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CONTENT 20 let’s talk
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21 let’s talk INTERVIEW
with suzanne shiloh (motif boston terriers)
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44 let’s talk DIFFERENCES
34 let’s talk SHOWING minuteman boston terrier club specialty 2015
a comparison of the boston terrier and the french bulldogs
58 let’s talk DETAILS 62 let’s talk POINT OF VIEW
one question, many breeders. what’s you The 20 Principles of Genes, Environment and Breeding rs?
dog show etiquette part 2 by pamela preston
70 let’s talk BREEDING The 20 Principles of Genes, Environment and Breeding by dr. roger abrantes
let’s talk
INTRODUCTIONS We are excited to present to you the Let’s Talk Bostons newest edition! Let’s Talk Bostons is your number one international Boston Terrier print and online magazine, where we celebrate all things Boston. Sit back, relax and enjoy the edition that we’ve prepared. Our interview this time is with the breeder Suzanne Shiloh of Motif Boston Terriers. Get to know some of her views about our breed and how Bostons were when she started out. You can also read a very thorough article comparing the French Bulldog to the Boston Terrier that should enlighten many of those breed’s characteristics. Also find coverage of the recent Minuteman Boston Terrier Specialty show and Pamela Preston is back with more show etiquette! This is the last edition of 2015, so get ready for Eukanuba and the new year by seeing some of the top Bostons and newest Champions from around the world!
if you are an online subscriber, you will also get a notice whenever we release a new edition and also will be able to participate in different drawings and giveaways! So make sure you are subscribed to our online mailing list and that you have LIKED our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LetsTalkBostons for the latest announcements and news regarding our publication. You will also find great local show coverage on our fan page, which is not to be missed! Our upcoming issue will be the first one of the year and our Westminster and NY Metro Specialties edition! Don’t forget to reserve your ad space with us writing to ads@LetsTalkBostons.com See you all soon, and let’s talk Bostons!
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FERRERO, Dolores (DELPHI) ................................... 54, 55 FISHER, Lauren O’Donnell .................................... 8, 9 FLORA, John (DELPHI) .............................................. 54, 55 FRISELL, James (SELLANO) ....................................... 27 FUSON, Peggy ........................................................... 25 HAYES, Nina (ZAPA) .................................................... 41 HOUSE, Lauren .......................................................... 37 KANG, Sharon ........................................................ 12, 13 KENNEDY, Sarah (KENNEDYS) ............ 8, 9, 14, 15, 52, 60, 61 KENNEDY, Vicki (KENNEDYS) ................................. 16, 17, 52 KINNAIRD, Stacie (HILLTOP) ................................... 12, 13 LUCIANO, Jason (SELLANO) ....................................... 27 MANCINE, Dawn ...................................................... 12, 13 MELLO, Vivianne ................................................... 74, 75 MOORE, Glenn & Jill (JINGLE) ............................... 50, 51 PEARSON, Jessica ............................................ 10, 11 PRESTON, Pamela (CHRIMASO) ..................................... 49 RETTICK, Bert (BARCOMM) ..................................... 42, 43 ROBERTS, Suzanne ....................................................... 7 SCOTT, Dennie ...................................................... 30, 31 SHILOH, Suzanne & Richard (MOTIF) .......................... 10, 11 SINDT, Sheryl (HIFLY’N) ........................................... 66, 67 STAHMER, Marie ....................................................... 8, 9 STARR, Tina (ivylane) ....................................... 16, 17, 25 TAYLOR, Linda (taylwagon) ................................... 16, 17 TELDESCHI, Lori .................................................... 42, 43 WALTHALL, Wanda ..................................................... 25 WATSON, Desiree ........................................................ 49 WORKMAN, Karen (WIRLWIN) ..................... BACK COVER ZIBEL, Stacie (DELMIST) ...................................... 16, 17, 53 BUSINESSES Let’s Talk Bostons ..................................................... 40
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INTERVIEW
Interview with Suzanne Shiloh Motif Boston Terriers, USA This issue, we had the pleasure to talk to the long time breeder and exhibitor Suzanne Shiloh, who breeds under the kennel name Motif. Keep reading to get to know more about her and her Boston Terriers!
Suzanne with Std Poodle “MOTIF’s Jebediah Nightlinger” and Boston Terrier “CH. COOL’s Maximum Velocity”
Let’s talk about your start. Did you come from another breed? Did you have a mentor when you started out? If so, what was the most valuable lesson you learned from you mentor? I started in 1969 Breeding a showing poodle, my love is the standard poodle, after 20 yyears I decided I wanted to show something without all the grooming. Having been very successful with MOTIF Standard Poodles,, and mmany Home Bred Champions, I went searching for that special breed. My husband
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Suzanne Shiloh
the head may vary but still remains the true focus point. kept telling me about his Grandparents’ Boston Terrior “Chubby”, so I bought him a show boston puppy for christmas in 1991. That’s when I got hooked.
Tell us a little about the breed scene from back when you started out. Do you see a difference in quality nowadays? The summer of 1992 I met Joyce and Walter Belew, and learned more about the Boston Terrior. They helped start my breeding program with “CH. Flashpoints Justice for All” Sadly he died at 5 years old, but he did sire some beautiful puppies, which produced beautiful offspring. In the early 90’s I think the Bostons were heavier boned, very square, with the correct topline, angulations and headpiece.
What difficulties did you have when you were first starting out to put together your breeding program? I was already educated in breeding, from my standard Poodles, I do like a solid line breeding, as long as you study the qualities, and faults from both sides of the pedigree.
