Best in Show Magazine USA • August / September 2022

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WE ARE

Best in Show Dear Reader,

Hopefully most of you went or are planning to go to vacation, because that is what summer is for!

If you are back to dog shows, we hope you will get your hard copy of Best in Show Magazine or you will enjoy our digital version.

We are proud to have Number 1 Terrier on the front cover – Paddy – MBIS MBISS GCHG Bluecrush Freedom and Whiskey! Bred and owned by Eva Hart Hansen and presented by Blake Hansen. Professional handler Milton Lopes is the first interview, which is followed by the great report from Westminster Kennel Club 2022. I would like to thank Rhonda Cassidy, Mike McGuire and Kaitlyn Price for lovely photos!

In this edition we are welcoming 2 articles from Europe – Report from the World Dog Show Madrid by Grzegorz Gebik, and article about World Whippet Congress held in Italy!

Charie McDaniel will tell us her story about being a very well-known and successful ownerhandler. Meet the Breed in our August/September edition is about Non-Sporting group – Dalmatians and French Bulldogs.

The Best in Show Magazine team would like to say thank you to all our subscribers, advertisers, and interviewers for being part of our existence!

See you in October.

JOVANA DANILOVIC Chef Editor

LEE GROGAN Colaborator

CHRISTIAN RANGEL Marketing Director

JUSTYNA SKROBISZEWSKA Social Media

MARY MARSHALL Writer & Proofreader

DJORDJE DANILOVIC Social Media

BONNIE GUGGENHWEIM Sales Department 352-362-3763 bonnie@bismagazineusa.com BISCREATIVE.COM Art Department

www.BISmagazineUSA.com • info@BISmagazineUSA.com • www.BIScreative.com

CONTENT

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INTERVIEW WITH HANDLER

MEET THE BREED

Milton Lopes

French Bulldogs

RINGSIDE CLICK

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Westminster Kennel Club

FROM AN OWNER-HANDELR LEASH

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Cherie McDaniel

MEET THE BREED

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Dalmatians

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RINGSIDE CLICK

Dog 134 World Show - Madrid News from Europe

160 Whippet Congress

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Captain

is starting the summer off hot!

In just 4 weeks he was awarded; Another Specialty Best of Breed

Group 4

Basenji Club of Northern California ~ Mr James Donahue ~

Contra Costa County KC ~ Mrs Helen Nietsch ~

Group 2

Group 3

San Fernando KC ~ Mrs Christie Martinez ~

Burbank KC ~ Ms Christine Erickson ~

Group 4

Group 2

San Gabriel Valley KC ~ Mr Shawn James Nichols ~

Burbank KC ~ Mrs Pamela S Lambie ~

Breeder/Owner/Handlers: The Basenji Sisters (Kathy & Julie Jones) • www.BasenjiSisters.com 20

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Multiple Specialty, Group & Reserve Best in Show Winning

GCh Jasiri-Sukari Cap-Tin Obvious

(GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari Win Tin Tin SC x GCh, DC Jasiri-Sukari High Win Warning SC)

We our sincerely grateful to all of the judges that have recognized Captain.

Co-Owner: Ming Chua B E S T I N SH OW MA GA Z I N E

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MILTON Lopes I N T E RV I E W W I T H H A N D L E R

Milton thank you for taking time for this interview. Please tell us more about your beginnings and how you got involved in the sport of dog showing?

I started in 1983, when I was ten years old. After nagging my parents for years, they finally gave me an Irish Setter; his name was Mike. We started showing him right away as a puppy and immediately realized he was not show quality. We then got a Gordon Setter from the Atalla family in Brazil which won a few groups, people started to get me to help them show their dogs and here I am.

I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · MILTON LOPES

Do you remember your first show? Did you have mentor back then or a handler that inspired you?

I remember, it was not fun to go third out of three! At the time in Brazil the late Flavio Werneck and Marcelo Chagas were two of the top handlers. My father and I would often drive or hop on a bus to meet them at dog shows so I could work for them and learn.

Do you know approximately how many BIS wins you have won up to today? What was the feeling winning your first BIS in the US? I never counted but I can say that at least 600 is an honest guess, most of them in South America, Canada, and Asia. My first American BIS occurred when I was living in Canada. I came to the Montana Circuit with the Welsh Terrier, GCh. Darwyn’s I Am Not Arguing That.

What would you say is highlight in your career so far?

I have been very fortunate to have shown dogs in more than 20 countries during my 39-year career, so more than a specific win or moment I would say that the friendships that I was able to build with people from over the planet are the most important thing that I have achieved.

Can you name three dogs you have showed in the past and why you have chosen them?

Ch. Starhaven Andrew W, Standard Wirehaired Dachshund. Andrew won everywhere he went, and we got approximately 60 BIS titles in seven countries.

He put my face on the map and I am sure that things would have been very different if I had not been part of his career.

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I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · MILTON LOPES

Ch. Wallylama’s Grand Slam, English Springer Spaniel.

Gaston was also a multiple BIS winner in several countries. He was one of those dogs that gives 110% all the time and never has a bad day. He was fun to live with, fun to show and the first dog I campaigned when I left Brazil to live in Canada.

Ch. Paceway At Rosemount, Dalmatian. Vino and I won 42 BIS titles together and as far as I know he is the top winning Dalmatian of all time in the world with over 150 BIS, most of them in Australia. It was a great opportunity to be able to be part of his career and show some of his very successful kids here in the US. Can you please name three dogs you have not shown or owned in past that you would have liked to?

That is a very easy one—the Akita Ch. Tobe’s Return of The Jedi, English Springer Spaniel Ch. Salilyn’s Condor and Afghan Hound Ch. Pahlavi Puttin’ On The Ritz. I have goosebumps just thinking of them.

Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows? Please give reasons for your preference.

All breed shows. These days specialties held in conjunction with all breed shows rarely mean something out of the ordinary, and the nationals in several cases are dragged on for way too many days becoming boring for those that are not involved with aspects other than conformation.

You are now breeding Dalmatians?

We just had our very first litter of Dalmatians eight months ago and just finished our first homebred champion last month. Many people think that I am

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I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · MILTON LOPES

a Dal breeder because of my long-term relationship

judge the quality of dogs in any country by looking at

with my client Paulo Carneiro Filho from Brazil

pictures only. These days many dogs look outstanding

(Whitecap Kennel). Although I am deeply involved

on Facebook and magazines for example and are a

with his breeding program and showing his dogs for

total disappointment in person when you see them

over 20 years, breeding Dalmatians is a very recent

move. But I have to say, I was very impressed with the

thing for me, and the Dalmatian is the breed of choice

Dalmatians that I saw in Australia years ago.

of my wife Jules (she had a Dalmatian before I did!).

How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started

With the invention of social media, the internet and

showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or

multiple dedicated dog related publications available

presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for

to use as research, where in the world do you believe

the better or worse?

your breed is currently strongest?

I am a straight shooter and I think that unfortunately

In my opinion the breed is in trouble; there are so

the breed changed for the worse, which is not

many different types of Dalmatians but with similar

a phenomenon specific to Dalmatians, as it has

faults, in my opinion. Although I have seen Dalmatians

happened in many breeds. My barometer is the

all over the world, I have not shown outside the US

national and the bred by class which should be the

for the past seven years, so it would not be fair to

most important and the most competitive. I always try to go to the DCA National Specialty, and I believe that years ago there was better overall quality.

The purpose of dog showing was, and still should be, to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock. Do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

Certainly. These days pretty much anything can finish. Sometimes you look at the specials line up and wonder how some of those dogs got majors to finish. I remember that not only in Dals, but in many breeds just a handful of dogs are needed for a major.

When I was a kid in Brazil and someone imported an American champion, we all knew that it was probably a very high-quality dog. The same does not apply these days and this is not something specific to Dalmatians. What is the worth of having a champion dog when it is not worthy of the title?

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I NT ERVI EW W I T H HANDLER · MILTON LOPES

Please name three people—one judge, one breeder and one handler that you specially admire?

I must break the rules: the late Enrique Fillipini from Argentina, a gentleman, a showman and very knowledgeable dog person. Nowadays Michael Woods from Canada checks all the boxes for me, from the way he exams to the way he points at the dogs.

Always a pleasure to show to him, win or lose. As a breeder that is a tough one and I will pick two again: Pat Trotter and Karen Staudt-Cartabona. These two ladies are my idols since my first steps into the dog world. As a handler, my pick is Flavio Werneck; most of us knew him and miss him a lot. Always willing to help and always willing to learn, a good friend and extremely versatile professional. I believe that being open to learn is a very important quality in the business of handling dogs.

What you would do If you did not choose to be a handler?

I love taking care of the plants and flowers, so I would say a gardener or landscaper.

Where do you see the sport of pedigreed dog showing evolving ten years from now?

In 39 years I have never seen anything other than

and presentation are not the most important things when in the ring.

Do you have any future goals/wishes in the world of pedigreed dogs, or life in general?

declining in numbers and quality, and I am not talking

I have a very clear image of what I believe the ideal

about the US only but the countries where I used to

Dalmatian is, and no one is harder on our own dogs

actively show. And when I say quality, I do not mean

than I am. The goal is to retire from handling and

dogs only, I mean quality of people. Many of the great handlers, judges and breeders are gone and I believe that something needs to be done very soon to make this a sport again. Nowadays I would call it a game, as sometimes I feel that a dog’s quality, temperament,

look at our backyard and see dogs that are healthy and close to our vision of what an ideal Dalmatian is.

Being a champion is secondary. I would really hate to look out of my window and see mediocre dogs, regardless of their titles and achievements.

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R I NG S I D E C L I C K

SOUND the horns

WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW P ho t o c re d it s : R ho n da C a s s id y • M i ke M c G u i re • Kait ly n Pr ic e B E S T I N SH OW MA GA Z I N E

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ENGLISH SETTER GCHS CH CIARA N’ HONEYGAIT BELLE OF THE BALL FDC CGC Breeder. Amanda & Vito Ciaravino & John & Mary Nowak & Brian Silbernagel Owner.Van Jacobsen & Lee Afdahl & Amanda & Vito Ciaravino

BRITTANY GCHG CH BRIGADIER SHAMROCK ALL SILVER STARS Breeder. Mike Lee & Julie Lee & Beth Rosener Owner. Mike & Julie Lee & Beth Rosener & Jaime Cox GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER GCHG CH CLARITY REACH THE SKY VJK-MYST Breeder. Claire L Malcolm & Mariah M Dupuy Owner. Carley Simpson & S Acevedo & V Atkinson & Y Hassler-Deterding WIREHAIRED POINTING GRIFFON GCHG CH GLACIER’S STAR SPANGLED Breeder. Mary Beth Lutrick & Donald Lutrick & Lisa Durand Owner. Cindy Wood & Gary Wood & Lisa Durand

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WORKING group 1

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SAMOYED GCHP CH VANDERBILT ‘N PRINTEMP’S LUCKY STRIKE Breeder. Mengru Wu & Judi Elford Owner. Correen R Pacht & Marc Ralsky & Judi Elford & Blair Elford

DOBERMAN PINSCHER GCHB CH ALCHER TMAC WITCHCRAFT V GENTRY Breeder. Deb Romans & Cheryl Green & Tony Mackenzie Owner. Cheryl Green & Tony Mackenzie STANDARD SCHNAUZER GCHG CH CRIVITZ HUMPHREY BOGART VON DIABLE Breeder. Amy Shaffer Owner. Amy Shaffer & John Low & William Matthews III & T Skinner GIANT SCHNAUZER CH HEARTHMORE’S WINTERGREEN MOUNTAIN CGC TKN Breeder. Cherlann Ambrose Owner. Katherine Bernardin & Cherlann Ambrose & Sandra Nordstrom

