..................................... 55 JONES, Cathy (MTNVIEW) ...................... 88-90, Back Cover KENNEDY, Sarah & Vicki (Kennedys) ..............16-19, 79, 80 KINNARD, Stacie (HILLTOP) ........................................ 12, 13 LARSSEN, Jeanne ......................................................... 80 LEONARD, Kristine (guardian) ................................. 82, 83 LIPPERT, Marlene (cocolamus) ................................ 73 LUCK, Matthew ............................................................ 43 LUCIANO, Jason (SELLANO) ........................................ 72 MCCRACKEN, Kathy (DORKAY) ..................................... 89 MACK, Maryanne (Sidestreet) ........................ 79, 81-83 MANCINE, Dawn .................................................... 12, 13 MAZZUCA, Glenda & Larry ....................................... 14, 15 MELLO, Vivianne .................................................. 84, 85 NOBLE, Margaret & Thomas ....................................... 31 O’DONNELL, Maureen ................................................ 81 PEARSON, Jessica ................................................ 92, 93 POW, Terence (PRESSINGHAM FARM) ....................... 64, 65 PRESTON, Pamela (CHRIMASO) ............................... 70, 71 REAVES, Linda (BAMA’S HURRICANE CREEK) .................. 29 SCOTT, Dennie (KANDEE) .......................................... 58, 59 SCOTT, Ray & Merry (MERRYGOLD) .......................... 52-55 SHILOH, Richard & Suzanne (MOTIF) ........................ 92, 93 STARR, Tina (IVYLANE) ............................................. 16-19 STEWART, Jeanne (PRESSINGHAM FARM) .................. 64, 65 TERRY, Diana (Touch of Magic) ............................... 91 WATERS, Tonya ............................................................ 43 WILT, Victoria (HEARTBEATS) ........................................... 25 WORKMAN, Karen (WIRLWIN) ........................................... 7 ZIBEL, Dr. Stacie & Michael .......... Cover, 2, 3, 16,17, 26, 27 BUSINESSES & CLUBS Hawkeye Boston Terrier Club ...................................... 78 Let’s Talk Bostons ..................................................... 40 Minuteman Boston Terrier Club .................................. 37
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Victoria Wilt
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INTERVIEW Interview with Victoria Wilt Heartbeats Bostons, USA We had the opportunity to peak inside Vicki Wilt’s brain. She breeds and exhibits Boston Terriers under the kennel name Heartbeats. Vicki has had a great history with our breed and now you can get to know her better too.
When did your history with Bostons start? Did you come from another breed? What was the first Boston you ever got? I started in Bostons about 15 years ago when my mom bought me my first Boston from a pet store in Ocean City, Maryland. I knew right away this was the breed for me, but that I needed to go about this the right way. My first baby was a wonderful pet but opened my eyes for what was correct and what wasn’t …
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Who were your mentors starting out and what was the biggest lesson they taught you? A wonderful person in Boxers taught me to always breed up, never down. That was told to me by Kenny Knight who left this world way too young. Norm Randall who told me to always trust my own instincts. Norm was a huge influence and someone I always looked up to. Marilyn Randall who I have admired for years who has always been a huge supporter along with Dottie Truman and Gloria Shaver, The NcNeils, Ken Roux and Chad Howard have
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Victoria Wilt
markings are nice, but as far as i am concerned, they are icing on the cake. all been involved with teaching me so much about this awesome breed. I have been very fortunate to have so many I can call mentors over the years. All I have learned from and hopefully will continue to learn from many more.
What is your process of evaluating puppies to their show potential? When do you start looking and what do you look for? I look when my babies are first born. You can tell so much in the first few minutes after birth, and 9 times out of 10 I have picked my pick of the litter right after birth and then I wait and watch to see how they develop. Everyone looks for different things. I look at length of body. I also look at the underjaw of a pup to see how broad it is and the shape of the head: square, round, etc... My evaluations of all my guys start at birth and continue through the entire process. I want the pup to be pleasing to my eye, I’m very critical of my own breeding program and brutally honest with myself.
What is the importance of markings to you? Would you breed a Boston that did not have all the desirable markings? Markings are nice but as far as I’m concerned they are just icing on the cake. You have to look past the markings to see what you really have. I prefer a darker marked Boston. I don’t usually get them, I usually have too much white which can cause its own issues. Personally, I will not breed a mismarked not because of it being a mismarked but because of all the white I have. I have so much white in my line I’m working to get rid of as much as I can to not bring it back. I have found that 99% of mismarks are structally beautiful and since markings are not written in stone, they could more than likely produce many beautiful Bostons.