Celebrating with Bostons visiting at Snack time
What dog from all times do you think that have made the most impact in our breed in a positive way? When you ask about a dog that I think made an impact in our breed in a positive way, I can’t help but think of “CH Oui’s Coca Cola Cowboy”. I loved that dog, I eventually got a male show puppy from his frozen semen many years after he had died.
Many people say our breed is a head breed. Do you believe that more focus should have been given in the standard to other aspects?
Which dogs bred by you are closer to your ideal type?
Boston Terriers should have a square head, but that should not take away from the body and movement of each dog. Breeders should understand and study the breed standard and follow it. The head may vary but still remains the true focus point.
The dog that I think compliements my breeding program and my ideal type is “CH. Motif’s Mathew Quigley” (picture enclosed a head shot photo) Sire CH OU’s Victor Victorious RN R014 X CH MOTIF’S Lillie Langtrec C.D
CH. MOTIF’s Chance For Justice ROM
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CH. OUI’s Victor Victorious RN ROM
Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Suzanne Shiloh
What do you think is the signature look of your lines? I prize my breeding program on very typey Bostons. Square, solid structure, level toplines, proper angulation, good movement coming and going. A square head with lots of expression and the attitude that says “Here I am, look at me.”
What positive or negative changes have you seen in the breed in the last decade? There will always be changes in any breed, people like different types. I think we are losing size and toplines.
What is the most dificult characteristic to get rid of when breeding a Boston? Structure is probably the hardest characteristic to breed back, once you lose it.
CH. MOTIF’s Mathew Quigley ROM
Do you believe that over breeding a dog could have a negative impact in the future of the breed? Over breeding can be a problem if you get a genetic fault and cannot easily breed it out. CH. OUI’s Victor Victorious RN ROM (CH.Beacon’s Destin To Be By Sabe X CH. WC’s Victoria’s Secret of OUI)
How do you choose a stud dog to your bitches? When planning a breeding, do you place more importance in type or in pedigree?
i think we are losing size and topline.
Choosing a stud dog is harder than breeders think. Just because he is winning and is presented well does not make him a good producer. I follow genetics, the structure of the stud, the get he has produced. I look at the pedigree and study the last 3 generations.
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Let’s Talk INTERVIEW - Suzanne Shiloh
What is your process to evaluate a puppy for its show potential? I always say every 8 week old puppy is cute enough to be a show dog. Wait until 12 to 14 weeks and keep a chart of the good and bad traits. There are exceptions, and a 10 week may blow me away, but I truly like to re-evaluate them over 3 months old.
What is a trait you would like to improve upon in your current breeding program? I am actually very pleased with my current breeding program. CH. COOL’s Maximum Velocity
BOW 2007 BTCA National Specialty
(CH. MOTIF’s Mathew Quigley ROM X CH. Bramley’s COOL Canadian Storm)
What emphasis do you feel health testing plays in our breed? I believe it is extremely important in breeding my Standard Poodles and Boston Terriers to health test the genetic issues that pertain to the breed. That is the responsibility of a respectable breeder.
In your years of breeding, what have been your favorite litter so far? Several years ago I had a difficult of 7. 4 females to 3 males, I loved each one of them. Two in particular come to mind GCH. MOTIF’s Smooth Sailing Magic of JD - owned by Dominic and Jodi Koon. CH. MOTIF’s Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds owned by Jim and Linda Alexander (Sired by CH. Cool’s Maximum Velocity X CH. MOTIF’s Becky Thatcher).
If you could recreate a clone of just one of your dogs in the past, who would it be and why? If I could clone a dog? There are 3 that come to mind. CH. MOTIF’s Chance for Justice ROM - “Chance” CH. MOTIF’s Mathew Quigley ROM - “Mathew” But my favorite of all would be CH. OU’s Victor Victorious RN ROM “Victor” - He was the love of my LIFE!
AKC has been known to discourage people from sustaining Co-Ownership. What are your thoughts about it? A co-ownership can be good and it can be hurtful. Everything should be in writing, and fully understood by both parties. I can honestly say I have not been part of a bad co-ownership, sometimes we disagree, but always work out the problems, and move on. With expenses these days, co-owning and sharing the costs can be very helpful.
What has been the biggest honor or achievement in your breeding life? I think my biggest thrill in the Boston Terriers would be that I have been able to show most of my dogs to their championship. I actually quit counting champions I have bred, sold, or owned when we reached 50.
Is there anything that you wish you were told when you were staring out in the breed? When I was starting out breeding bostons I had no idea how much they would take over my life... Their true love of humans is beyond exploration. They stole my heart.
CH. MOTIF’s Mathew Quigley ROM (CH. OUI’s Victor Victorious RN ROM X CH. MOTIF’s Lillie Langtry CD)
foundation bostons
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CH Flashpoints Justice For All ROM (left) Flashpoints Isabelle DeMotif ROM (right)
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SHOWING
Minuteman Boston Terrier Club Specialty 2015 October 17 & 18 2015 - West Springfield, Massachusetts - USA Photos courtesy of Vicki Kennedy and Bruce Hostetler
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Saturday - October 17th 2015
Judge: Dr. Steve Keating. Sweepstakes judged by Ms Mary Macullum.
RESULTS Best in Sweepstakes Sidestreet Guardian So And So
By Ch Sidestreet Guardian Yes, No, Maybe So & Guardian’s Told You So On Sidestreet. Owner: Maryanne Mack. Breeder: Maryanne Mack & Kristine Leonard.