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HERDING group 1

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GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG GCHG CH GEM-N-I RIVER OF URLOVED CGC Breeder. L Jewel & B Stamper & R Waitsd Owner. Richard A Waits

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD GCHP CH LK MICHIGAN I’M YOUR’S Breeder. Marcie Boomsliter & Suzanne T Ritter & Jenny Woelzlein & Carol Hawkins Owner. Marcie Boomsliter & Rick Boomsliter OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG GCHB CH WYNSILOT AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ Breeder. Dora & Dale Meyerr Owner. Dora & Dale Meyer PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI GCHG CH TRIFECTA FANTASIA CGC TKA Breeder. Stephanie S Hedgepath & Linda Stoddard & Denise M Scott Owner. Jane Will & Stephanie Hedgepath & Denise M Scott

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HOUND group 1

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BLOODHOUND GCHB CH FLESSNER’S TOOT MY OWN HORN Breeder. Bryan & Chris Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar Owner. Bryan & Chris Flessner & Heather Helmer & Tina Kocar

BORZOI GCHG CH JUSTART MAJENKIR STATUS SYMBOL Breeder. Stuart McGraw & Justine Spiers & Karen Staudt-Cartabona Owner. Shigeru & Akiko Iwakiri & Stuart McGraw & Justine Spiers & K Staudt-Cartabona NORWEIGAN ELKHOUND GCH CH VIN-MELCA’S JOYRIDE Breeder. Patricia Trotter Owner. Miranda Vance & Andy Vance HARRIER GCHS CH BLYTHMOOR SHEEZ-BEEZ TELL ME NO TALES Breeder. Margie Dykstra Owner. Sheila Allen

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LAKELAND TERRIER GCHG CH HI-KEL TERRYDALE NANHALL MIZZCONCEIVED Breeder. Hayley Keyes & Terrydale KNLs Owner. Maripi Wooldridge & Jennifer Stevens & Ariel Cukier

SEALYHAM TERRIER GCHS CH GOODSPICE EFBE MONEY STACHE Breeder. Margery L Good & France Bergeron Owner. Margery Good & France Bergeron & Emily Bennett & Lucy Spiegel & S Middlebrooks CAIRN TERRIER GCHS CH HJOHOO’S HJO WANT IT ALL Breeder. Elisabeth Teodorsson Owner. Victor Malzoni Jr AMERICAN STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER GCHP CH ROADHOUSE’S LIFE OF THE PARTY CA RATN DN CGCA Breeder. William G Roadhouse & Danny Casanova Owner. Kimberly Rudzik & Ellen Bannin & William Roadhouse

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W ES T M I NS T ER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW

NON group SPORTING

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FRENCH BULLDOG GCHP CH FOX CANYON’S I WON THE WAR AT GOLDSHIELD CGCA CGCU TKN Breeder. Sandy Fox & Perry Payson Owner. Sandy Fox & Morgan Fox & Perry Payson & Alexandra Vorbeck

DALMATIAN GCHS CH PLANETT’S POP STAR Breeder. Barbara Kaplan-Barrett & Dr Ed Barrett Owner. Barbara Kaplan-Barrett & Dr Ed Barrett TIBETAN SPANIEL GCHS CH LANTANA’S TIME TO TALK AT BRADMAR CGC Breeder. Carole Ziers & Shirley Carroll Owner. Barbara Eymard & Melinda Marler & Gail Krall & Sabrina Hewitt XOLOITZCUINTLI GCHB CH BAYSHORE STONEHAVEN FIRST LADYY Breeder. J Frank Baylis & Jeff Margeson & Lynda Hylton & Veronica Wade Owner. M Michael & C Thornhill & F Bayliss & J & J D Margeson & L Hylton & V Wade

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TOY group 1

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MALTESE GCHB CH TA-JON’S WALK OF FAME Breeder. Tammy Simon & Diana Egnor Owner. Dragica Hunter & Tammy Simon

BRUSSELS GRIFFON GCHS CH BELLETERRE WALKIN AFTER MIDNIGHT Breeder. Belleterre Kennel Owner. Stjohn Knl & Belleterre Knl & Susan Depew & Evelyn Hole & M & J Bazell ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL(Blenheim & Prince Charles) GCHB CH RINGO STAR OT NEVSKOGO HOBBITA Breeder. NE Sedykh Owner. Patti Caldwell & Richard Caldwellr SHIH TZU GCHB CH HALLMARK JOLEI OUT OF THIS WORLD Breeder. Luke & Diane Ehricht Owner. Luke & Diane Ehricht

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BEST in Show Trumpet

GCHB CH FLESSNER’S TOOT MY OWN HORN

R. BEST in Show GCHP CH FOX CANYON’S I WON THE WAR AT GOLDSHIELD CGCA CGCU TKN

Winston

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CHERIE McDaniel Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigree dogs, and what breed of dogs you have shown over the years.

I am 2nd generation in “dogs” as my mother was involved in breeding and showing many AKC breeds. My love started when I was 5-6 years old with Collies and then Toy and Miniature Poodles. After college, I became an avid Yorkie breeder and exhibited many. One I bred obtained his CD at 6.5 months of age, the youngest in the breed to earn this achievement. I also had an OES whom I obtained a CD on also. Since 1996 I have been involved with Miniature Pinschers, finishing numerous dogs all from the BBE class. My kennel name is Cheristar, named after Cherie’s Stars.

F RO M A N O W NER- HANDLER LEASH

3-4 days off work at a time. There have been many long drives and very little sleep to accommodate showing but you can’t win if you don’t show. And winning makes the drive home easier!

Would you rather win an all breed best in show or a speciality best in show?

An All Breed BIS and a Specialty BIS are both huge compliments to your breeding program. I will take either and have fond memories of both wins and accomplishments.

On the whole, do you believe there are too many all rounder judges judging your breed and not enough breed or group specialists?

Yes, there are a few All Breed judges that know true MinPin Breed type. However, on the other hand, many often place a mediocre dog over the one who best meets the standard in our Breed and Group ring. It doesn’t do Where did you get your foundation dogs in your main breeds and what breeders from the sport do you work with today?

My MinPin foundation dogs came from several different breeders where I plucked the dogs from their stock. I knew the type I wanted and waited until I discovered what I liked. From these I developed my own recognizable type by linebreeding with occasional outcrosses, now on my 7th generation in my program with much success.

our breed justice.

Please share with out readers some of you highlight’s in the show ring, so far.

I have 2 top bitches I bred and have Specialed in the past 3 years. Both exude true MinPin Breed type and have the outgoing ring presence and attitude. Each took their turns at winning our Regional after our National Specialty 2 years in a row. Each are multi Specialty winners and group winners while my current bitch is a BIS winner. She won the Toy OH Gr at the Royal Canin

How difficult or easy do you find it fitting dog shows into

show 2021. Each were #1 MinPin OH for 2020 and 2021

your “normal” life?

consecutively.

Traveling to shows is much easier now since I’m retired.

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned

Although I showed at many 2-4 day shows with only

or bred by you. (show ring, litter box and/or stud.)

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CH Cheristar’s OOHS And AAHS! was a terrific stud dog and produced many typey MinPIns. This B/R has sired 3 MBIS winners, National Specialty winners and many CH. CH Cheristar’s Macie’s On Parade! has been a great producing dam. She is responsible for many typey puppies with great attitudes. She recently produced the #2 MinPin Bitch (Breed) in 2020 and the #2 OH that year.

MBISS GCHS Cheristar’s I Am Cybill Shepherd BCAT garnered many top ring wins. She was a joy to show and always gave her ‘all’ in the ring. I never bred her and presently she is in a top Performance home.

MBISS BIS GCHS Cheristar’s Reh-Pin’s I Am Charmed For Cheristar is my most recent Special. She finished #2 Breed and #1 OH in 2021. She is a strong line breeding back to my OOHS And AAHS! She is co-bred with Mary Silfies.

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

I truly enjoy the Royal Canin show in Orlando every year. It’s a massive venue and well organized. There are many vendors and the weather is generally just beautiful in Florida that time of the year.

Would you rather show at specialties or all breed shows?

Please give reasons for your preference.

I love the Specialties mainly since the judges are often Breeder judges or All Breed judges very familiar with our breed.

The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons

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F RO M A N O W NER- HANDLER LEASH

and rankings?

I love to have my dogs evaluated in the ring. I always show my class dogs in the BBE classes. But if I have a top ranked CH Special I am campaigning, I am always watching the rankings.

How do you feel competing with Professional Handlers? Is it always a level playing field?

“Beauty is in the eyes of the Beholder”. I compete in the GR level often and with many Professional Handlers. I

Many shows in Europe have a breeds class/stakes where breeders compete with a team of dogs bred by them.

Would you like to see this class introduced at general championship shows in the USA? Breed class/stakes is a great idea although the show participants in my breed are not plentiful. I doubt it would be very popular although I would participate if offered.

What are your hobbies outside of the world of dogs?

win and lose to many other Top Ranked Specials. But

I enjoy gardening, maintaining my property and

my dog and I are a team and this is illustrated in the

spending time with all my puppies and retired CH. And

presentation. The dog is comfortable and having fun,

when our schedules coordinate, my daughter and I get

not robotic show dogs.

together.

Do you judge, and if not would you like to judge some day?

I am very actively breeding, showing and producing top MinPins. At this time, I do not want to judge as I feel it would be a conflict of interest to combine both. I am always judging ringside and evaluating my breed.

Is there any advice you would like to give both to Professional Handlers, Owner/Handlers and also judges?

I have no advice for Professional Handlers. They know their job and how to present their dogs well. The OH ring has become very competitive. I recommend the OH to have fun and remember this ‘is your time to shine.’

You have a level playing field. And to some judges, please study the standards before you judge each breed.

Watch the overall balance, conformation, type and attitude. Our breed should be animated and confident.

The specimens should be self possessed, tail up, using their ears and showing no fear.

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Talking about

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Meg Callea TRAMAC Dalmatians Carrie Jordan NSPIRD Dalmatians Fran Darling PACEAWAY Dalmatians

up with Tramac – Thomas Raymond (my brother) and Margaret Anne Callea. I’ve shown many breeds over

MEET THE BREED

the years, really anything anyone would let me show as a kid including a guide dog that was neutered and the judge overlooked it! But Dals have always been my focus.

Where did you get your foundation Dalmatian and

D A LMATI AN MEG CALLEA

TRAMAC Dalmatians

what breeders do you work with today?

We got our first Dal from a family who happened to have bred to a rather special dog that Corky Vroom showed. He finished his championship in his first three shows. We were so lucky have Bandit in our lives, he was truly a very special dog in so many ways.

We got our second Dal from Fred Klensch – Pacifica Dals. I am lucky to have two special people I work very closely with in my breeding program. Jennifer Meisch – Spotlite Dals and Crystal Beam – Treasure Dals. It is invaluable to bounce ideas between the three of us. I know it helps us to make the best decisions in our programs.

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the Dalmatian and dog showing.

you can discuss future breeding’s with?