SNICKERS (GCh Heartbeats I Could Just Eat Him Up) WITH SONS ROWDY (Tarbay N Heartbeats How Sweet He Is) AND TICKET (Tarbay N Heartbeats Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket)
What is your pet peeve in Bostons? My biggest pet peeve would be all the back stabbing, trashtalking and total lack of sportsmanship, and total disrespect so many in this breed have for one another. There will always be someone that feels they are better than another but some have so much hatred. It makes me sick the lengths some will go to destroy someone or their Boston. People can disagree (God knows we all have different opinions) but some are downright cruel and think it’s funny to hurt others.
Ears: Crop them or leave them? I’m good with either. I love a beautifully natural ear but I do feel a beautiful crop can enhance and square off a Boston head. I think everyone needs to decide what they want to accomplish and if it would enhance or deter what the individual wants to accomplish with their Boston.
What are some of the Bostons not of your Breeding program of all times that you admire the most? There are many lines as a breeder I admire, some of the past as well as the present. Many of the different lines have over the years
DOVE - Ch Heartbeats Anchors Caramel Kiss
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Victoria Wilt been mixed together to give us the beautiful Bostons of the present. For me to define what I admire most is hard. I love so much about so many and the accomplishments they have achieved past and present.
Out of all the breedings you have done so far, which has been your favorite combination? I would have to say there are three that jump out. The first one is the breeding out of my Angel that was from my first litter bred to the Randall’s Chipper. Together they produced me my Dove which is my absolute Heart Dog. The second one was Dove being bred to Ken Roux’s Hoss which gave me my Snickers (Heartbeats I Could Just Eat Him Up). The name says it all. And the third and I’m sure not the last, would be Gala bred to Sharon Saberton’s Vinny. They WOW’d me the second they were born and still do today. Time will tell.
What is the importance of Health Testing in your breeding program? For me, health is a huge factor. You can have the most perfect dog in the world but if the health isn’t there, is it worth it? Not to me. Health, Temperament, Structure etc., all go hand to hand. I want it all! I’m very selfish that way! I know there are no perfect Bostons out there, but I want perfect. Health testing is part of the process. Health testing should be used as a guideline, never as a definitive. People need to understand tests can be wrong. People make mistakes or equipment failure can occur. Never throw the baby out with the bath water. Never pass judgement on anyone else’s breeding program because someone chose to make a decision that worked for them. It’s up to the individual to make a decision based on what they can live with, not based on popular demand or someone else’s opinions.
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Glory (Tarbay Glory Ray Of Sunshine) was vicki’s first breeding girl
Which dogs bred by you do you feel best represent the standard Wow, is that a loaded question! Since I have never bred a perfect Boston and more than likely never will, I have a hard time answering this. I have many that the standard says are good but because I’m so critical of my own, I have to say Dove, Snickers Pony, Chubs, and Toby are my closest to the Breed Standard in my house. Each still has something that I would like to change. If I could take a little something from each one, I would have the perfect Boston.
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Victoria Wilt
Are you satisfied with the current Boston Terrier AKC standard or would you change it in any way? What I would personally like to see changed in the standard is the wording “Preponderance of White”. If our standard is based on structure, this statement should not even be in the standard. To me, the statement represents markings and markings are 5 Points on the scale. Many emphasize perfect markings and can’t get past them to evaluate a Boston based on structure. Markings are only icing on the cake.
If you have to name one trait that your Bostons are known for, which would it be? The trait I love the most about my guys is the way they get along with each other. I can not for the life of me understand when people ask “ How can you put 5 dogs together in a crate and not have an issue?”. My question to them is “Why can’t you?”. All my guys get along, that’s the way they are raised.
What has been the biggest honor or achievement in your history with Boston Terriers so far? My biggest honor... I’ve been fortunate to have a couple. I was honored the day my Snickers won Best of Opposite in Grand Futurity at the Nationals when he was just under a year old. Snickers is a Hoss son. Then two years later, our Hoss daughter, Gala, also won Best of Opposite in Grand Futurity. This year, my Chubs (who is a Vinny son) also won Best Of Opposite in Grand Futurity. I am very proud to have been honored in the Futurity
SNICKERS AND DOVE GET BEST OF BREED AND BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX AT THE BOSTON TERRIER SPECIALTY IN VIRGINIA - 2013
program. I have to say my absolute most special day and one I will never forget, was the day Snickers won a small Specialty in Virginia. The icing on the cake was having his mom, my Dove, from the Veterans Class, take Best Of Opposite to her son. Having son and mother winning together was a WOW day that will never be forgotten.