Best in Specialty Show, Best of Winners and Winners Bitch CH Kennedy’s Dancing With My Heart By Ch Kennedy’s Wild Lincoln Navigater & Ch Kennedy’s Poker Face. Owner: Elizabeth Cormier & Sarah Kennedy. Breeder: Vicki Kennedy & Sarah Kennedy.
Select Dog GCH. Motif Will Shock An Zap U @ Guardian-Sidestreet Owner: Kristine Leonard & Maryanne Mack .
Select Bitch GCH. Campbell Clan’s Simply Scandalous Owner: Kathleen Cleary & Denise L Scott.
Winners Dog Sidestreet Guardian So And So Owner: Maryanne Mack.
Best of Opposite Sex & Best Veteran GCH. Allew’s Bit-A-Swet Proud To Party By Ch Ivy Rose Quincy & Ch Allews’ Bit-A-Swet Charity. Owner: John & Denice Van Driesen. Breeder: Alma Bettencourt & Denice Van Driesen.
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Sunday - October 18th 2015
Judge: Ms. Elizabeth Muthard. Sweepstakes judged by Mr. Joseph Covill
RESULTS Best in Sweepstakes Sidestreet Guardian So And So
By Ch Sidestreet Guardian Yes, No, Maybe So & Guardian’s Told You So On Sidestreet. Owner: Maryanne Mack. Breeder: Maryanne Mack & Kristine Leonard.
Best in Specialty Show GCH. Campbell Clan’s Simply Scandalous
By Ch Campbell Clan’s American Gigilo & Campbell Clan’s Speedin’ Soap Box Derby Car Owner: Kathleen Cleary & Denise L Scott Breeder: Danielle Campbell & G & G Campbell & Marshan Fish.
Best of Opposite Sex GCH. Motif Will Shock An Zap U @ Guardian-Sidestreet
Ch High Voltage Des Gardiens Du Bois Clerbault CGC & DH Motif’s Peg Of My Heart Owner: Kristine Leonard & Maryanne Mack Breeder: Steve Hollewell & Bryan Hollewell & Richard Shiloh & Suzanne Shiloh.
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Select Dog GCH. Bit-A-Swet Twist Of Fate
Owner: Denice Van Driesen & Keturah D Fritz
Select Bitch GCH. Katbird’s Evolution Matters At Kayas
Owner: Adrienne Hullender & Ariel Hullender & Marlene Lippert
Winners Bitch & Best of Winners Ohana I Am Amused At Kayas Owner: Ariel Hullender & Nicole Laslett
Winners Dog Deaglan Stone At Lannon From Pandora’s Box Owner: Janice & William Lannon
Best Veteran GCH. Allew’s Bit-A-Swet Proud To Party Owner: John & Denice Van Driesen
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You can enjoy our issues both DIGITALLY on your computer or tablet at www.LetsTalkBostons.com and in PRINT as a hard copy. Order yours today on our website and collect it forever!
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DIFFERENCES A Comparison of the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog by Luis Sosa - AKC Judge
T
he American Gentleman and the Clown in the Cloak of a Philosopher — the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog. These two breeds, related to one another genetically and historically, are often the subject of casual comparisons. To some, the breeds are more like variations on a theme; to others, like night and day. Both breeds have their roots in the English Bulldog and local breeds, although the French Bulldog’s ancestry is a bit more clouded than the Boston’s. The Frenchie was developed from Toy Bulldogs in the mid-to-late 1800s. When England outlawed bull baiting in 1835, there were variations of the Bulldog that suddenly didn’t fulfill a purpose. When the increase in mechanization during the Industrial Revolution forced English lacemakers out of the
A lovely bitch with good head and natural ears, level topline with rounded croup and low tail set. Note the square proportions. Markings far exceed the required but are a bit shy of the preferred.
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Nottingham region of England and into the Calais area of France, they took their Toy Bulldogs with them. A number of other breeds, most notably the Pug and Terrier Boule, were possibly interbred to set size and type. Originally seen with both erect and rose ears, the Petite Boule quickly became the star of the Parisian working class and the favorite of the Belles de Nuit, or ladies of the night, who introduced the breed to the upper classes. American tourists brought the breed back from France, and it was the American fanciers who preferred the erect ear over the rose-eared varieties. When the breed was first exhibited at Westminster in 1896, the English judge selected roseeared specimens as winners over the erect-eared ones. This so incensed the American fanciers that in 1897 the French
A lovely, well proportioned Frenchie bitch showing correct bone, roached topline, and length of leg. Note the proportions of 15 percent longer than tall.
A bitch showing the straight front legs with a rectangle formed under the chest. Note the much narrower front than the Frenchie.
Bulldog Club of America was formed, which set the bat ear as the only acceptable ear type, with other ear types disqualifying. It was through this American effort that type was set in the breed. The Boston Terrier’s American heritage is more obvious than the Frenchie’s. Through inbreeding in the last quarter of the 19th century (and possibly breeding to the French Bulldog, the white English Terrier, and other local bull-and-terrier type breeds) a handful of dogs was used to develop the Round Heads or American Bull Terriers as they were then called. In 1889 the American Bull Terrier Club was formed in Boston. As time went on, there was considerable objection to the name from both the Bulldog and Bull Terrier fanciers. Because Boston was where the club was organized, in 1891 the name of the breed was changed to the Boston Terrier, and the Boston Terrier Club was formed. In 1893 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed for registration in the stud book and the club as a member club. Many years of breeding would be required in the early 20th century, however, to standardize the breed and develop the type that would be recognizable as the Boston Terrier of today. In general appearance, the two breeds share similarities. They are both brachycephalic, active, expressive, intelligent, compactly built, small to medium in size, and short-tailed with a smooth coat. Balance, expression, color and white markings should be given particular consideration in the Boston Terrier, and neither breed should have a feature so prominent (from either lack or excess) that the dog appears poorly proportioned.