I can’t say I was mentored in my breed as a kid. There were far fewer dog shows in the early 70’s. I went to

My parents bought a Dalmatian because my dad was

all seminars anyone would take me to. I learned so

with the City of Davis Fire Department. Mom took

much from them. At one of these seminars, I asked

him to obedience class, and someone said he was

Rachel Page Elliot what she meant by upper arm.

a nice-looking dog. There was a fun match nearby,

I must have been maybe 15 or 16. She grabbed me

we entered the Dalmatian, and he won a first-place

by the hand and took me over to several dogs that

ribbon. That was in 1968 and I have been going to

were there for hands on judging. She took my hands

dog shows ever since. My parents were told his

in hers and taught me about shoulders. I know that

registered name needed to be unique, so they came

teaching moment is why I put so much emphasis on

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MEET T HE B REED · DALMATIAN

fronts and shoulders. That was a very special day in my life in dogs.

Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect the most anywhere in the world past or present?

There are some I do admire in Dals and in other breeds. There are very few with true breeding programs in my opinion. Very few who breed for two or three or more generations out. Most are breeding for their next winner.

With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

The Dalmatian in the US has a different standard than any in the world. We have a disqualifying fault for height when nowhere else in the world is there a DQ for height. We also call for a Dal that is approximately square. Again, no where do they ask for that. The height of most male Dals in other parts of the world start at our DQ height, so it is difficult to bring foreign dogs into our pedigrees. American Dals have a very specific type. It is not a sporting outline, but one of a compact, balanced, long distance trotting breed. We are losing true breed type to generic breeding and judging. We do have a few judges who truly understand American Dalmatian breed type, but very few.

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder?

One who breeds true to the standard, always. One who health tests and stands behind their dogs. Someone who takes a chance and sells good dogs to people

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MEET T HE B REED · DALMATIAN

who want to start showing and continues to mentor them as they grow, even if they go in a different direction. No preservation breeder should ever sell as a show/breeding prospect puppy one that has a major fault in our standard or structural faults as a start to someone’s show career or breeding program.

How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse?

The main one is temperament. They have gotten so

What is your proudest achievement in the world of

much better. I do have to say, I see some back sliding

Dalmatians?

currently, which I chalk up to pet parents and fur babies. Dalmatians are a guard dog breed. They are not fur babies.

When I got a letter from a now young adult whose childhood dog was one of my puppies and how much that dog meant to him. He shared many memories of

Also, skin health, we now know what foods are best

his childhood that were wrapped around his dog and

to feed to Dals and they are so much healthier than

how much he loved his special spot. That really is

in the past. For better or worse the breed, like other

the best. Ribbons come and go but placing a dog who

breeds, are always evolving. A few years of dogs of

had that much influence in his boy’s life is the most

good type, then big dogs, then fine boned. The one

important thing to me.

thing I see that seems to be the new norm is fine boned, under done, whippety dogs. The first word in bold type in our standard is substance. I have always said Dals are kind of a drake and hen breed. The boys should look the part and the girls are more feminine.

You should not have to look to see if it is a dog or a

If you were asking about in the ring, I have bred more Best in Show winners than anyone in the US. I am very proud to have bred two national specialty breed winners, three best in futurity winners, and two top 20 winners with a very small breeding program.

bitch. Our breed is more heavily marked than in the

Please mention some of your most successful dogs

past. That I am sure in most part due to 40+ years of

owned or bred by you.

hearing testing and for the most part only breeding bilateral hearing (hearing in both ears) dogs. Our hearing is correlated to the white gene, so breeding bilateral to bilateral we seem to get more color. Not a proven fact, just my observation.

Most importantly it would have to be Mocha because she brought Jim Smith into my life. Without Jim’s generosity I would not have had the opportunities to have shown my dogs to their full potential. Mocha was Jim’s first Best in Show winner of any breed. Mocha’s

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years ago did not have the clear marking pattern the black dogs had. Now, that is not much of an issue. Also, some judges do not use livers often because they are eye color nuts. Livers will never have as dark an eye as a black dog.

How important are markings in a Dalmatian?

Markings are 25% of our standard. However, structure and soundness is a far greater percentage of the standard. Markings are important, but soundness and temperament should never be overlooked in favor of brother Trapper was also a BIS winner. Mocha’s daughter Bindi and son Tanner were Best in Show winners. And the ever so special Lilith, who was from the last litter Jim and I co-bred and is a breeding he

markings.

Do you judge? Who is the greatest Dalmatian that you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

wanted to do for years. When he saw Lilith’s photo at 4

I judged regular classes before the 2018 National

weeks, he said it is positively that one! Mocha is a ROM,

Specialty on the parent club approved breeders

her daughter Bindi is an ROMX, as is her daughter

program. I was the first Dal breeder to have the

Soleil, Lilith’s dam.

privilege to judge on that program. The greatest

What three dogs not owned by you have you greatly admired?

Dalmatian I have seen would have to be Mocha. Yes, she was mine, but she was truly a great one. Undeniable breed type, style, sound all three ways and balance,

Mick the Kerry Blue, Fifi the Doberman and

balance, balance. I asked Jim why he wanted to put

Counterpoint’s Lord Ashley, a Pointer. Oh, you meant

money into showing a bitch, his answer was, “judges

Dalmatians I bet! Hmmm, Tuckaway Winged Foot,

need to see what correct breed type looks like and how

for his style, showmanship and breed type and the

it is supposed to move.” The best answer ever.

ability to produce it. Panore of Watseka and Centura Signature Sidekick, a dog I always admired and used and got a singleton. I hope to use him again and get a few more to pick from.

Do you think black and white Dalmatians win more over liver and white dogs under some judges because of their color?

is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him?

I have been thinking about this question for a bit and once this dog popped into my head, I have not given it another thought. It would have to be Ch. Pal-Dals Black Bandit, the dog I mentioned above, the sire of our first

Not as much as in the past. Years ago, yes. Livers 40+

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If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who

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dog. He was truly a great one. Wonderful temperament

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M EET T HE B REED · DALMATIAN

and so correct. Loaded with type, balance, lovely markings, classic outline. I was lucky to see him early on in my life in dogs. I am not sure I knew what I was seeing at the time, but I think he set my eye for a correct Dalmatian.

The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

The purpose is to see other dogs that will hopefully improve your own breeding program and for others to see your dogs. For far too many it is all about the ribbons. They breed for their next winner, not for the future of their program. To take a pedigree you have worked on for years and bring those pieces together and hopefully get a litter of consistently correct dogs has always been my goal. And if you are lucky, you might get a flyer. Ribbons and rankings are fun, but it is really about that little boy and his special dog who was purposefully bred to be happy and healthy its entire life.

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs?

My wishes, I am afraid, are not realistic. We will never have dog shows again where we are able to talk openly about another dog to learn and compare. I have been threatened with a bench for commenting to a friend

promotes generic dogs and fault judging. Dogs that

about another dog’s short comings. If we cannot talk

really have nothing wrong with them but have nothing

about dogs, good and bad, how is anyone going to

to offer. When in the past a dog who had a good or

learn what they have or what they should strive for.

great virtue was appreciated for that virtue. My goals

I find most breedings in my breed are what we call

will always be the same, to breed happy, healthy dogs

“cheap and easy” breeding. Yes, you can get dogs that

who are sound, balanced, beautiful in type and a dog

will finish, but they are generic and often not correct.

that raises a little boy who appreciated the difference

And why do they finish? Because the judging system

that dog made in his life.

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My Foundation dog “Jack” was acquired from Dr. Sid and Francis Remmele. I co-owned him with Tom and

MEET THE BREED D A LMATI AN

Carole Harris – Daisydot Dalmatians (CA).

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?

When I first started in Dalmatians (1992) Tom and Carole Harris mentored me – Daisydot Dalmatians.

I studied pedigrees and books and while driving to dog shows we would discuss the good things about

CARRIE JORDAN

N SPI R D Dalmatian

the picture of the dog and what could be improved.

We also discussed the dogs in the pedigree. It was so exciting for me…I just loved that. They also had a handling class at their home, and I learned to show.

Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the

It is hard to narrow it down to just one but the

world of pedigreed dogs, the Dalmatian and dog

breeders who consistently have or had great dogs

showing.

that I admired are Suzy Hughes, DVM (Snow Hill) and

I know it is a bit usual for our sport, but my foundation

Rod and Patti Strand (MGR).

Dalmatian was a male dog named “Jack” MBIS MBISS CH. Tuckaway Winged Foot, CGC ROMX. He is a top ALL around Dalmatian in the history of the breed.

He broke the BISS record while showing (1994 – 2001) when there were fewer regional specialties in a calendar year (before back-to-back shows). Before owner handler was a thing, I showed Jack his last year and half of his show career and he was top ranked.

My breeding program today “NSPIRD” Dalmatians is primary focused on Jack’s breed type, presence, and showmanship. I was inspired by Jack and my mentors to continue and pursue to breed great dogs.

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for the betterment of the Dalmatian focuses on a moderate sized dog that can do the work the breed was intended to do.

How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse?

In the many years I have been in the breed I have seen so many changes to the breed and type of dogs in the ring. The one thing I have seen in my breed that has improved is temperament. When I first started in the breed Dalmatians could be a bit edgy. For the worse With the invention of social media, the internet and

changes in the ring today I am seeing size as a

multiple dedicated dog related publications available

problem i.e., dogs being too tall and weak rears.

to use as research, where do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

I feel our breed could benefit from an internet site and database for Dalmatians that contained clickable pedigrees, pictures, CHIC numbers, and other health information for our breed. We currently do not have anything like this set up and it is hard to find information and details of dogs that are not in your area. I think a site as I mentioned would help our breed tremendously.

What is your proudest achievement in the world of Dalmatians?

My proudest achievement to date is producing a litter where three males, Andy, Argus, and Joey, were in the top twenty for multiple years for both breed and all breed standings. All three littermates were multiple regional specialty winners and multiple group winners. Argus was a multiple best in specialty show and a national specialty winner.

The sister in the litter CH. Tsunami was a great

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation

producer. She had an unfortunate accident, and

breeder?

her tail was cut in half and that ended her show

To me, a respectable preservation breeder is a person

career.

who is passionate about doing what is right for the

Please mention your most successful dogs, owned,

breed per the breed standard. Knowing the qualities,

or bred by you.

temperament and type that are Dalmatian breed characteristics and are incorporating these animals in their breeding program. A breeder that breeds

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Dogs: MBIS MBISS CH. Tuckaway Winged Foot, CGC ROMX “Jack”, MBISS GCH. NspirD Hollywood Legend, CGC, ROMX, CA “Andy”, MBISS GCHS.

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NspirD SpotsAfire Unscripted “Ike”, BISS GCHB.

If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud

NspirD SpotsAfire Michelangelo “Michael”, BISS

that is no longer alive who would it be and why would

CH. NspirD Wynn Cowboy Soldier “Teddy”

you use him?

Bitches: CH. Daisydot The Liver Wild “Olive”, CH.

I have three; CH. Lord Jim, CH. Merry Go Round XKE,

Traisides Gold Mercedes ROM “Olivia”, CH. NspirD

and CH. Bottoms Up Tuckaway Gusto

SpotsAfire On Madison Ave “Maddie”, GCH. NspirD Absolutely Fascinating “Co Co” What three dogs not owned by you have you admired?

A: CH. Snow Hill Never Say Never (B), GCHP Bret D

The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

N Adventureland Star Coach (D), CH. Beachcomber

The purpose of dog shows and showing is to show off

Flower Power (B)

your breeding stock and win ribbons to get ranking

Do you think black and white Dalmatians win more over liver and white dogs under some judges because of their color?

and both are important to the sport. A good breeder needs to understand some great dogs do not get specialed and some great dogs in the breed ring are overlooked by judges because of the pro handlers on

Judges should not judge color. They should judge the

the end of the lead. If you have a good eye for a dog

dog as a complete package. I will say overall markings

and your breeding program, you will know that the

of liver Dalmatians has much improved since I first

best dog does not win all the time and to look beyond

started in 1992.

the rankings and ribbons.