PONY - Heartbeats Pony Express
Chubs - Heartbeats Where’s The Beef
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Victoria Wilt
For someone just starting out in Bostons, what would your advice be? For everyone starting in Bostons or any breed: Find a mentor, or 2, or 3. Never ever stop learning. Listen to everyone and everything, be a sponge. You never know when a little piece of advice you got 4 years ago may be an answer to a question you have. Always be true to yourself and listen to your gut. We can all lose our way from time to time but come back to what you know is right. Everyone has an opinion, it doesn’t make it right. It just makes it an opinion. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You answer to yourself, no one else. There are many people you can trust but then there are also many you can’t, so listen to your own conscience and do what you feel is right. Believe in yourself. Enjoy it and enjoy your dog. Have fun. There will always be bumps along the way, work on going forward. Have a blast. Bostons are true friends, they believe in you, now you need to believe in yourself. Always breed up and keep striving for what you think is perfect. It helps to have a great veterinarian.
The brothers Eddie and Toby
Only being in this for 15 years, I’m not sure if I’m the right person to ask about many of these questions.There are far more people who have done more and been doing this far longer than I have. I wanted to say that in these 15 years, I have been very fortunate to meet many people. Some I have learned so much from, and some who can’t stand me. That’s ok, But I want to say thank you to everyone. I wouldn’t change anything. It has helped me to build my program. It has made me learn more than I ever thought was possible and to understand and learn about these beautiful dogs we call Boston Terriers. Every experience we have helps us to grow as people. My experiences with my 4-legged kids have been the most memorable and challenging of my life. My HEARTBEATS truly at my feet...
GIZMO - VICKI’S FIRST BOSTON
Toby - Heartbeats Dauntless
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SHOWING
World Dog Show 2015 - Boston Terrier Breed Judging Milan, Italy - June 2015 - Judged by Mr Michael Forte (Ireland)
Pictures courtesy of Aleksandra Linek - Inferior Silesia Canis Boston Terriers (Poland) Special thanks to Hecuba Kennel - Vasilis Aspromatis (Italy)
World Winners 2015
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Best of breed (WW 2015) Bogerudmyra’s Yda
CAC DOG Brio’s Straight To The Heart
best of opposite sex (ww 2015) Himalia Stile Dandy’s Ace
CAC bitch Boston Style Choice The Best
HOPE WW 2015 Hecuba You Think It I Ink It Circle J’s Majestic Happy @ Primo Cavaliere
JUNIOR WW 2015 Heartily Costa Rica & BOSTON STYLE BRING SPARK
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Best of Breed & best of opposite sex minor puppies (3-6 months) // hope world winners (male & female)
World Dog Show 2015 - Boston Terrier Breed Judging Milan, Italy - June 2015 - Judged by Mr Michael Forte (Ireland)
RESULTS Best of Breed (Bitch) & World Winner 2015 Bogerudmyra’s Yda Owned by Sunde Marit (Norway)
Veteran Best of Opposite Sex / Veteran World WInner 2015 Idaho Idol Park Owned by Andreou Constantinos (Cyprus)
Best of Opposite Sex (Male) & World Winner 2015 Himalia Stile Dandy’s Ace Owned by Zanotti Fabrizio (Italy)
Best of Breed Puppy / Hope World Winner 2015 Circle J’s Majestic Happy @ Primo Cavaliere Owned by Carta Liliana (Italy)
CAC dog Brio’s Straight To The Heart Owned by Rutherford Kim (USA)
Best of Opposite Sex Puppy / Hope World Winner 2015 Hecuba You Think It I Ink It Owned by Aspromatis Vasilios (Cyprus)
CAC bitch Boston Style Choice The Best Owned by Lopez Rodriguez Juan Manuel (Spain)
Best of Breed Minor Puppy Corleone Of Adorable Gang Owned by Karamitsos Stilianos (Greece)
Best of Breed Junior / Junior World Winner 2015 Heartily Costa Rica Owned by Bodnárová Alena (Slovakia)
Best of Opposite Sex Minor Puppy Hope For The Future Owned by Carta Liliana (Italy)
Best of Opposite Sex Junior / Junior World Winner 2015 Boston Style Bring Spark Owned by Gutierrez Molina Gines Juan (Spain)
Best Breeder Barroco’s - Hyvärinen Tarja (Finland)
Veteran Best of Breed / Veteran World Winner 2015 Barroco’s Unique Owned by Hyvärinen Tarja (Finland) 36 - LetsTalkBostons.com
Best Brace Kennedy´S Wild Rock N´Roll With Hessenvilla I’M Wild Rockabella Du Rocher Des Ducs Owned by Muench Corina (Germany)
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BOSTONS a quarterly publication
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Let’s Talk DETAILS
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DETAILS
Let’s talk about... AKC Breeder Programs by Pamela Preston, ChriMaso Boston Terriers
D
id you know the American Kennel Club (AKC) has two different breeder programs? One has been around a few years now and is called Breeder of Merit (BOM). The other one is very new and is called Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Let’s talk about… the benefits of each and what it means to participate in either one (or both). The BOM program started a few years ago and has grown in popularity and is free to those who wish to participate. To be eligible, you must:
ROSA PAHOR PHOTOGRAPHY
1. Have a minimum of five years involvement with AKC events (Canine Good Citizen [CGC] title does not meet this requirement). 2. Have earned AKC titles (conformation, performance, or companion) on at least four dogs you’ve bred/co-bred. 3. Be a member of an AKC club. 4. Certify you perform the health tests recommended by the Boston Terrier Club of America (BTCA), which includes BAER (hearing), CAER (eyes), and patella (knees) on all breeding dogs and bitches. 5. Register 100% of all puppies produced with AKC.