Size and Proportion
The French Bulldog standard does not describe specific body proportions, only that the distance from the withers to ground be in good relation to distance from withers to the onset of tail so that the
A French Bulldog male showing good head and front. Note the width of front in comparison to the Boston. Holloway photo.
animal appears compact, well balanced and in good proportion. The key here is “well balanced and in good proportion.” The word “compact” must be taken in its historical context, when the Frenchie was a much longer-backed breed than what we see today. “Compactly built” means short yet still having some length of loin, so the correct French Bulldog will still have some overall length; and we must be careful not to prefer overly short, “cobby” dogs. Without a correct length of loin, it is not possible to have the correct roach topline or the pear shape, which are characteristic of the breed. Compact does not mean square, and in my experience, most “well proportioned” Frenchies are typically about 12 to 15 percent longer than tall. In contrast, the Boston standard states that the body is rather short, with the length of leg in balance to give it a striking square appearance. The Boston is sturdy and neither spindly nor coarse, and again, it is well proportioned. Weight is divided into three classes: under 15 pounds, 15 pounds and under 20 pounds, and 20 pounds and not to exceed 25 pounds. Unlike the Frenchie, whose weight disqualifies at more than 28 pounds, the Boston only has a class excusal for weight with no weight disqualification. The Frenchie has no minimum weight, although a bitch much less than 18 pounds or a dog much less than 22 pounds may be of doubtful value in a breeding program. The influence of sex is also different for the two breeds, with the Boston having only a slight refinement in the bitch’s conformation, whereas the Frenchie calls for due allowance to be given in favor of bitches that do not bear the breed characteristics to the same marked degree as do the dogs. This does not mean that a bitch should be favored over a dog in the ring, but rather that a bitch should look like a bitch and a dog should look like a dog.
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Head
Both breeds are considered “head” breeds. The French Bulldog’s head is large and square when viewed from the front. “Large” is in relative proportion to the body, bearing in mind that this is a moderate breed. And in fact, the head and underjaw are the only two “squares” foundº in the Frenchie standard. The Boston’s head is also square, but flat on top and free from wrinkles, with flat cheeks, and an abrupt brow with a well-defined stop. The Frenchie standard calls for a well-defined stop that causes a groove between the eyes, but unlike the Boston, it has heavy wrinkles that form a soft roll over the extremely short nose. Another significant difference between the two heads is that the Boston’s head is flat through the forehead, whereas the Frenchie’s is slightly rounded. The Frenchie’s head layback in profile extends from the tip of the underjaw through the slightly up-tilted nose to the top of the stop from which it rounds slightly to the top skull. It is unfortunate that we are seeing apple-headed Frenchies with overly rounded top skulls.
Brindle pieds are also not lighter colored, as the pied gene is a pattern gene, and they are actually patterned, brindle dogs that must have a black nose. Cream and white pieds or “honey pieds” would be considered lighter-colored because their base color is cream or self-masked fawn. The Boston’s muzzle is short, square, wide, deep and in proportion to the skull. It is free from wrinkles, shorter in length than in width or depth, and not exceeding in length approximately one-third of the length of the skull. The muzzle from stop to end of the nose is parallel to the top of the skull. The Frenchie’s muzzle is typically shorter in length than the Boston’s, and is broad, deep and well laid back, with well developed cheek muscles. Its extremely short nose results in an extremely short muzzle. Both breeds have broad, square underjaws which in the Frenchie is deep, undershot and well turned up. In the Boston, the underjaw is level or sufficiently undershot to square the muzzle, without the upturn called for in the Frenchie. In both breeds, the flews should cover the teeth when the mouth is shut.
The Boston’s ears are small, carried erect and either natural or cropped to conform to the shape of the head. The Frenchie’s ear, known as the “bat ear,” is naturally erect, rounded at the top and broad at the base, carried with the orifice toward the front and set not too close together. The ear is moderate in size, neither too large nor too small, but in proportion to the size of the head. The Frenchie’s ears are ideally set high on the head at approximately 11 and 1 o’clock. The top skull of both breeds is flat between the ears. The Boston has no ear DQs; the Frenchie has a DQ for any ear other than a bat ear. The Frenchie’s eyes are round in form and of moderate size, neither bulging nor sunken. They are preferably dark in color and set low down in the skull as far from the ears as possible. In lighter-colored dogs, a lighter eye is acceptable. While more pleasing, pigmented eye rims are not required by the standard. In contrast, the Boston Terrier has large, round and dark eyes set wide apart, with blue eyes or any trace of blue in the eye disqualifying. Moving to the nose, which in the Boston is black and wide with a well defined line between the nostrils. A Dudley nose disqualifies. The Frenchie’s nose is black and extremely short with broad nostrils and a well defined line between them. A nose other than black is a Frenchie disqualification except in the case of lighter colored dogs, where a lighter-colored nose is acceptable but not desirable. “Lighter-colored dogs” refers to creams and self-masked fawns whose nose color can typically range from black to self-colored. However, there must still be some pigment and without pink spots, as that would be a multicolored nose, which would disqualify. Black-masked fawns (and BMF pieds) are not lighter-colored and must have a black nose.