How important are markings in a Dalmatian?

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of

The way I interpret our standard is seventy-five

pedigreed dogs?

percent structure, movement, and correct form.

My goals are to continue my passion to breed better

Dalmatians are carriage dogs and need to move

dogs in the future while enjoying the dogs I am

correctly to cover the ten-to-twenty-five miles they

currently showing and honor all the great dogs of

ran with the horse. If you are going to be a spot

my past who have contributed and helped me get to

counter in this breed, make sure the spot on the coat

where I am today.

is clean and a crisp round spot and the pigment is rich in color.

As a judge, who is the greatest Dalmatian that you have ever had the pleasure of judging or seeing.

Yes, I do judge. GCH. Canalside Imperator

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MEET THE BREED DAL MATIAN Fran Darling

P AC EAWAY

Dalmatian

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the

As I progressed through my Judging career, I choose

world of pedigree dogs, the Dalmatian and dog showing.

to have a breed from each Group as I was studying.

(please mention your kennel name, its meaning and

Hence I have owned/shown a Smooth fox terrier,

any other breeds you are involved with.

English setter, Saluki, Shetland Sheepdogs, Boxers

My first love was horses, so it was only natural that

and my second Breed Lowchen.

a “coach dog” would join the family. Having shown

Where did you get your foundation Dalmatian and

horses, I thought I would try the world of Dog Shows.

what breeders (if any) do you work with today?

My first Dalmatian was a 12 month old bitch who knew “the ropes” so we progressed together. Within our first year she became an Australian Champion and went on to win BOB at our biggest show the Adelaide Royal Show in 1969.

My first Dalmatian was from an elderly lady in Adelaide , South Australia. I am currently working with other breeders in Australia and overseas and particularly with Jenni O’Connor (Paceaway and Neehi) to import and export to other Breeders

The following year I thought of Breeding and used

around the world with Grand Champions in USA,

the Challenge winning Dog from the same show. That

Brazil, India, Europe and New Zealand.

first litter produced 3 Champions for the PACEAWAY prefix. I was then obviously hooked and have been involved with the World of Dog Shows ever since.

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Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?

I wasn’t lucky enough to have a mentor as my original elderly Breeder was soon not involved in the Breed. A mentor can save you a lot of time/work. I am currently currently working with Breeders in USA ,Europe, Scandinavia and New Zealand. Australia does not have a height disqualification and therefore the Australian Dalmatian is usually a unique blend of USA , Europe and Scandinavia Which Dalmatian breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world. (past or present)?

Breeders in the US and Europe have been happy enough to share Bloodlines with us to keep the Breed progressing Jilloc’s from Sweden , Nspired from US ,Merry Go Round from US, Dvojica from Scotland and Whitecap from Brazil.

With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publication available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

Australia is often seen as the “world down under” and not a major influence on the Breed. However as previously mentioned since we are able to combine

is a Vino daughter combining with American lines

both US, European and Scandinavian lines we have

who is already a Silver Grand Champion, A Top 20

produced dogs that can hold their own around the

Qualifier for the National and is currently in Top 10

world. Multi titled Paceaway AtRosemount (Vino)

Dalmatians in US.

was the Top show dog in Australia before competing in the Eukanuba World Challenge making the final before staying on his second visit to gain the

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder?

following titles American Champion, Argentinian

Respectable has the Breed at heart to continue to

Grand Champion, Brazilian National Grand Champion,

produce a dog suitable for purpose. In the case of the

International

Grand

Dalmatian a beautifully spotted dog bred to run All

Champion , Uruguayan Champion and Australian

day with a coach. Not someone Breeding different

Supreme Champion. He has left his mark in the US,

colours and longhairs.

Champion,

Pan-American

Canada, Australia, Brazil and India.Our latest export

MEET T HE B REED · DALMATIAN

How have Dalmatian’s changed since you first started

Zapan was the TOP Dalmatian in Queensland for 5

showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or

years, Ch Paceaway Kiwi Konexion was Best in Show

presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for

at Toowoomba Royal Show, Multi Ch Paceaway

the better or worse?

AtRosemount his record speaks for itself and Ch

With the introduction of different lines from different countries the overall quality has improved. There

AmGChS Paceaway Eyeliner is doing her sire proud currently shown in US.

was a push to introduce “healthier” Dalmatians with

What three dogs not owned by you have you greatly

the “Backcross Project” to produce Low Uric Acid

admired?

Dalmatians (LUAs) To date this has not produced healthier Dalmatians and has produced a marked decrease in quality of spotting.

What is your proudest achievement (so far) in the world of Dalmatian?

I think being the Breeder of Vino has been Special. To have your dog inducted to the Hall of Fame speaks for itself. Vino was a remarkable show dog from the start , winning Best Baby Puppy in Show at his first National Specialty. He became #1 Show dog in Australia twice representing Australia at the Eukanuba World Challenge. After making the final he had to return to Australia and have 30 days in a Quarantine facility. A week after his release he competed in the New South Wales Top Dog competition which he won (A true testament of his fabulous temperament and great showmanship). He still holds the Breed record with 153 Best in Show awards. PACEAWAY has been the Top Breeder of Show Dogs for 10 Years.

Satin’s Clownin Around (US), Alphadirato Future Brand (Nor) and Dvojica Voodoo Magic (UK) Do you think Black & White Dalmatians win more over Liver & White dogs under some judges because of their color?

In the early days many Breeders of Black spotted Dalmatians really concentrated on the spotting .

Those of us that branched out into liver spotted (knew they generally had smaller and often more spots) so they concentrated more on structure and movement. Once a judge has seen that beautiful “economic movement of a true Dalmatian” bred to run all day. It doesn’t matter what colour the spots are…

How important are markings in a Dalmatian?

It is not possible to necessarily breed the number or position of the Spots but we can breed for quality of spotting. Deep dark pigment in both Blacks and

Please mention some of your most successful dogs,

Livers with nice clearly defined spots. The Dalmatian

owned or bred by you. (show ring, litter box and/or

should have spotting pleasant to the eye.

stud.)

Do you judge? Who is the greatest Dalmatian that you

With over 200 Champions produced at PACEAWAY it is hard to list the major dogs however Ch Paceaway

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have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

I am a fully qualified International All Breeds judge.

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I saw Satins Clownin Around (Jester)as a young

We are lucky enough to have a ranking system. That

puppy while visiting America for the Dalmatian Club

should represent the Best Breeding stock.

National. I asked to buy him but was unsuccessful.

I was pleased years later when revisiting the States that I could identify his progeny.

If you could go back in time and use 1 dog at Stud (that is no longer alive.) who would it be and why would you use him?

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs?

The sport of pedigree dogs has been around for a long time. It is hard in todays world to run a large kennel to try different breedings and combinations.

So you need to work closely with other Breeders

Probably Jester. I am looking forward to using his

for a common goal. In some respects with the more

grandson in the near future.

sophisticated use of frozen AI greater cooperation

The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

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can exist in producing world class Dalmatians.

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Talking about

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Perry Payson FOX CANYON Frenchies

James Dalton FABELHAFT Frenchies 104 Diane Burvee QAZARA Frenchies 120 Luis & Patricia Sosa BANDOG Frenchies 94

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders

MEET THE BREED

you can discuss future breeding’s with?

One of my strengths is the ability to surround myself with caring and supportive friends in the fancy.

We learn from each other, and without this sense of community and team play, none of us would be

F R EN C H B ULLD O G

successful.

Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect most,

PER RY PAYSON

FOX CANYON frenchies

anywhere in the world, past or present?

To name one person or kennel would leave out too many who deserve mention. The breeders I have admired most are those who have and continue to breed French Bulldogs of correct type while maintaining soundness, structure, and temperament.

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldogs and dog showing.

I was 11 years old when I bought my first show dog which was a beautiful Doberman bitch named Gina. I bred her when I was twelve, so I have been doing this for almost 50 years! After showing a French Bulldog for the first time in 1984, I immediately knew that I had to have one. Their delightful temperament and character combined with the fact they have enough substance so as not to be delicate like some toy breeds, made it a no-brainer for me. Goldshield is my kennel name, and it represents strength and protection as found on a police officer’s badge.

Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders (if any) do you work with today?

I obtained my foundation bitch in 1986; she was tightly line-bred on Cox French Bulldogs.

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With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

I am fortunate enough to travel the world as I show and judge dogs. I have found stunning examples of the breed everywhere I have traveled.

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder?

Someone who is breeding because they are passionate about what they do, and they continually strive for the betterment of the breed.

How has the French Bulldog changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse?

An ideal French Bulldog is one that is beautiful in type, moves correctly and is well-balanced with a happy, confident personality. I find the breed in general has improved throughout the years.

What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder?

Currently I am showing “Winston”, GCHP CH Fox Canyon’s I Won the War at Goldshield CGC CGCA CGCU TKN, owned by Alexandra Vorbeck, Alexandra Geremia, Felicia Cashin, Sandy Fox, Morgan Fox, and myself. He is currently #1 dog all breeds, and in 2022 won the Non-Sporting Group and Reserve Best In Show at Westminster. He is an absolute joy. My dog Dreamy, GCH CH BIS, BISS Goldshield’s Catch a Dream De La Rive Gauche (Winston’s sire), received the Gold

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

Production Award from the French Bulldog Club of

rear of the dog. There are no extreme angles. The dog

America. Dreamy’s dam, GCH CH Robobull Goldshield

should be all smooth and flowing.

Just a Dream (Dream) won the brood bitch class at the Frenchie National.

Please choose three Frenchie’s not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.

If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud (that is no longer alive) who would it be and why would you use him?

There are three I can name that had a strong impact on our breed; CH Bandog’s One in a Million, CH Robobull

CH Bandog’s One in a Million, CH Obsession Dell Akiris,

Fablehaft Excelsior, and CH Cox’s Good Time Charlie

and CH Lefox Goodtime Steel Magnolia.

Brown. They were all amazing sires consistently

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

Simple. Westminster. Every time I attend, I am reminded of the beautiful dogs that were exhibited in years past. The history and sense of magic are like nothing else in the world. It has been my dream since I was a small child to show a dog at Westminster.

What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog possess in your eyes?

A correct head piece is an essential part of any

producing sound, beautiful moving dogs, and they are behind many of the top winners today.

The purpose of dog showing was (and should still be) to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

I think most breeders/owners are doing what is best for the breed and the sport.

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigree dogs?

Frenchie, but my goal as a breeder is to breed not only

My fervent wish is that breeders raise the bar each

a typey dog, but one that is well-balanced with correct

year in producing typey, sound dogs with amazing

shape, conformation, and movement.

structure.

Do you judge?

I have been invited to judge both in the states and abroad, and every assignment has been an honor.

French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging?

A French Bulldog is all about the shape. Judges must understand shape and balance from the nose to the

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I am always willing to discuss the breed with those

MEET THE BREED F R EN C H B ULLD O G

who have a genuine interest and passion for the breed as I do.

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, and do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding’s with?

When starting out Ann McAmmon was a wonderful source of information and encouragement to me.

There were some others, but Ann gave me a great foundation upon which to build.