6. Complete an application and be approved by AKC. AKC states BOM breeders show a true commitment to the AKC Community, dedication to their breed(s), and actively promote the sport of purebred dogs. AKC recognizes these breeders who are dedicated to breeding beautiful purebred dogs whose appearance, temperament, and ability are true to their breed. You may ask: Are there any benefits to being a BOM? Well, of course, there are! First of all, if you take it seriously and do all that you say you will, you are breeding better dogs (in theory, at least, as you would breed only those animals that pass the health tests, right???), actively involved in the sport of dogs and dog clubs, and making sure your puppies are registered to their new owners. I know, in the past, once I placed a dog and handed over the signed off registration form, probably 80% of the people never registered them. While this seems like no real big deal, the reality is that registration is one indication of ownership. If a puppy you sell harms someone and it was never registered to the new owner, potentially, you could be held liable for the damage as the registered owner. I doubt that ever happens, but it IS a very real possibility. So, making sure puppies and dogs are properly registered actually benefits you and AKC (obviously, more money for AKC). But, aside from that, AKC also offers benefits. You get: 1. A special Breeder of Merit designation on your puppy registration applications and registration certificates/ 2. Free access to online reports such as online research pedigrees and competitor reports using a monthly account credit of $20 (each credit expires if not used and do not carry over to subsequent months, so it is a “use it or lose it” benefit). 3. Access to the AKC Direct toll-free number. 4. Online record support.
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5. A certificate of distinction. 6. Breed-specific Breed of Merit web banners you can put on your website. 7. Acknowledgement on the AKC website and in AKC Breeder emails. 8. Lapel pin. 9. Occasional gifts from AKC for registering 100% of your puppies (such as $5 discount codes for the next litter registration, tote bags, etc.). AKC periodically audits breeders to confirm the breeder is maintaining his/her commitment of health testing their animals and registering 100% of their dogs to ensure the BOM program is not abused. Breeders who do not maintain the commitment can be removed from the program and lose all benefits. For more information about this program, visit the BOM page on the AKC website at: www.akc.org/dog-breeders/breeder-ofmerit. The new program is interesting as the requirements to participate are very different, as are the benefits. This program is not free; however, the fee to participate is nominal at only $25 per year. The Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program is more focused on the advancement of the health and welfare of dogs. It is intended to provide a new way to engage, encourage, and recognize breeders who meet specific health testing standards AND who participate in continuing education. The program gets its name from the five areas of breeder commitment:
LetsTalkBostons.com | July 2015
Let’s Talk DETAILS
Health – You must certify you perform the health tests in accordance with BTCA recommendations (as described above in the BOM program) on all breeding dogs and bitches. AKC also provides a link to the health tests needed for each breed at www.akc.org/dog-breeders/bred-with-heart/health-testingrequirements Education – You must promise to participate in continuing breeder education through AKC provided or AKC approved education in order to stay current with the best breeding practices and advances in canine health. Many breeder education webinars, articles, and newsletters are available on the AKC website at www.akc.org/dog-breeders/breedereducation Accountability – You must agree to comply with the AKC Care and Conditions policy, including inspections by AKC, and show accountability by providing AKC with documentation showing you meet the health testing and continuing education commitments. Responsibility – You must accept responsibility for the health and well-being of all puppies you produce and comply with all laws related to dog ownership and maintenance. Tradition – You must also uphold AKC’s tradition of breeding happy, healthy, purebred dog. In addition to the H.E.A.R.T. requirements noted above, to participate in this program, you must also: 1. Have registered at least one AKC litter within the past five years. 2. Be in good standing with the AKC. 3. Complete the online AKC application. 4. Pay an annual fee of $25 per breed. Program benefits include: 1. Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program logo on AKC registration applications. 2. Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program logo on AKC Marketplace listings (previously called Online Breeder Classifieds listings) and breeder profiles (this benefit is not yet available, but is coming soon). 3. Favorable search result positioning within AKC Marketplace listings and breeder profiles (this benefit is not yet available, but is also coming soon). 4. Certificate of congratulations. 5. Breed-specific web banners that breeders may use to promote their acceptance into the program. 6. $5 discount coupon for litter registration. 7. Annual $35 credit for online reports, including research pedigrees via your MyAKC account ($35 per breed). 8. Free online record keeping support.