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A bitch head with the preferred markings, and a large, dark, round eye. The bitch’s head is slightly more refined than the dog’s. Tom Weigand photo.
Body
The Boston must possess a short enough back to square off the body. The topline is level, with the rump curving slightly to the set-on of the tail. The shoulders are sloping and well laid back, with straight forelegs, set moderately wide apart and in line with the upper tip of the shoulder blades, allowing for the Boston’s stylish movement. The Boston does not possess the broad, deep, full chest of the Frenchie and has a much narrower front. The Frenchie’s body is pear-shaped, broad at the shoulders and narrowing to the loin. A “square” is formed under the Frenchie’s chest and inside of the straight, muscular forelegs. This area is rectangular in the Boston. While the Boston’s topline is level, the Frenchie’s roached topline has a slight fall close behind the shoulders and rises to the loin. Although not detailed in the standard, the topline description in the Bulldog standard is applicable: “Topline — There should be a slight fall in the back, close behind the shoulders (its lowest part), whence the spine should rise to the loins (the top of which should be higher than the top of the shoulders), thence curving again more suddenly to the tail, forming an arch (a very distinctive feature of the breed), termed ‘roach back.’” It is unfortunate that we often see Frenchies with level Boston toplines and Bostons with roached Frenchie toplines in the ring. A correct topline is probably one of the most difficult characteristics to breed, which is why we find such variety. If either breed has a correct topline, it will likely have a correct low tail set. The Frenchie’s tail, like the Boston’s, is either straight or screwed, and is set low and carried low. The Boston tail must not be carried above the horizontal, and neither should the Frenchie’s. A docked tail is a disqualification in both breeds, as it would be considered an alteration in the Frenchie. Correct set and carriage in both breeds are more important than actual tail length, and in the Frenchie the tail may be so short as to almost not be apparent; however, there will still be a tail. In almost 40 years of owning and breeding Frenchies, I have never seen a Frenchie with an ingrown tail. The Frenchie’s forelegs are short, stout, straight, muscular and set wide apart. “Short” must again be taken in its historical context, when the Frenchie was a much rangier, longer-legged dog. Although Frenchies are not a square breed, they should also not be reminiscent of caterpillars, with long bodies and overly short legs. Such dogs are often achondroplastic dwarfs and must never be rewarded in the show ring. The Frenchie’s hindquarters are strong and muscular and slightly longer than the forelegs such as to elevate the loins above the withers. The Boston’s forequarters are well laid back, with sloping shoulders, which allows for the Boston’s stylish movement. The forelegs are straight in bone and, unlike the Frenchie, are set only moderately wide apart, resulting in a narrower-appearing dog. Hindquarters have strong, well-muscled thighs, with good bend of stifle and short hocks; straight stifles are a fault. The Frenchie standard does not mention rear angulation, but being a moderate breed, they should neither be over-angulated nor
A French Bulldog with the mouse disqualifying color with disqualifying lighter-colored (slate) nose. Note the yellow eyes and dilute pigment.
straight behind. Moderate angulation allows the free, vigorous and unrestrained movement called for in the standard.
Movement
The Boston Terrier is a sure-footed, straight-gaited dog, with both the forelegs and hind legs moving straight ahead in line with perfect rhythm, each step indicating grace and power. With this description and being similar in width both in front and behind, the Boston will double track, with crossing over at either end being a serious fault. The Frenchie standard describes the gait as double tracking with reach and drive; the action is unrestrained, free and vigorous. Double tracking in the Frenchie, however, is quite different from the Boston because the Frenchie is pear shaped with broad shoulders and a narrower loin. In a mature Frenchie, the front legs will move wider than the rear, creating a wide set of tracks, while the hind legs will track narrower, creating a narrower set of tracks. These two sets of tracks, or the Frenchie’s “double tracking,” is different from what we would see in the Boston and many other breeds. The Frenchie standard does not mention a roll, but given his ancestry, a very slight roll is often seen. The Bulldog’s loose-jointed, shuffling, sideways motion, which gives it the characteristic “roll,” is totally incorrect in the Frenchie. But this very moderate action can still be compatible with the Frenchie’s (and Bulldog’s) unrestrained, free and vigorous action. The Boston, by contrast, should not exhibit any type of roll and is more straight-gaited and terrierlike in its movement.
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Coat, Color and Markings
Both the Boston’s and Frenchie’s coats are short, smooth, bright and fine in texture. The Frenchie’s skin is soft and loose, form ing wrinkles in the head and shoulders. Again, the Frenchie standard describes a “moderate” breed; the wrinkling should be moderate and never overdone or reminiscent of a different breed. The Boston is a brindle, seal or black dog with white markings. Solid colors without the required markings or any color not described in the standard are disqualifications. The required markings are a white blaze between the eyes, white muzzle band and white on the forechest. The desired markings are a white muzzle band, an even white blaze between the eyes and over the head, a white collar, white forechest, and white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs below the hocks. The Frenchie comes in a variety of colors, and all colors are equally acceptable except for those that constitute a disqualification. The disqualifying colors are black & tan, liver, mouse (blue), solid black, black and white or white with black (black meaning without a trace of brindle). Mouse can be seen as a brindle, mouse pied or mouse-masked fawns, but being a dilute, all will have a lighter nose, which will also disqualify. Markings, ticking and patterns are not described in the standard, although brindle and white, and fawn and white pied patterns are common in the breed, with or without ticking. The evenness of the pied pattern or markings is not described, thus all are equally acceptable. Dogs of both breeds that are of allowed color and markings should be judged as though colorless, emphasizing only structure.