JAMES DALTON

I have worked primarily with my friend Shelley St.

FABELHAFT frenchies

we have produced many top winning and producing

John (Robobull) for over twenty years and together champions along the way. I am proud to say that the influence of the Fabelhaft and Robobull dogs can be seen far and wide including the current top winners in the breed.

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldog and dog showing.

I have been showing dogs since I was a child in Ireland in 1974. I started with Smooth Dachshunds and bred many Irish champions including my first breeder owner handled Best in Show winner at the age of sixteen, IR Ch. Fabelhaft Firefly.

Where did you get your foundation French Bulldog and what breeders do you work with today?

I bought my first French Bulldog, Ch. Justamere’s Dunkin’ Fr Apples, in 1996 from dear friend Ann McCammon. I owner-handled him to become the number one French Bulldog in the USA in 1997. I work with and mentor many breeders around the world and

Which French Bulldog breeder/breeders do you respect most, anywhere in the world past or present?

I have always respected the work of the De La Parure Kennel in Belgium. Their early dogs have contributed to the success of many kennels around the world over the years including mine.

With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

I have had the pleasure of judging French Bulldogs in many countries around the world and there have always been quality dogs to be found but sometimes not consistently. Outside of the USA I would say

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Scandinavian breeders produce dogs of the type I like most.

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder?

Someone who is honest and ethical and who breeds strictly to the AKC breed standard primarily for the love and betterment of the breed both now and in the future.

How have French Bulldog’s changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse?

I feel that while there have always been quality dogs

Westminster Kennel Club in 2010 since the breed was

through the many years of my involvement in the

first exhibited in 1897.

breed. We find ourselves currently facing new and difficult challenges not just in French Bulldogs but with the dog world. With the rise of animal rights

2. American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year nonsporting nominee 2017.

activists and disreputable breeders trying to cash in

3. Multi-BIS, multi-BISS, FBDCA national specialty BIS,

on the unfortunate rise in popularity of the French

AM CAN CH Fabelhaft to Hot to Handle, the number

Bulldog it is more important than ever to try to protect

one French Bulldog in 2007 and 2008.

and preserve the breed as we know it. Kennel clubs and breed clubs need to do more to protect the survival of the sport as we know it.

4. Multi-BIS, multi-BISS, AM CAN CH Fabelhaft Robobull Inferno the first FBDCA Top Twenty Winner, and one of the top producing dogs in the history of the

What are some of your proudest achievements in the

breed. His progeny includes multi-BIS, BISS, FBDCA,

world of French Bulldogs?

National Specialty BIS, multi FBDCA Top Twenty,

I have been so very fortunate that it is difficult to choose.

and Westminster FBDCA Top Twenty Winner, and one of the top producing dogs in the history of the breed including multi-BIS, multi-BISS, multi FBDCA

1. Creating breed history with multi-BIS, BISS, FBDCA

National Specialty BIS, multi FBDCA Top Twenty and

National Specialty, BIS, FBDCA Top Twenty Winner,

Westminster KC winning progeny.

AM CAN CH Robobull Fabelhaft Im On Fire--the first French Bulldog to win the non-sporting group at

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5. Fabelhaft Robobull, winners of the FBDCA Top Twenty Invitational a record breaking six times and

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

holding the record for more dogs qualified to compete

Liburnium Diamond Fabelhaft, the only bitch in the

in the top twenty than any other kennel.

breed in over a decade to win BOB at Westminster KC

6. Crufts Best of Breed win with multi BISS AM CAN VEN COL MOKAODC Robobull Catatumbo under the

and achieve number one ranked status and take four months off during her campaign to raise a litter.

legendary Mr. Victor Alexander Van Raamsdonk (De

Multi BIS, multi RBIS., multi BISS, FBDCA National

La Parure).

Specialty BIS, FBDCA Top Twenty Winner GCHP

7. Breeder of approximately two hundred AKC champions.

8. Most recently puppy world winner Madrid 2022 AM CH Fabelhaft Robobull Excaliber.

Please mention some of your most successful dogs, owned or bred by you.

Multi-BIS, multi-RBIS., multi-BISS GOLD GR CH

Haloridge’s Cruisin The Open Sea, Westminter BOB and Group 4.

Multi-BIS, multi-RBIS, multi BISS CH Fabelhaft Robobull Ferragamo our young star just starting his specials career this year.

BIS, multi-RBIS, multi-BISS FBDCA Top Twenty Winner GCHG Robobull Fabelhaft Catara currently the number one French Bulldog bitch in the USA. I believe she has

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A top French Bulldog must possess all the essential hallmarks of the breed as described by the AKC breed standard. A beautiful head with correct ‘bat’ ears, perfect balance in body proportion, a correct top line both standing and, on the move, correct movement, and of course a wonderful temperament.

French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging?

Before you judge, not only read the breed standard but be confident you understand it. If you are unsure, then please do not hesitate or be afraid to ask questions from a variety of reputable sources. The FBDCA has an excellent judge’s education committee always willing to help you. Judge the dogs without fear nor favor. Do not be fooled by fake news and photoshop nor allow an exhibitor to try to influence, disrespect, or harass one of the most beautiful heads and expressions I have

you in or outside of your ring. This is something we

ever seen anywhere in the world.

have seen more of in the last few years. Judge as you

Please choose three French Bulldogs not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.

I have seen a few over the years that I have admired and have been fortunate to own the ones that I really loved.

see the dogs in your ring on the day as presented not what you remember from last time or a magazine ad.

Treat all exhibitors with equal courtesy and attention and be able to explain your decisions if approached in a genuine manner after judging is over.

Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

Yes. I have been fortunate to judge the breed in many countries, and most recently at championship level in

1. FBDCA National Specialty - the most important show

the UK. I believe the first breeder-judge from the USA

for any serious French Bulldog breeder.

to do so around the world as well as the USA including

What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog have in your opinion?

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the FBDCA National Specialty show and FBDCA Top Twenty Invitational which has allowed me to ascertain the current status of the breed worldwide. While I have

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had the pleasure to see some beautiful dogs there is not one that I have judged to single out. Several were of top quality and could compete anywhere in the world. Although I did not judge her, I always admired Ch. Obsession del Akiris bred in Italy but owned in the USA and until recent years the breed record holder.

If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who would it be and why would you use him?

Although I never saw him in person it would be Ch. Colonel Trusardi de la Parure for his beautiful timeless type.

The purpose of dog showing was to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, do you think for some breeders/ owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

Unfortunately, yes. At the end of the day rankings only matter to the owner or breeder of the dog and are often soon forgotten. What matters to me is the overall success and influence of a breeding program over a longer period where the real accomplishment can be assessed. With the huge influence that social media plays in our lives people feel that they can say or do anything to and against others. The dog world has become a reflection of current society. We are subjected daily to false claims, fake news and vicious personal attacks on social media which often go unchallenged.

records with my other loves the Afghan Hound and the Japanese Chin. I am more than satisfied. My future goals are to simply live my best life every day, try to stay healthy, share a nice glass of wine and lively dog discussions with friends and family around the world. I would also like to use my experience and knowledge to help the next generation of preservation breeders and those who truly love the French Bulldog for what he

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of

is--a sweet little fun-loving clown, and the best friend

pedigreed dogs?

and companion anyone could ask for.

Fortunately, after so many years I have accomplished everything that I ever dreamed of and then some in the dog world. Not just in French Bulldogs but breed

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introduction to French Bulldogs was due in large part to the late Ms. Elaine Rigden, a well-respected and famous Pekingese judge and handler. I got to know Ms. Rigden quite well through showing Pekingese, and her husband, Mr. Jerry Rigden, was the handler who campaigned the well-known Francine to be the

F R EN C H B ULLD O G

Top-Winning French Bulldog in America.

I started to learn about the French Bulldog as a judge initially, even before I own a Frenchie. The more I

DIANE BURVEE &

QAZARA frenchies

learned about the breed, the more fascinated and intrigued I became by these clown dogs, with bat ears that fart, burp, and snore like a sailor! Like the Pekingese which I was showing and breeding at the time, they are a brachycephalic breed so naturally, I had a special affinity for these flat-faced breeds, and I just found them hard to resist! So now, I have a house full of them with four oldies that sleep with me.

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world of pedigreed dogs, French Bulldogs and dog showing.

I have been involved in the world of pedigreed dogs in America for almost 30 years, since 1993 when I immigrated here to attend college. Before that, I lived in Asia, England, and Australia where I met and learned a great deal from the great Dr. Harry Spira, who authored the book on canine anatomy and terminology.

My first breed was the aristocratic Afghan Hound, and they will always remain my first love. After I graduated from university, I got involved with the Pekingese (which of course appealed to my Chinese heritage), and now, my focus is the French Bulldog. My first

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My kennel name is Qazara ~ ‘Where Only The Very

level in America. I am proud to say I have bred many

Best Will Do.’

My first homebred Frenchie litter

Best in Show winning French Bulldogs in the USA. The

is now close to 15 years ago, so I must have been

meaning of my kennel name is a personal one I would

involved in the breed in some capacity for more than

like to keep private, but the slogan reveals a lot about

a dozen years and judging them both here and abroad

the standard, motto, and practice of Qazara.

for an approximate same period. I have always bred on a limited basis because of my constant travels overseas. As I am a bit of a perfectionist, I must be

Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders do you work with today?

totally convinced about the breeding before I subject

They often say the best thing any breeder can do is to

my bitches to the challenging work of pregnancy and

invest in the best bitch money can buy, and I could not

motherhood, so a breeding can take years for me to

agree more. I am very blessed to start out with not just

plan. Because I only breed for myself, I can take my

one, but two, exemplary and incredibly bred foundation

time to do all the research and deliberation I need.

French Bulldog bitches. The first one is Harmony (Ch.

It is only during the past 10 years or so that I have

Harmony De Elka Gyvybes Zyme At Qazara – bred by

started to campaign my homebred Qazara French

Elina Borisova in Vilnius Lithuania) who goes back

Bulldogs seriously to top honors, and the highest

eight times to the legendary Ch. Colonel Trussardi De

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La Parure, the blueprint of French Bulldogs. Harmony

mentors is of paramount importance for anyone

only had one litter, but what a litter it was, as it was

embarking on a new breed. Colette Secor (of LeFox

the very first documented dual-sired litter utilizing

fame) is for me the best French Bulldog mentor in

imported frozen semen from two top sires from two

America, and she has helped me a lot and steered me

different countries, namely Denmark and Spain. From

in the right direction when I was just starting out.

that litter came Ch. Qazara Monsieur Harrods who is

Like the forementioned, I have a good relationship

the modern-day top sire as his offspring have not only

with Tove Rasmussen of Daulokke fame in Denmark

accounted for more BIS than any other sire in history,

whom I admire and respect. I have also learned from

but his children have also won BISS and winners at the

many others enroute such as the Van Raasmdoonk

various national specialties.

family, Jakko Broersma, Magnus Berglin, Hakan

My second foundation bitch hails from Europe’s top kennel in the form of Ch. Daulokke’s TeTe-A-TeTe With Qazara. TeTe is the Top BIS-producing dam in American history, and the only bitch to date to have produced multiple Best in Show children. Quite a feat when she has only produced a total of six puppies in two litters. This only goes to show that it should always be about quality, not quantity. TeTe’s breeder is Ms. Tove Rasmussen, whose dogs I not only continue to work with, but also have a tremendous influence on the Qazara French Bulldogs. There are also several other

Hall, and Peer Bucholz, to name a few. Yes, there is a select group of very dedicated top breeders from around the world that are constantly in contact, who continue seek to improve and do the right thing by a Frenchie, through the network of discussing dogs and comparing breeding notes to make better future breeding decisions. Knowledge and education is the key, and judges need to know that the French Bulldog is not an easy breed to comprehend and it is understandable that mistakes in the judging arena can occur. Better breed mentoring with true bonafide

top breeders in Europe that we have had the privilege and honor to have collaborated with, such as two of the top breeders in Spain, Mr. Julian Coronado and Mr. Jonatan Carreno de Pablos. We are and will always be eternally grateful to all the breeders who have so kindly shared their dogs and bloodlines for us to achieve the success we enjoy today.