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Obviously, both programs have some similarities, but for breeders who have multiple litters each year and also health test their breeding stock as well as participate in ongoing education, the Bred with H.E.A.R.T program may be more beneficial as they receive discount coupons for each litter, have a more favorable search result positioning with the AKC Marketplace when litters / puppies are posted, and are not required to ensure registration of every puppy produced. I will be keeping an eye on these programs to see how well they do and if AKC keeps both programs or ends up doing away with one, but regardless, I am glad to see AKC is openly promoting and supporting ongoing breeder and health education. There were several great articles, webinars, and links related tocanine health, breeding information, nutrition, fitness, general care, and preventative health. Until next time… - Pamela Preston
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PICTURE BY Debbie Christoff pawsitive impressions photography
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PERFORMANCE The Performance Boston
by Christie Kucsik, photos courtesy of Merry Christiansen
B
oston terrier, is a lively, intelligent, devoted dog that is sensitive to their owner’s moods. They are fabulously fun, adventurous and have a comical side. If you are going to share your life with a Boston then you better keep your sense of humor handy. When you think of agility, tracking, obedience, rally, lure coursing, barn hunt, dock diving, do you think of a Boston? Well you should, because Bostons participate in all of these events and more. This breed has a huge heart, they don’t limit themselves so why should we? When I started agility with my first Boston in 2003, someone looked at him and said agility with a Boston, good luck! He went on to earn numerous agility titles. When we showed up to dive, they said will he actually jump off the dock, that’s a two foot drop? Little did they know that he loved the diving board at the local pool; he has appeared many times in our local paper because no one can resist the diving Boston terrier. The Boston terrier can do just about anything. I even have one that has earned his AKC versatile companion dog title, to do this the dog has to earn their TD (tracking dog title), both novice
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agility titles (NAJ, NA) as well as their novice obedience title (CD). Like I said there isn’t much a Boston can’t do. It is such fun to watch them run and play the agility game because they are great little athletes that give their all and it is good exercise for us as well. What should you look for in an agility dog? As a performance person I look for a Boston terrier with good structure, drive, one that likes to learn, and wants to interact with me. Your performance dog needs to be food or toy driven or both because that helps making training them so much easier. As a breeder, Elizabeth Staley, looks at structure first, the pup’s interaction, the energy level to make sure they are not constantly on the go because you want them to be able to turn off when you need them too. When she watches them in the whelping box she is looking for problem solvers, pups that have good recovery to noises or other scary things and she is always adding new challenges to the play pen for them to explore. Elizabeth has about 50% of her bred by dogs place in performance homes. Structure is very important since the performance Boston is
truly an athlete and as you know that puts strain on the body and the joints. Health testing is also important because those test help us determine that it is safe for our pup to do agility and know that we aren’t causing them harm. You want your pup to be able to see, hear, a good spine structure, good patellas, good nares, a good trachea and good strong heart. They dog has to be able to see where they are going so they don’t hurt themselves and they need to hear you call them, they need to be able to breath well, and we need to know they are structurally sound because we all want to keep our dogs safe. Yes, even if you rescue your agility Boston I would suggest x-rays to make sure the spine, hips and patellas are good. How much time does it take to train them? That my friend, depends on you and on the dog. Some dogs excel at certain types events more than others, so you need to find what your dog really enjoys. Bradley hated obedience, it wasn’t nearly as fast paced as agility. Bentley just wants to be with me and he would do anything I asked. As my friend Lori pointed out, “he really likes to work.” Trust me, with a Boston you will know if they like it or not. Once you have decided to start training your Boston for agility, I suggest that you check out the local agility trial because it is a good place to gather information. It gives you a chance to see what agility really is, which students are doing well, and get some input about the local training facilities. You want to know the person that is teaching you knows what they are doing and not end up with someone who hasn’t competed in agility and doesn’t know what they are doing. When I get a puppy the first thing I do is put out the tunnel, a table, and the jump uprights for them to start exploring. My tunnels is nothing more than a light weight kids tunnel from Toys R Us and the jumps have no jump bar or height to them at all. I also only place the table on the ground, you don’t want your puppy to fall off and hurt themselves. The next thing I start doing is working with my pup teaching them to run with me, to turn with me and to stay on my right side, then my left. They earn their meals this way, and no we don’t do this every day but the more consistent you can be the better off it is with a young dog so my goal is one meal a day. Puppies have short attention spans so I recommend doing this in 3 minute sessions and meal time is the best because the pup is hungry so your chances of keeping their attention is