Article reproduced with Mr. Luis Sosa’s written permission. Resized to fit. Original article published by DOGS IN REVIEW magazine, June 2014, pages 102-106. All rights belong to the author. Pictures by author unless otherwise noted.
About the Author - Luis Sosa
Luis Sosa grew up with Standard Smooth Dachshunds, which his father worked in tracking and field in Cuba in the 1950s. He obtained his first Miniature Longhaired Dachshund in 1972 out of English bloodlines, and his first French Bulldog in 1975. For the past 22 years, he has bred French Bulldogs with his wife, Patty, under the Bandog prefix. Under Bandog Reg., they have bred more than 70 AKC champions, including dogs that have won more than 400 Non-Sporting Group 1sts, 38 all-breed Best in Shows and Best of Breed at five National Specialties. In addition to Frenchies and Dachshunds, Sosa has also co-bred Bullmastiffs, Afghan Hounds and Standard Poodles. He has judged French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers in the US, Sweden and Germany. He had the honor of judging at the 2014 FBDCA National Specialty. Sosa is former president of the Bayou Dachshund Club of New Orleans, a member and former vice president of the French Bulldog Club of America and served on the Judge’s Education Committee. He is secretary and AKC delegate for the Louisiana Kennel Club, and a member of the Dachshund Club of America, the Bulldog Club of America, the American Bullmastiff Association and the Morris & Essex KC. Sosa holds degrees in Biological Science and Civil Engineering and is a registered civil and sanitary engineer in several states. Sosa and his wife reside in the Greater New Orleans area.
Temperament
The Boston Terrier is a friendly, expressive and lively dog. He is intelligent with an excellent disposition — truly the American Gentleman. The French Bulldog is generally active, alert and playful — truly the Clown in the Cloak of the Philosopher. The differences between the Boston and the Frenchie are both subtle and profound, but there’s one thing the breeds irrefutably have in common: Both will always bring a smile to your face.
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Puppy pictures - By Marit Jenssen & Lena Salmina
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PICTURE BY PATRICIA ALLEMAN
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DETAILS
Dog Show Etiquette - Part II or… I Don’t Have a Thing To Wear… by Pamela Preston - ChriMaso Boston Terriers
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art I of the article (see Issue 6, December 2014) focused on talking, an activity most of us like to engage in while sitting or standing ringside while watching the other dogs in the ring, or when we’re exchanging a few words with the judge during pictures. Part II focuses on attire, dog grooming, personal behavior, and dog behavior amd supervision. Please keep in mind that this article is based upon my own experience and observations and the comments and thoughts that other, long-time exhibitors have shared with me. These are not hard and fast rules, just some generally-accepted guidelines. Okay, so here goes… Show Attire: How should you dress for the show ring? Should women only wear dresses and skirts or are pants acceptable? How about men? Should they always wear suits and ties? This is probably the easiest of all to answer. It is the same answer that I was given when I asked these same questions. According to the numerous experienced exhibitors, professional handlers, and judges to whom I posed these questions, you should dress nicely, but comfortably. For women and girls, dresses, skirts with blouses and jackets, pantsuits or slacks with a nice blouse and jacket are deemed appropriate. Most of my dog show clothes double as my office attire as well. For men, nice slacks with a jacket and tie, or if the weather is too warm, the jacket can certainly be left off. Does this mean that everyone has to be dressed up? Certainly not! But a well-
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groomed dog is complimented by a well-groomed handler. That doesn’t mean you should avoid showing if you’re not dressed up. It is not uncommon for an exhibitor to have multiple dogs entered and may need help showing a dog or two for Winners or Breed competition, so by all means, even if you’re not necessarily dressed as you normally like to be, by all means, offer your assistance - it is appreciated by the exhibitor and the judge as well. One last thought on attire - although it’s not generally important to the judge what you wear, I have been told that it is the overall presentation of the dog that matters, and whether we want to believe it or not, part of the presentation is the handler. And, it goes without saying, just as our dogs should be bathed and clean, so should we. One judge even told me that if you care enough about presentation to groom your dog to the 9s and pay good money to travel and show your dog, then doesn’t it also make sense that you’d want to look just as nice as your dog in the win picture? Interesting statement… Dog Grooming: What do you need to do to a Boston for the show ring? Should they be chalked? This one is a bit more difficult to answer. The easy answer is the dog should be CLEAN. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard judges say that so many of the dogs are not clean or well groomed. During one of the specialties I was watching a few years back, one of the judges told me that breaks to wash up were needed throughout the judging because several of the dogs weren’t clean. A good bath and a thorough rinsing is a must. Some like to use bluing shampoo to bring out the brightness of the white, but I don’t think it is “really “necessary in
isn’t that common at the Boston ring, but you do see it from time to time and it is more commonly practiced at some other breed rings. Double handling (using a person outside the ring to help make your dog more “alert” inside the ring) is looked down upon by judges and exhibitors alike. In fact, I’ve been to shows where the judge put up a rather large sign that stated double handling would not be tolerated. Ouch! Dog Behavior & Supervision: Is it okay to show dogs that are dog aggressive? What can you do about those dogs that are incessantly barking and lunging? Again, this is my opinion and my opinion alone (well, not really…it is the opinion of many exhibitors and judges that I’ve spoken with about this topic, but let’s not blame anyone but me for what I’m about to say…hee hee). NO, it is NOT okay to show dogs that are dog (or people) aggressive! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to literally pull my Boston to safety as another dog lunged at him. It is one of the not-so-fun things that occur, on occasion, at dog shows. Let’s remember, the purpose of showing in conformation is to showcase our breeding stock. Do we really want to breed aggressive dogs? I would hope not, but breeding is a whole other topic for another day. The best thing to do when you notice an aggressive dog is to stay away from it! And as far as what to do about dogs that incessantly bark while in their crates... well, get ear muffs maybe???? I don’t think there is any right answer, but hopefully we can tactfully approach the handler and request that they cover the crate to try to help keep the dog from being over stimulated and hopefully to reduce the barking. Often the dogs are barking because they are nervous, fearful, or overstimulated and covering the crate removes the excess to allow the dog to calm down and relax a bit.