Did you have a mentor when first starting out, do you currently have a mentor or network of other breeders you can discuss future breeding plans with?

I am blessed to have had many good mentors along the way. Seeking the fitting and most knowledgeable

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and bitches from anywhere in the world. These are breeders that leave no stones unturned when it comes to their breeding endeavors.

Breeding should never be about convenience, and I so admire breeders who health test their stock, and who can produce consistent type and quality litters from one generation to the next. That is the testament of a top breeder. In French Bulldogs, it is a difficult feat to accomplish because it is not a breed that always breeds true. Frenchies originate from crossing an English Bulldog with an English Toy Terrier so that combination with two such different breeds on such a diverse spectrum makes the breed very volatile, and not always susceptible to breed true.

We all must respect the Van Raamsdonk family (De La Parure) for what they have done for the breed in both experts are necessary to counteract the current education deficiency for both judges and breeders alike. I have applied in breeding French Bulldogs the knowledge, mistakes, and success I had earned from my stint in the Pekingese and Afghan Hound, and these experiences have helped me tremendously. As we can only be as good as we allow our minds to be open to learn constantly and continually.

Europe, and North America. Their dog, the late great Ch. Colonel Trussardi De La Parure is known to be the ideal Frenchie even today. A good deal of the stock that top breeders have will descend from one of the De La Parure dogs. The French Bulldog is a man-made breed, and with that, comes many challenges not just limited to health. It is a breed valued strictly for just its physical aesthetics and clown-like comical personality, so it must be special and exquisite – not plain and common

Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect the

like most we often see. It is truly not an easy breed to

most, anywhere in the world past or present?

muster in breed showing or judging. Plus, you do not

It is unfair to list some and leave others out, as we do have some very clever breeders in French Bulldogs, so I shall say that I respect any breeder who truly tries to do his or her best when it comes to breeding. And with that, I mean the ones who do their homework and utilize the absolute best and most suitable dogs

have the luxury of coat to camouflage any structural shortcomings. So, I must say I can respect anyone who can breed a healthy, correct, and sound Frenchie that conforms to the standard, and exemplifies the correct square head with tall round bat ears and a shapely silhouette that a typical French Bulldog bleeding in type should have.

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

With the invention of social media, the internet and

outline the breed requires. It is my earnest opinion

multiple dedicated dog related publications available

that American pedigrees also lack the consistency

to use as research, where do you believe your breed is

in genotypes and phenotypes that linebreeding

currently strongest?

can offer. The American breeders really need to do

Without a doubt, the breed is, and has been the strongest in Europe, where the French Bulldog originates from. The breed has stayed truer and more authentic over in Europe with more emphasis on type and health. As someone who has frequented and

their homework and vastly improve in several areas (including mandatory health screenings) before they can catch up with the Europeans, especially in the three breed-essential departments: head, ear, and silhouette. Plus, bone and substance.

judged French Bulldogs overseas more than any of my

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation

American counterparts in the last 10 years, I would say

breeder?

with confidence that across the board, the best pool of Frenchies are in Western Europe, with a particular concentration in Scandinavia, although we have witnessed some brilliant breeders in Eastern Europe like Russia, Poland, and Lithuania.

much

more

heterogeneous

purpose, and trend of the breed. A respectable preservation breeder must health test and truly understand the breed, its purpose, and the family of dogs in the pedigrees they are working with, plus

American Frenchies, on the other hand, are comparatively

To preserve, one must understand the history,

being honest and honorable in their transactions.

with

While there is no perfect dog, and one should never

different head styles, shapes, size, and proportion.

‘throw the baby out with the bath water,’ but on the

The main difference between the European versus

same token, not all dogs/bitches need to be bred from.

American French Bulldogs is that those American

Selection is key, and one must know when to eliminate

cream/fawn colored Frenchies (most with deceptively

a certain specimen and fault from the gene pool, to

dyed noses/pigmentation) that we commonly see

prevent propagating undesirable traits to taint the

winning in the ring here are a disqualified color under

breed. A respectable preservation breeder should be

the FCI Breed Standard as they lack the black points

very selective in the caliber of dogs, lines, and people

(nose, pigmentation, etc.).

that they work with, and they must truly protect,

The AKC Breed Standard is the only standard in the

preserve, and promote for the breed’s betterment.

world that allows these self-masked creams and fawns

How has French Bulldog changed since you first started

without black noses and pigmentation much to the

showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or

dismay of the purists in the Frenchie world. Remember

presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for

type follows color, and hence, it explains why most

the better or worse?

of these American cream/fawn Frenchies we see also often lack the fill, upsweep, layback, ear shape/size and

In terms of health, the breed has certainly improved as we have more advanced health testing protocols

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that the conscientious breeders are participating

marginally, but certainly could benefit from greater

in. In terms of presentation, I wish we would take

consistency across the board in all avenues of breeding,

notes from the Europeans; Frenchies should be free

showing, and judging.

stacked to highlight their silhouette, not hand-stack to contort them into the desired shape, as a Frenchie is all about its head and silhouette.

Judges need to hold handlers that use foreign substances to color the nose and pigments of those cream/fawn Frenchies accountable and excuse them.

Rodney Merry should not be the only judge that would dismiss a Frenchie from his ring for foreign substance and dye. More judges should follow suit and judge accordingly to the standard and AKC rules with no preferential treatment for the ranked dogs or known handlers. Improve the DNA through selective breedings instead of via the tack box.

What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder?

Winning the national, regional and all breeds Best in Show must be every breeder’s dream and proudest accolades. I am very blessed to have accomplished all those top honors, and best of all, to do so as a breederowner-handler. I am proud that my homebred bitch, Purple (GCH Qazara Eternal Reign) is the top winning breeder-owner-handled Frenchie in history. I am fortunate to be the very first breeder in the world to breed a dual-sired litter utilizing imported frozen semen from two countries, and hence, hopefully paving the way for others. I am also delighted to have bred/

What is most detrimental to the breed is judges who

owned the top sire and top producers in the breed.

do not truly comprehend the breed, so they reward

There are many highlights I am proud of, but I am most

showmanship and presentation over breed type and

thrilled with the consistency and quality of my Qazara

quality. With many of our top-ranked dogs lacking

Frenchies. The true essence of French Bulldogs each one

the correct square head, bat ears and toplines, judges

of them represents both as well-loved family members,

are sending the wrong message to the breeders that

and as top-winning specimens in the ring. Without any

this is what it takes to win. Over the course of time,

compromise on health, temperament, and essential

some breeders with correct typey dogs have become

breed characteristics such as a square head, correct

discouraged to exhibit and the ring has become

bat ears, and silhouette. As a breeder, I am always

filled with only plain mediocre specimens. What has

flattered when the most discerning international

happened to upsweep, layback, cushioning, width

connoisseurs praise the consistency and quality of my

of muzzle, and the desired inverted-U lip line? Most

Qazara French Bulldogs, as it is these genuine heartfelt

of these breed-essential attributes have become

accolades from breed experts that I hold near and dear

almost extinct due to judges accepting and rewarding

to my heart. These gestures of encouragement are also

pendulous flews with no under jaws that you would

the motivation that keeps me going and trying to be

not see on a French Bulldog.

an even better breeder. On the same token, I am also

Having said all that, overall, the breed has improved

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tickled to bits to hear how much the Frenchies I have placed in pet homes are love, pampered and cherished.

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

Please choose three Frenchies not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.

The first dog that comes to mind is Ch. Colonel Trussardi De La Parure, because to many, he is the epitome of what a French Bulldog male should be. He is moderate as the breed standard called for, and he is not exaggerated in anyway. He has all the essential breed points in the right amount, and that is hard to achieve. Trussardi gave many modern-day breeders the blueprint to vision what an ideal French Bulldog should be. The other dog I respect and feel that is important to the breed today is Ch. Daulokke Elisir D’Amore. Pedro is not only a great sire that stamps his type, but I also feel that he has changed and improved the breed in Europe for the better with his correct balance, shape, size, head, and type. Very often when I admire a dog or bitch, I usually find Pedro behind in the pedigree somewhere, and that says a lot. Nothing screams French Bulldog more than a beautiful typey curvy brindle bitch with a gorgeous headpiece with upsweep, layback, and those tall, round scalloped Danish ears. Let us remember that it is the bitches that are the backbone of the breed and catapult the breed to the status that it enjoys today.

While I will not name any specific beautiful bitches as there are several worldwide in the past, as well as at the present time, I shall admit I have a soft spot for them as they represent to many what a truly exquisite French Bulldog should be.

What is your favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

Most would say their national specialty has to be the favorite show, but I have several favorite shows.

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Namely in no order of preference: Crufts, World

the breed is of utmost importance. The French Bulldog

Dog Show, Westminster, EDS and the AKC National

is a head breed so it must have a beautiful head and

Championship cluster in Orlando. I strongly urge

expression first and foremost! The forefathers of the

every American fancier (especially Frenchie folks)

breed designated more points to head properties

to venture abroad and check out these wonderful big

than any other components. The current revised AKC

shows. You will never see a show with 22,000 entries

Standard clearly states, “The hallmarks of the breed

here, with a conglomerate of dogs from all different

are the square head with bat ears and the roach back,”

countries and lines. It is also a fantastic opportunity

meaning the silhouette. Why are dogs winning without

to visit kennels, learn from these breeders and

a correct square head, proper bat ears and desired

network. I would not have the success I enjoy, nor the

silhouette with a roach back and rise in the right place?

knowledge I do if I had not been a regular attendee to

For me, the head comes first, and it is the first thing I

all these pivotal events abroad year after year, where

look at, and the last thing I see. The silhouette is also

I have gained so much from. On top of seeing some of

very important with its distinctive topline, underline

the best dogs, it is a chance to travel, and experience

and outline. Remember that French Bulldogs are not

different sights, culture, and cuisines.

bred to herd, hunt, or perform any specific activity. They

What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog have in your opinion?

Let us remember the original purpose of the French Bulldogs as they are bred solely for their aesthetics and personality, so looking beautiful and typical of

are bred specifically for their aesthetics and clown-like personalities so kindly prioritize accordingly when judging/breeding, and keep Frenchies highly special and exquisite, not generic.

French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging?

The French Bulldog is so misunderstood, misconstrued, and misrepresented.

The French Bulldog is an

extremely difficult breed to grasp for both judges and breeders alike, but there are certain key points judges need to remember when judging Frenchies: 1. Know how to prioritize by judging the head initially, the silhouette (topline, underline, outline), and then movement 2. Judge the whole dog, and do not zoom in and get hung up on one single feature

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3. Judge and reward based on type over showmanship/ presentation 4. Judge it in a breed-specific manner: examine the head front on, and in profile, free stack, and move on a loose lead at the correct speed 5. Understand what constitutes a great head, substance, shape and make 6. Judge the dogs and bitches equally with due allowances to the bitches as the standard clearly states, and reward accordingly 7. Know the 5 DQ’s and weigh as necessary 8. “Seek the TYPE and leave the HYPE” is my best advice!

Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

Yes, I have had the privilege to judge French Bulldogs, and present breed seminars internationally in more countries from Europe to Asia and Latin America. I have also authored several articles, including one on

Claude Monet was my BOB winner at the Scandinavian Specialty where he went on to win BIS that day and became a top sire.

judging French Bulldogs that has been circulated and

If you could go back in time, and use one dog at stud

translated in eighteen different countries. Currently,

(that is no longer alive), who would it be, and why

I am working on a PowerPoint about the breed. The

would you use him?

highlight of my judging career must be judging the Norwegian National Specialty held over the same weekend as the Nordic Winner shows where most of the top Frenchie’s were shown to me. What a great honor that was to judge some of Europe’s top dogs and bitches that I have admired! Ch. Avigdor’s Stranger In The Night was also a dog I discovered as a young dog when I judged the specialty in Russia, who went on to win the World Dog Show afterwards. Ch. Daulokke’s

Some people are wrongly caught up in the statistics of number of champions where it comes to stud dogs, whereas I am more concerned with the consistency of quality and similarities phenotypically in his get.

Especially with studs that are never at public service that have fathered a plethora of offspring. What I am especially interested in when seeking studs is that they can sire dogs that go on to become top sires, and out of a valuable tail bitch line. On that note, two late

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and great stud dogs I would like to use have to be Ch.

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of

Colonel Trussardi De La Parure and Ch. Daulokke’s

pedigreed dogs?

Elisir D’Amore. Not only because they are as commanding outstanding specimens of the breed, but more due to their prepotency as sires in not just what they have stamped, but also the producing abilities of their progenies from one generation to the next. They are truly the gifts that never stop giving for those fortunate to incorporate them in the pedigrees. For all that these two greats have contributed to the breed, I salute and kowtow to you.

My current very first wish is world peace and harmony, not just in the world, but also in the sport of pedigreed dogs. We need to celebrate our diversity and individualism and realize that it is the differences and sometime conflicting viewpoints that bring a wider horizon to our paradigms of thoughts/knowledge, so we can grow as one people, as a community. We need to embrace differences rather than discriminate or ostracize, which are not conducive to our growth,

The purpose of dog showing was, and still should be to

advancement, or prosperity. Channel that energy to

evaluate and ‘show off” breeding stock, do you think

better use. Remember to share our experience and

for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about

knowledge to help others so we grow as a united family.

ribbons and rankings?

Judges, just like breeders, will make mistakes, and

Absolutely. It has become about rankings and bragging rights. The fundamental purpose of dog shows is indeed to evaluate breeding stock, but to evaluate breeding stock effectively; one must come armed with in-depth apprehension of the breed.

Instead, it has now become a sport to chase wins, and sometimes sadly ‘win at all costs’ with no regard to the breed standard, or for what the breed was originally bred. I have always had top-ranked specials year after year, so I understand the desire to win. On the same token as a breeder, I realize no winnings can ever compensate, or alter the type and quality of any dog/bitch, or their lack of. It is also my staunch belief that the sport would be a better place with a bigger circle of exhibitors campaigning specials if judges can simply ignore rankings/advertising, and just judge dogs on the day. Make it about the dogs, about the breeds, and about the true spirit of the sport: evaluate breeding stock. That would also make the sport so much more exciting to watch and participate in.

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education is usually the recommended solution. On the breed level, I pray every day for better understanding, breeding, and judging of French Bulldogs. Also, for the exploitation for indiscriminate breeding for financial gain to cease. On the personal level, I hope to fine-tune my breeding program to bring it to the next possible level, continue to attend the most important shows worldwide, and expand my knowledge as best I can through education, travel, and mentorship. I want all my fellow breeder-owner-handlers to realize that with genuinely good dogs, we can be as competitive as the professional handlers. I want my fellow breeders to have faith, believe and pursue their vision of what their ideal French Bulldogs should be. Let us make our dreams come true, and let us celebrate the world of purebred dogs, and do our absolute best by our dogs, by our compatriots and by our peers, so we can make a difference and make the dog world a better place for one and all. Viva la Frenchies!

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

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Where did you get your foundation Frenchie and what breeders do you work with today?

MEET THE BREED

My first Frenchie, Dina, came from Louise Sanders. She was my original mentor. Her breeder was Holly Foster.

She became my Ch. Lebulls Adams Dina of Ragtime. I work with several young and upcoming breeders in Asia, South America, and the US. It is important to me

F R EN C H B ULLD O G

to be a mentor from my years of experience and help those who want to start in the breed.

Do you currently have a network of other breeders you

LUIS & P ATRIC IA SOSA &

BANDOG frenchies

can discuss future breeding’s with?

I applied the information I learned from Louise about working dogs to Frenchies. At that time there was no internet and there were much fewer people in Frenchies, so I bought every breed magazine I could find and studied them. Now it is possible to discuss breeding with people from all over the world and you can learn from master breeders in all breeds.

Please tell our readers how you got involved in the world

Which Frenchie breeder/breeders do you respect most,

of pedigreed dogs, the French Bulldogs and dog showing.

anywhere in the world.

Our Kennel name is Bandog. I got the kennel name from Louise Sanders when she gave me the Bullmastiffs and the kennel name in the 1980’s. I also got my first Frenchie, Dina, from Louise as a gift to my son to show in junior showmanship. Louise got her in exchange for a stud fee and since she lived on a lake in Florida, she was afraid the Frenchie would drown. I did not want the boys showing Bullmastiffs in juniors due to the safety factor. Even though our Bullmastiffs were of good temperament, if another dog went after the boys the Bullmastiffs would protect them.

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The Frenchie breeders I most respect were Ed Bigham

make and sell puppies. Those who stay away from the

(Bali Hai) and Janis Hampton. Janis’s dogs were the

latest fads based on money values.

foundation of Foster Hanson who was the foundation of Herschel Cox’s dogs. Another would be Victor Van Rasmsdock (de la Parure) who bred beautiful dogs.

Unfortunately, they all are gone now.

With the invention of social media, the internet and multiple dedicated dog related publications available to use as research, where in the world do you believe your breed is currently strongest?

How has the French Bulldog changed since you first started showing/breeding? This can be in quality and or presentation. Do you think the breed has changed for the better or worse?

Unfortunately, they have gotten very popular. This change has not always been for the best. But the world has opened due largely to the internet and the possibility of shipping semen. The colored breeders

In my backyard. We have multiple generations

and folks not breeding to the standard have also

of line bred dogs here at the house. There are also

muddied the water.

pockets currently around the world with dedicated preservation breeders.

What in your opinion makes a respectable preservation breeder?

What are some of your proudest achievements as a breeder?

Judging the national specialty both here in the states and club shows in several foreign countries. I have

Someone who breeds to the standard and to improve

bred well over 100 AKC champions who have won over

the breed, and breeds for themselves, not just to

400 non-sporting group firsts and 43 all-breed best in

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shows. Dogs we bred have won the breed at five national specialties, three of these and four Best in Shows were breeder/owner/handled. Dogs we bred have sired an additional three national specialty winners.

Please choose three Frenchies not owned by you that you wish you could have owned. These can be from the past or present.

Ch. Adams Unique Physique, Ch. Balihai’s Quad, and Ch. Obsession Dell’Akiris.

What is your most favorite show to attend, anywhere in the world and why?

Probably the national specialty, Westminster KC, and the AKC Invitational show. The reason being since the entry is usually quite large, you can see what dogs are producing, not necessarily the winners, so you can determine who to incorporate into a breeding program.

What breed specific qualities must a French Bulldog possess in your opinion?

Outline, without it, you don’t have a Frenchie, no topline, no Frenchie followed by head and then gait.

French Bulldogs are not an easy breed to judge, what do you wish all judges knew about the breed before judging?

Silhouette, silhouette, silhouette, and that they are not just little Bulldogs. The first go around in the ring will usually tell you all you need to know. Then it is fine tuning on the table. Remember that they are very expressive with their ears. The ears do not have to be up all the time. Remember that we are evaluating breeding stock and not showmanship. With many ownerhandlers, some are better at presenting their dogs.

MEET T HE B REED · FRENCH BULLDOG

Do you judge? Who is the greatest French Bulldog you have ever had the pleasure of judging/seeing?

I am approved for the working and the non-sporting groups. Luis is approved for these the hound group and some toys. Some of the best dogs are presently being shown, so I can’t comment on them.

If you could go back in time and use one dog at stud who is no longer alive who would it be and why would you use him?

Without a doubt Unique Physique, aka Rocky. Patty Adams only bred around two litters, probably two of the finest litters in our breed. Rocky was Smith’s Petite Matre and one of Angel Terret’s bitches.

The purpose of dog showing was and should still be to evaluate and “show off” breeding stock, or do you think for some breeders/owners it is becoming more about ribbons and rankings?

We all enter shows to win, and we cannot all win.

Unfortunately, many are not familiar with judges, their qualifications, background, or experience. Many times, I wish that judging would end at the breeder level, and we had more experienced breeder judges. They do not know what style of dog to show to a particular judge, so they show to everyone with hopes of a win.

What are your future goals/wishes in the sport of pedigreed dogs?

To mentor, educate and give back to my breed from my many years in the sport and to see dogs bred by us or out of our dogs be competitive at the national specialty and Best in Show ring. It is the legacy I leave that is most important to me as a breeder.

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WORLD DOG SHOW

Madrid 2022 Ph ot o credit s : G rz e gorz G e bik

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FCI GROUP 1

1

OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

BOTTOM SHAKER THE GREATEST PICTURE

2

ONCE IN A LIFETIME DE LA NOVAL

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD

3

MOSCU BLACK BALUS DE LOS NIEGOS

BRIARD

4

MATTHIAS REX VAKHUR

PULI

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FCI GROUP 2

1

ENGLISH BULLDOG

AMEN RA PALO SECO

2

PETRO-PRESTIGE ELIZAVETA

TIBETAN MASTIFF

3

ZORRO DE PICHERA

GIANT SCHNAUZER

4

ONUBA DE GOJICAN ROSALES

PRESA CANARIO

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FCI GROUP 3

1

WIRE FOX TERRIER

FUNFAIR FOXHOUSE

2

L’END SHOW METTI SURPRISE AT GLARE

BEDLINGTON TERRIER

3

AIDANTE UNTIL I WAKE UP

SCOTTISH TERRIER

4

ESTUGO AMIEN DANCING QUEEN

YORKSHIRE TERRIER

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FCI GROUP 4

1

WIREAHIRED MINIATURE DACHSHUND

ALMARXILS TUATARA

2

MARGOT PER LUCE PALATINA ERMIA S/D

WIREHAIRED STANDARD DACHS

3

NEZHNYJ HISCHNIK ASTRA

SHORTHAIRED STANDARD DACHS

4

BIGBENTHEVICTORIANLORD

KANINCHEN LONG HAIRED DACHS

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FCI GROUP 5

1

IBIZAN PODENGO

FENIX DE ENTRESALTOS

2

CAPITAN FUTURO DEL BIAGIO

ALASKAN MALAMUTE

3

JASIRI-SUKARI SOUTHERN LIVING

BASENJI

4

SAMSPRING CARRY ON MY SECRET WITH JOY

SAMOYED

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FCI GROUP 6

1

BASSET HOUND

MIRACLE MARY V. GRUNSVEN

2

FORGET-ME-NOT V. TUM-TUMS VRIENDJES

GRAND BASSET GRIFFON VENDEEN

3

JARA II DE VALDEMARIA

SPANISH HOUND

4

JASMINE NOVA ESPERA

PORCELAINE

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FCI GROUP 7

1

ENGLISH SETTER

KENTAVROS FIVOS OF LUCKSHERAY

2

LUDSTAR MALACAHI

GORDON SETTER

3

CAMELOT’S ZEBULON HERNE

WEIMARANER

4

CHESTERHOPE LADY LAGERTHA

POINTER

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FCI GROUP 8

1

FLATCOATED RETRIEVER

ALMANZA BACKSEAT DRIVER

2

VERY VIGIE I’LL BE FAME’ND FORTUNE

AMERICAN COCKER

3

BIMBIK’S QUARTO

CLUMBER SPANIEL

4

OMEGA DEL MAJACEITE

SPANISH WATERDOG

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FCI GROUP 9

1

TIBETAN TERRIER

TI LA SHU PS I LOVE YOU

2

SERIAL KILLER DELL’ALBERICO

LHASA APSO

3

AFTERGLOW AGENT ORANGE

MINIATURE POODLE

4

DIABOLRIC’S THE FORCE AWAKENS

PUG

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FCI GROUP 10

1

AFGHAN HOUND

JALILA BINT SIRAQ VON HAUSSMAN

2

SARABI DELLA BASSA PAVESE

IRISH WOLFHOUND

3

MAJESTRIAN BLUE VERTIGO

WHIPPET

4

SOBERS ACHILLEA KARKATI

GREYHOUND

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FUNFAIR FOXHOUND WIRE FOX TERRIER