higher. Pay attention to the toys your puppy likes when you find their favorite I put it up and only use it for training. Once the puppy is doing these things then we move on to restrained recalls, where someone holds the dog back and I call them and reward once they reach me. Once they get to me, I add grabbing the puppy’s collar because it is important that they come to you but if you can’t get a hold of them then it does you no good. Now that the puppy is coming to you and running with you I start working on something called flat work, which is teaching front and rear crosses without any jumps so this is totally safe for the puppy to practice. The front cross is essentially you turning in toward your dog and thus changing the direction the dog was headed, the rear cross is the dog turning away from you to go in an opposite direction. Everyone is always in a hurry to get to the jumps, you want to start out very low, and I mean with the bar on the ground and then slowly move it up as your puppy gets older. You really don’t want your dog jumping their competition height until after they are 1 year of age. The puppy is still growing and their growth plates haven’t closed so you want to be careful and not cause any injury. It is after all better to be safe than sorry. The same applies to the weave poles, I don’t train a dog to really weave until they have reached 1 year of age because it isn’t worth risking spinal injury. I introduce them to the 2X2 method and keep the weaves open to 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, this gives them a nice wide open channel to run down, but you want to start with just one set of 2 weaves and teach the dog good solid entries before you add other sets. You don’t have to own all the agility equipment to be able to train a dog for agility, I have a table, 1 tunnel, 1 set of 12 weaves (2X2), and 3 jumps. All of contact obstacles such as the teeter, a-frame, and dog walk, I train using classes at my local dog training club. Remember this is supposed to be fun for you and for the dog so if you feel yourself getting frustrated take a break but don’t take it out on the dog. We all want to get in the agility ring and compete, remember to take your instructors advice, don’t rush your dog into the ring before they are ready because you will find yourself with a lot more training to do. Agility is a lot of fun, I hope you give it try with your Boston!
Christie Kucsik Boston lover, agility competitor & instructor LetsTalkBostons.com | July 2015
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POINT OF VIEW
Would you deal with a less than reputable breeder who has an outstanding dog at the risk of being frowned upon? I assume this question would be in regard to using a dog for stud. I would not deal with a less than reputable breeder in any way. I’ve heard it said many times that if you want to breed to any dog, that what you think of that dog’s owner/breeder should have nothing to do with it. Absolutely not, in my opinion. And it has nothing to do with the risk of being frowned upon by others. It’s all about being ethical in every way. I want to be able to hold my head high when I produce a dog, whether it be from my own stud dogs or other’s. There are many good dogs out there to breed to who are from breeders who hold the same high standards as I do. I would not risk the reputation that I have built by dealing with a disreputable breeder.
Kathy McCracken - Langley, B.C. - CANADA DORKAY BOSTONS
It depends why the reputation is bad. Do they breed more than others think they should? Do they health test? Have they screwed others over in the past? Are they honest with people about what the dog is producing? Trust is everything. Being upfront and honest is the basis to building health and temperament in lines and relationships inside and out of dogs. If I can’t trust that the person would be honest then I wouldn’t deal with them at all.
Adrienne Hullender - Newport News, VA KAYAS BOSTONS
No, I wouldn’t deal with a less than reputable breeder, not that I wouldn’t answer the question, haha!
Linda Trader - Canonsburg, PA TRADER’S BOSTONS
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A breeder’s integrity should be an important part in decision making. Wether it be buying a puppy or using a stud dog. I personally would not want to get involved with another breeder who lacks ethics and integrity, doing so would lessen the integrity that I have spent years building. Sometimes it is our responsibility to try to help and educate people and help them along the way.
Tina Starr - Gonzales, LA IVYLANE BOSTONS
I would say no, because it’s important to me what the dog has behind it and as someone new to showing, I wouldn’t want to be associated with anything but the best.