most cases. Toenails should be cut and filed short. Also, to give that clean, crisp look, whiskers, eyebrows and “stray hairs” should be shaved from the face and the edge of the collar should be trimmed so that it is even and not “feathered” in appearance. These few, simple grooming activities will enhance your dog’s appearance and give the judge a pleasant picture of your dog. Personal Behavior: Is it okay to clap and cheer for a dog? What about double handling? I don’t think there is really a “rule” for this; however, it seems to me that clapping for your fellow exhibitors is a sign of good sportsmanship and camaraderie and lends itself to building relationships with other exhibitors. There is a downside; however, and that is if you are clapping and cheering for one dog or person, but not clapping for others, or congratulating them if they win, it may be viewed as poor sportsmanship, so consistency is important. And, of course, we should be cheering for all we’re worth during the Non-Sporting Group competition to show our support of the Boston, right? :-) As far as double handling is concerned, it is a definite NO-NO! It
I have had two males that were HUGE “momma’s boy” dogs and they would literally wail when I’d leave them in the crate and walk away. You’d swear they were being tortured. It took a lot of effort and consistency to break them of that behavior, but once broken, they were better for it and I know the surrounding exhibitors appreciated it. If the barking dogs are yours, try not to put a deaf ear to it, please acknowledge it and do your best to inhibit that behavior. Please keep in mind that everything in this article is based upon my experience, my own views and opinions, and may, or may not, work for you. The bottom line remains: Do what works for you and your dog and enables you to enjoy this wonderful sport without deterring from someone else’s experience. It’s an expensive and time consuming hobby and we should all be able to enjoy it. :-) Until next time!
- Pamela LetsTalkBostons.com | October 2015
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POINT OF VIEW
If you could pick any Boston Terrier in the World, alive or dead, to bring into your breeding program, what dog/bitch would you choose? Ch. Zodiac’s Special Beau “Tony” As far as I have seen with type and what I am trying to achieve this dog comes the closest
Adrienne Hullender KAYAS BOSTONS
I would have liked to have offspring from Ch Do-Go Georges Buddy of Rudy, I bred to him, but the bitch delivered way too early and i lost them all. I would have bred to him again but he was killed in a fence fight and that was his last litter.
Suzanne Maxine Uzoff OUI BOSTONS
If he were still alive I’d bring in CH Tuxedo Bows. I am desperately hoping to get to use one of his two living sons before it’s too late. I’m especially interested because he produced great heads, dark eyes and nice square bodies with correct movement. A close 2nd would have been my own Trigger who is still the prettiest bitch I’ve ever laid eyes on.
Angie McFarland grandview farm
Of course I have a boston I have great pleasure would like to see in his breeding program - a CH.TUXEDO BOWZ
Svetlana Safronova BOSTON STYLE - Russia As we know, there is no perfect dog born yet but one that is very close to perfect in my eyes now is GCH Sabe’s Simply Invincible.
Tea Rendic Escalibur BOSTONS
MBISS CH. Classic’s Special Kid K - He was so stunning, my mom had always wished she had bred to him. That dog was perfection!
Sarah Kennedy KENNEDY BOSTONS Al-Mar’s By Invitation Only ROM - So I consider that this dog has produced offsprings that are consistent and they are the type I like. This is one of a list of 5-6 dogs I would incorporate in my program and this is based on what they have produced.
Love Vinny - GCH. Sabe’s Simply Invincible. He is a great representative of our lovely Breed, the head, short Back,bones in small words the total package.
Yannis Sohos Rocharis boston terriers
Laura Estevez Makarenas - Dominican Republic
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PICTURE BY: Cecilia Zuccherato
Going way back, from the stacks off old stud cards, these two are my favorite: CH. Haye’s Emissary and Kid Boor’s Ace Repeat. I like their type. In the not so distant past, I like El-Bo’s Rudy is a Dandy, distantly in my pedigrees, but would have loved to bring him in closer. Kim Rutherford Brio Bostons
Oh wow! That’s a hard one! I feel like I own that dog! Multi BISS Ch Sunwoods Lamburgini. Dylan is to me the epitome of what our breed should be- he has health, amazing temperament, and beautiful structure. He has also produced that.