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W ES T M I NS T ER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW

BEST IN SHOWRESERVE

AMEN RA PALO SECO ENGLISH BULLDOG

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WHIPPET World Congress ITALY 2022

The exhibitors group pic (half of them) before starting of judging

MAURO PERNA Against all the odds the seventh edition of the Whippet

and attracted some significant international public.

World Congress took place as planned in Italy. It was

The Americans managed to precede the British as the

the first time this event had been held since 2020 and it

original vision of a World Congress started originally in

was organized by the Italian Club del Levriero under the

the native country of the breed but did not take place in

supervision of Arnaldo Cotugno (Sobresalto Whippets)

the UK until 1999, followed by Belgium in 2002, Australia

the vice president of the club as commander in chief.

in 2004, and Sweden in 2008. After a hiatus of ten years,

The history of the Whippet Congress started in1996

it was held in the US in 2018.

taking place in Vermont, USA and was organized by

Organizing such an event in post-pandemic times was

the AWC committee along with Bo Bengston (Boheme,

a huge risk. The location was beautiful, Padenghe sul

USA). At this location, in conjunction with the Whippet

Garda by the Garda lake, but not exactly in the middle of

National Specialty, it became an enormous success

Europe which had caused concern. Padenghe has been

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the location of many sighthound specialties and other

a wide variety of topics including intervertebral disc

notable events for 15 years, so the committee decided to

herniation and sports-related traumatology.

keep the location as originally planned.

On Thursday night the theoretical part of the Congress

Weather turned in favor of the event and the whole week

was celebrated with a well-attended gala dinner. The

was spectacular. The festivities opened to the guests

Congress was followed by two specialties held by the

on Tuesday, May 10th, with a cocktail party. The event

Club del Levriero on May 13 and 14. Whippets only

continued Wednesday and Thursday with the Congress.

were featured on the first day and all sighthounds on

More than 250 participants attended from more than

Saturday. A third specialty for all sighthounds except

20 countries, including Singapore, Mexico, Brazil,

Whippets was held on Sunday. The Whippet entry was

and the USA. Four breed specialists and judges made

a remarkable success with 153 entered each day.

presentations on four different topics: Iva Kimmelman (Merci Isle, USA) on Building a Multi-purpose Whippet to the Standard, Thomas Munch (Flic Flac, Germany) on Type and Variation of Type, Bitte Ahrens-Primavera (Sobers, Italy) on Whippets vs other Sighthounds, and Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (Sunsalve, UK) on Whippet Breed Standard, Why? Veterinarian and genetic specialist interventions were included during the lake boat tour and covered

The judges rotating over the two days were Iva Kimmelman (USA), Thomas Munch (Germany), Bo Bengston (USA), Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (UK) and Yvette Short (UK). Elizabeth Janzon (Sweden) was added as a referee for Saturday’s BOB. On Friday BIS went to the bitch Ch. Crème Anglaise Irish Cream bred and owned by Jan Willem Akerboom from the Netherlands and BOS to the junior male Majestrian Everdell (also BOB juniors) bred and owned in Italy by

Friday BOB bitch Ch.Crème Anglaise Irish Cream (left) & BOS junior male Majestrian Everdell (right)

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Saturday BOB bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (right) & BOS Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha (left)

the Majestrian Kennel.

On Saturday BOB and BIS among all sighthounds was Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile, bred and owned

by Arnaldo Cotugno and Annalisa Rovani in Italy. The

has developed and landed into the modern era without losing its typical traits. We hope to see you in Prague, Czech Republic in 2026 for the eighth edition of the Congress.

BOS title was awarded to Rock’n Roll and Cha Cha Cha bred by Giovanni Liguori in Italy and owner-handled

by Melita Sternad Lemut of Slovenia. Also, on Saturday

ANN BECKETT-BRADSHAW

the Annual Club Champions of the Club del Levriero

The Whippet World Congress was a wonderful

were presented with their titles (and no intersex

experience, and the team of organizers did themselves

competition) by Bo Bengston. The club champion male

proud. Everything was beautifully planned down to

title was given to the multi–Ch. Majestrian Blue Vertigo

the smallest details. The venue was exceptional and

bred and owned by the Majestrian Kennel in Italy.

perfect for this occasion. The presentations, lectures

The club champion bitch award was presented to Ch.

and boat trip were both educational and interesting. We

Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile.

all went home with more Whippet knowledge than we

The Congress and specialties have been an enormous success with an international flavor highlighted throughout every event. Size has not been the hot topic as most breeders have moved on to more interesting

came with. We were also incredibly lucky that even the weather had been arranged for our comfort! There was a lovely, family atmosphere once the judging had started and the exhibitors enjoyed every aspect.

subjects. By all standards, the work of Whippet

I am a very greedy judge of Whippets. I want it all: shape,

breeders worldwide has been applauded. The breed

elegance, movement that is effortless in profile, sound

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Part of the crowd attending the Congress

on the up and back, temperament, and conditioning.

When judging I can feel like I got close to my ideal, it just needs a tweak of this or a slightly better that.

I can forgive much, but as time goes by, I remind myself that the Whippet is a functioning breed and must be fit for purpose. Then I see other breeds where exaggeration and fashion has taken them so far from the performance that they were intended for that they are barely useful as exercise companions on a walk. We must not allow our Whippets to go the same way through chance or because of fashion.

I will not care how often a dog has won, nor if it is owned by a complete novice, my best friend or my worst

Mrs Bitte Ahrens-Primavera talking about WHippet vs other Sighthounds

enemy. I will give my honest opinion. That is what I owe both the exhibitor and the breed. I will honor that debt.

Afterwards I will live with a clear conscience that I did not become a victim of the latest style, splash and dash, or big movement. I want all that is in the breed standard, but I want it all in quiet moderation.

I did find some lovely Whippets, particularly in the bitches, which is typical worldwide. There were several of both sexes that I could have brought home with me if I could have just squeezed them into my suitcase!

The gadget’s official table

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Annual Club Champions: bitch Ch. Sobresalto La Donna E’ Mobile (left) & Ch. Majestrian Blue Vertigo (right)

Italy has its own version of Sandringham Time (look it

and admirer. For somebody quite new in the breed (and

up on Google). There was much hilarity at the ringside

showing) as I was at the time, it was very educational

from the UK contingent as there must be a fatality for

and influential for me to meet so many pleasant, open,

UK judging to be delayed. We invented a new phrase,

and knowledgeable breeders, handlers, and dog owners.

Italy time, which is at least 30 minutes later than you

I am still in contact with many of them.

thought! I really enjoyed the different pasta dishes that we had the opportunity to try, the gala meal was delicious, and the after-dinner dancing was an education. My personal thanks must go to Arnaldo and Daniela who were my link from start to finish and to whom I will be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Italy, their Whippets, and their hospitality. I confess, I will really miss the cappuccino – it was simply perfect!

This time in Italy it was different, but especially in the related emotions, before, during, and after the event. I knew a bit better what to expect, which dogs I would be able to see in person, and which friends I would meet again. It was exciting to wait for the date to come. This time I was also showing and had decided at the last minute to enter. I had weighed between dedicating my time to watching the show and catching up with friends or bringing and showing some of my dogs, including a

MELITA STERNAD The seventh Whippet World Congress in Padenghe sul Garda was the second breed specialized event I have attended. The first that I attended was four years ago in Hunt Valley, Maryland. I went there with my Whippet friends but without my dogs. I was an observer, learner,

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puppy. I am just not able to concentrate well on all.

Obviously, the last-minute decision to show was a great one (especially because I had absolutely no expectations). And the expectations I had otherwise were more than fulfilled. It was really overwhelming to see so many friends after such a long time. And this time to meet so many beautiful children, siblings, and parents

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of my own Whippet boys (such a lovely, special feeling

I could not be more grateful to all the respected

as well!). The organizers did a fantastic job and created

judges that recognized Ian’s exceptional qualities.

a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The speakers

Iva Kimmelman, for finding him and awarding the

shared useful experiences, information, and tips, and

unforgettable CAC, and Bo Bengston, Ann Beckett-

the evening together was simply a blast. So, all together

Bradshaw and Thomas Münch, all together judging

it felt just like a big family reunion. Like coming back

in the BOB competition. I am grateful to Ian’s breeder

home for a common holiday season.

Giovanni Liguori (Uptempo), with whom I own two

Top of the top in immense surprises was the show time atmosphere. I have never experienced such a calm, encouraging, and positive spirit from the judges, the

other dogs that evaluated and placed well. What else can an enthusiastic Whippet owner want? Rhetorical question, of course.

audience, competitors, and devoted organizers over two days of showing.

I am usually nervous, and not confident in the ring.

This time I was able to enjoy showing with wonderful results. My Ian (selected both days into the final cut in a big and strong open class) was getting more attention on the second day by the well-respected judge Iva Kimmelman. It became quite clear that he has good chances for superior results. Even then I miraculously remained calm enough to go through until the end by winning the class, following with a fantastic CAC, and finishing with a dream result BOS. It was an unforgettable feeling indeed! (Well, I did try to pass Ian in the final to his way more experienced breeder, but

Bo Bengston (USA) selecting the bitch as his BOB as referee at the Friday Specilaty

Ian decided he preferred to go with me, his owner).

Ian (Rock’s Roll & Cha, Cha, Cha), out of the outstanding multi–Ch. Sobresalto Standing Ovation (BIS veteran on the same show) and sired by the stunning multi–Ch. Twyborn Big Ben, was born during the pandemic, and due to all the lockdowns, he was hardly ever shown as an adult. In the few shows we attended before the Congress he placed well, and most successfully in the specialty shows.

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Friday judges Mr Thomas Much (D), Mrs Yvette Short (UK), Mrs Ann Beckett-Bradshaw (UK) and Mrs Iva Kimmelman (USA) deciding on BOB & BOS. The referee Mr Bo Bengston was later on required.

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