Emily Falterman - Caseyville, IL ELEMENT BOSTONS
I think everyone’s definition of “reputable” is different. So my definition of less than reputable would be a breeder whom does not health test, whom has poor sportsmanship that has been demonstrated at shows, and someone who over breeds their dogs. Now if a particular individual, they are deemed reputable or not has a dog that I feel is exceptional and will compliment MY breeding program, then yes I would deal with them. As ultimately it’s about making a positive difference in the breed and not about Ego. And my dogs are my dogs, no one else’s. So if the group doesn’t like it, tough.
Danielle Campbell - Sacramento, CA CAMPBELL CLAN BOSTONS
Personally, I would not. Reputation is everything in the dog show world.
John Justice - West Monroe, LA
I would rather deal with someone I trust, even if they are not known, but never from a puppy mill... I go for pedigree first, then conformation. If people know them or not is no concern of mine. If I know them and trust the information I get about the dog is all that matters.
Marit Jenssen - Støren, Norway SKIN-DEEP BOSTONS
It’s a difficult question as everyone has a different definition of what “reputable” is. I think you have to evaluate your decisions in a case by case basis; is it a breeding that betters what you already have? Is it worth the judgement/drama that it may bring into your life? There are many factors that come in to play. Patricia Alleman - Goldsboro, PA TALAVERA SHOW DOGS
What about you? Do you have any tips or questions that you would like to see here? e-mail us your suggestion: info@letstalkbostons.com July 2015 - 61
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HEALTH
Only The Lonely - Raising the Singleton Puppy by Lori Hunt, DMV & French Bulldog Breeder
A
nyone who has raised a “singleton” knows that it can be a huge challenge. In many ways, I find raising the single puppy more difficult than even the biggest of litters. I have raised MANY one puppy litters, and consider myself somewhat skilled in it. I’d like to share some hints and tips with Let’s Talk Bostons that I’ve found helpful in raising a single puppy. The information I will discuss is not necessarily breed specific. Over the years, I have learned that each singleton is different, yet the same. I will address some of the more common issues I encounter with singleton puppies and their moms. Let’s start with the two kinds of singletons. First there is the true one puppy litter. Alternatively, there are those litters that have a sole survivor. There is no difference in caring for the resulting puppies, but the first can have unique issues concerning timing of the section and mammary development prior to whelping. It is absolutely essential that the timing of the cesarean section be carefully mapped out. Single puppies often do not set mom into labor, especially in medium to large sized breeds. Therefore, they have a tendency to be overdue and ultimately not survive. My recommendation is to ALWAYS do ovulation timing while you are breeding so there will be no doubt as to when she is due. The less we guess, the better the chances that the puppy will survive. In my experience there is a high mortality rate (33-50%) for singletons due to not being delivered at the right time. In my own bitches, I schedule the section for 61 – 63 days post ovulation, using her progesterone, her past whelping history as well as family history to help me decide exactly. After the delivery, the first issue experienced with a singleton is that mom doesn’t always have a strong motherly instinct, especially if this is her first litter. It can take several days to weeks for the mom to take over sole mothering of their new charge. I had one bitch take 18 days! Eventually she became a skilled and devoted mom. So often, we take away their chance to be a mom and deny them this learning opportunity to become better for next time. BE PATIENT. Give her a chance to become the mother you and she both want. Pain control post c-section, oxytocin injections for the first 24 hours, calcium supplementation and her milk supply coming in are a few things that can help improve mothering skills in an otherwise healthy bitch. On the other hand, we have those bitches that “over mother” their puppy; forcefully licking and pushing their charge around
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the box, tugging on cords, etc. Usually, given time and direction, these too will settle into a better mothering style.
ALWAYS DO ovulation timing so there is no doubt when the bitch is due.