Danielle Campbell Campbell Clan
What about you? Do you have any tips or questions that you would like to see here? e-mail us your suggestion: info@letstalkbostons.com October 2015 - 63
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PICTURE BY THE DOG SPORT PHOTOGRAPHERS
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BREEDING
The 20 Principles of Genes, Environment and Breeding by Dr. Roger Abrantes
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enes code for the traits an organism will show, physical as well as behavioral, but genes are not all. The environment of that organism also plays a crucial role in the way some of its genes will express themselves. Genes play a large role in the appearance and behavior of organisms. Phenotypes (the appearance of the organism) are determined, in various degrees, by the genotype program (the sum of all genes) and the interaction of the organism with the environment. Some traits are more modifiable by environmental factors, others less. For example, while eye color is solely determined by the genetic coding, genes determine how tall an individual may grow, but nutritional, as well as other health factors experienced by that organism, determine the outcome. In short: the environment by itself cannot create a trait, and only a few traits are solely the product of a strict gene coding. The same applies to behavior. Behavior is the result of the genetic coding and the effects of the environment on a particular organism. Learning is an adaptation to the environment. Behavioral genetics studies the role of genetics in animal (including human) behavior. Behavioral genetics is an interdisciplinary field, with contributions from biology, genetics, ethology, psychology, and statistics. The same basic genetic principles that apply to any phenotype also apply to behavior, but it is more difficult to identify particular genes with particular behaviors than with physical traits. The most reliable assessment of an individual’s genetic contribution to behavior is through the study of twins and half-siblings. In small populations, like breeds with a limited number of individuals, the genetic contribution tends to be magnified because there is not enough variation. Therefore, it is very important that breeders pay special importance to lineages, keep
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impeccable records, test the individuals, and choose carefully, which mating system they will use. Failure to be strict may result in highly undesirable results in a few generations with the average population showing undesired traits, physical as well as behavioral. We breed animals for many different purposes. Breeding means combining 50% of the genes of one animal (a male) to 50% of the genes of another animal (a female) and see what happens. We can never choose single genes as we wish and combine them, so we get the perfect animal, but knowing which traits are dominant, which are recessive, and being able to read pedigrees helps us. Here are some guidelines for breeding (inspired by “20 Principles of Breeding Better Dogs” by Raymond H. Oppenheimer). The objective of the following 20 principles is to help breeders strive for a healthy and fit animal in all aspects, physically as well as behaviorally. 1. The animals you select for breeding today will have an impact on the future population (unless you do not use any of their offspring to continue breeding). 2. Choose carefully the two animals you want to breed. If you only have a limited number of animals at your disposition, you will have to wait for the next generation to make any improvement. As a rule of thumb, you should expect the progeny to be better than the parents. 3. Statistical predictions may not hold true in a small number of animals (as in one litter of puppies). Statistical predictions show accuracy when applied to large populations. 4. A pedigree is a tool to help you learn the desirable and undesirable attributes that an animal is likely to exhibit or reproduce. 5. If you have a well-defined purpose for your breeding program, which you should, you will want to enhance specific attributes, but don’t forget
that an animal is a whole. To emphasize one or two features of the animal, you may compromise the soundness and function of the whole organism. 6. Even though, in general, large litters indicate good health and breeding conditions, quantity does not mean quality. You produce quality through careful studies. Be patient and wait until the right breeding stock is available, evaluate what you have already produced and above all, have a breeding plan that is at least three generations ahead of the breeding you do today. 7. Skeletal defects are the most difficult to change. 8. Don’t bother with a good animal that cannot reproduce well. The fittest are those who survive and can pass their survival genes to the next generation. 9. Once you have approximately the animal you want, use outcrosses sparingly. For each desirable characteristic you acquire, you will get many undesirable traits that you will have to eliminate in succeeding generations. 10. Inbreeding is the fastest method to achieve desirable characteristics. It will bring forward the best and the worst of your breeding stock. You want to keep the desirable traits and eliminate the undesirable. Inbreeding will reveal hidden traits that you may consider undesirable, and want to eliminate. However, be careful, repeated inbreeding can increase the chances of offspring being affected by recessive or deleterious traits. 11. Once you have achieved the characteristics you want, linebreeding with sporadic outcrossing seems to be the most prudent approach. 12. Breeding does not create anything new unless you run into favorable mutations (seldom). What you get is what was there to begin with. It may have been hidden for many generations, but it was there.
13. Litter mates share on average 50% common genes, but only on average. Each one got at random 50% of its genes from the male (father) and 50% from the female (mother), but not necessarily the same 50% from each. 14. Hereditary traits are inherited equally from both parents. Do not expect to solve all of your problems in one generation. 15. If the worst animal in your last litter is no better than the worst animal in your first litter, you are not making progress. 16. If the best animal in your last litter is no better than the best animal in your first litter, you are not making progress. 17. Do not choose a breeding animal by either the best or the worst that it has produced. Evaluate the total breeding value of an animal by means of averages of as many offspring as possible. 18. Keep in mind that quality is a combination of soundness and function. It is not merely the lack of undesirable traits, but also the presence of desirable traits. It is the whole animal that counts. 19. Be objective. Don’t allow personal feelings to influence your choice of breeding stock. 20. Be realistic, but strive for excellence. Always try to get the best you can. Be careful: when we breed animals for special characteristics, physical as well as behavioral, we are playing with fire, changing the genome that natural selection created and tested throughout centuries. Article reproduced with Dr. Roger Abrantes’s written permission. Roger Abrantes, PhD in Ethology and Evolutionary Biology and BA in Philosophy, is the Scientific Director of the Ethology Institute, and lectures in Ethology, Evolution, Learning Theory, Animal Training and Critical Reasoning. Original Article: http://ethology.eu/the-20-principles-of-genesenvironment-and-breeding/
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