Occasionally some bitches will make more milk than is necessary for that one puppy to grow. It is essential that we monitor these bitches for mastitis. Express milk daily from each teat to be certain no disease is starting. More often that not, milk supply is normally low in bitches with single puppies, as only one puppy nursing doesn’t pull milk down at the same rate and volume, as would an entire litter. Often this requires helping mom to make more milk AND supplementation for baby. Oxytocin injections can be administered to increase milk but lose their effectiveness after the first 24 hours. Fenugreek (610 mg), an herbal supplement that is available at most nutrition stores, helps drop milk as well. I use one (1) capsule twice daily until mom and baby smell like maple syrup or her milk has come in, whichever comes second. There is no harm in continuing it past these two events. Calcium supplementation is also useful. Keeping mom VERY well hydrated, pain free, and comfortable is essential to milk production. Another important aspect to helping mom’s milk drop is allowing her HUNGRY puppy to nurse. This seems simple, but often times people worry about the pup, tube or bottle feed her and then let her nurse on mom. She, of course, has a full belly and only half-heartedly nurses. Please, do it the other way around. Let baby nurse on mom while she’s hungry, and then “top her off” AFTER with a bottle or tube. I have found if I have another mother, letting her whelps nurse on my single puppy’s mom (in a controlled and supervised manner) helps pull her milk in faster. Single puppies are notoriously slow to gain weight, often taking 5 - 7 days to surpass their birth weight and have bigger losses than a puppy of the same age that has littermates. Weigh your puppy daily, or twice daily, but don’t panic as long as baby is acting vigorous and nursing. I do not allow my puppies to lose more than 10% of their body weight before intervening. The puppy must stay strong to be able to pull milk in and maintain body temperature without littermates with whom to cuddle. Normal milk intake for a puppy is 1 ounce of milk per 4 ounces of puppy divided throughout the day. This leads into another very important topic of maintaining a very warm box environment when there is only one puppy. They do not have littermates to snuggle and if mom isn’t staying with them constantly they can get chilled and
lonely. I recommend keeping the box at 80 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit (26 - 30 degrees Celsius) the first week and decreasing by 3 - 5 degrees F (or 1 C) weekly thereafter until reaching room temperature around 3 - 4 weeks of age. Also, I keep a heating pad available for the puppy as well as offer a snuggle puppy and/or snuggle disk (both products available online). It can be difficult when rearing the singleton to be sure that the puppy is “normal”. There are no littermates to compare to her. Many late nights, I have asked myself, “Is she twitching enough? Eating enough? Is that diarrhea? Is she interacting enough? Should she be up and walking by now?” All things that are much easier to monitor when you have a litter. I like to keep a journal with notes from each litter so I can compare her directly to those who have come before. It is important to make sure she meets milestones appropriate for her age. I find singleton puppies are either obese or lean, and never in between. The lean pups are up and moving without issue and usually much more active and eager to “get busy”. The obese pups are slow and dull and take much longer to be motivated. Without littermates to spur activity on, single pups - particularly fat ones - will be lazy and behind in development. I often have to perform a hobbling technique to get some very fat pups up and on their feet. Early socialization with single pups is important. I introduce them earlier to the pack than other pups so they learn dog behavior and body language, as often mom is too soft and easy on them. I use my tried and true “puppy raisers” who I know will not hurt the puppy but will give good directions and teach them how to be a good pack member. While singletons are a lot of extra work and challenge they are VERY rewarding to raise. They are usually excellent at self-soothing, very outgoing and establish a deep bond with humans. As I finish writing this article, my latest singleton turns 3 weeks and we’ve MADE it! I hope he will continue to thrive and become as lovely as those singletons that have come before him. He taught me some new things that I shared with you…
-- Lori Hunt, DVM 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.assisifrenchies.com
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SHOWING
2015 Boston Terrier Club of America National Specialty
April 27 - May 1st 2015 - Lancaster, PA - USA Pictures by Fernanda Barlow - FVR Pro
National Specialty judged by: Mrs. Houston (Toddie) Clark BEST OF BREED / national best in specialty show BIS BISS Gch Naughty Norteno’s Clik Clik Bang (owned by Marshan Fish & Stephanie House) winners bitch & bow: CH Kennedy’s J’s Flora and Fawna Best of opposite sex: GCH Gumbos Stargazing At Northern Lights select dog & select bitch: GCH Gumbo Cosmic Stargazer GCH Katbird’s Evolution Matters at Kayas awards of merit: GCH BIS BISS Sabe’s Simply Invincible GCH Weywood’s Fortune Knocks GCH Rio’s Ocho Loco GCH Chaselands Bernice Bullard GCH Campbell Clan’s Simply Scandalous GCH Martini’s Jameson Nightcap CH Lonestar’s Ava Ava Bo Bava WINNERS dog & aom: Merrygold I Luh Ya Papi Reserve Winners Dog & Reserve Winners Bitch: Davane The Way You Make Me Feel Motif’s Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
____________________________ BEST OWNER HANDLER AND STUD DOG & BEST VETERAN : BISS Gch. Gumbo’s Cosmic Stargazer BOSTON TERRIER OF THE YEAR: GCH Chaselands Bernice Bullard Boston of the Year People’s Choice gCH Tara’s Mango Madness
____________________________ FUTURITY Best Junior Grand Prize Futurity Winner: QB’s Put a Little Love in your Heart BOS to Grand Prize Futurity Winner: Heartbeats Where’s the Beef (judgeS: Ms. Cindy Pargurski and Ms. Bev Bulson) July 2015 - 75
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