In this 2008 edition of Bulldog Diaries

 

Every so often we will interview some of the most respected Exhibitors and Breeders. Information they offer is a great educational opportunity for us all. We hope you enjoy and learn. Bulldogsworld appreciates the breeders who took the time to be interviewed and participated.

 

Dara  Carr          Kelly White              Elaine Andrew

Jay Serion           Cathy Miller            Vicky Langager

Name: Dara Carr

State: Illinois

Kennel name:Glendar Bulldogs

Web site: www.glendarbulldogs.com

Champions finished (owner or co owned):  33

How long have you been showing:  19 Years

Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.

A: I believe that a balanced bulldog is correct according to the standard in most respects. Every dog has faults, some are more glaring than others.

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: Elongated palate and stenotic nares..together can create a dog with difficulty breathing. Inverted or tight tails.

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: I love outdoor shows but the weather is almost always a factor with Midwestern outdoor shows! So, my answer is indoor shows are my preference...in a place that is climate controlled! I do dislike noisy venues...those indoor shows where the grooming is right next to the ring you are showing in. It's really annoying to have to compete with the blow-dryers!

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: More "grooming" done to the bulldog than in the past.

Q: What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: If I have a pet puppy going to its new home, I allow it to leave approximately 8 weeks of age. Many times I keep several pups from a litter to evaluate their show potential. These pups might be kept as long as 6 to 9 months.

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: Better heads, wider jaws, better toplines, proper layback of nose. Not so many short-faced bulldogs....AND healthier dogs overall.

Name: Kelly White

State: California

Kennel name: Whitehills

Web site: http://www.geocities.com/kellywhitehills

Champions finished (owner or co owned): 4 with several more pointed.

How long have you been showing: 10 Years

Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.-

A: To me overall balance means not one feature sticks out more than another. Everything flows together..Length and upsweep of jaw flows into layback, layback flows right into a strong arched neck which flows into shoulder, to topline to tailset ending with a tail. A few examples.. If a dog has say a short face with a longer back its out of balance..Same goes for a dog with no neck..

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: Elongated soft pallets and heart disorders. If a dog cannot breathe that dog is in serious trouble. I wish people would be more honest about wether or not a dog has had soft pallet surgery. Heart disorders are a concern. Heart murmers pop up and should not be taken lightly. Some heart disorders are not caught until the dog or bitch has been used in a breeding program. I think its very important that hearts be checked thoroughly before a dog or bitch is bred.

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: I prefer indoor venues. You are in a more controlled enviroment and you can see the whole dog without looking through the grass.

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: I think now we as breeders and exhibitors are fighting for our very lives to continue to breed and show our dogs, specially here in California. The vibe at the shows are different. The carefree happy go lucky obilivous hobby days are gone. Though we are still a hobby and shows are still fun there is an underlying tension around the ring.

Q: . What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: Depends on the size of the litter..A big litter I am ready for them to go to their new homes at 8 weeks. Smaller litters I do not mind hanging on to them for a few extra weeks. I think it is important to never let a puppy go before 8 weeks. It is also important to get that puppy into its new home as early as possible so they can bond with their new family.

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: Today you see so many different "types" of bullies...I would like to see more of the same "type"..If we all breed to the standard the more alike our dogs will look. I would also like to see better health and more breeders health testing thier dog before useing them for breeding.

Kelly

Name: Elaine Andrew

State: Oklahoma

Kennel name: Andrew’s Bulldogs

Web site: http://home.sprynet.com/~andrew22/ 

Champions finished (owner or co owned): 10 (8 are ‘home-bred’)

How long have you been showing: 12 Years

Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.

A: The term Overall Balance, to me, relates to proportion and symmetry as specific portions of the body relate to another with no single part being outside of the norm as interpreted by the human eye.

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: #1 respiratory; #2 muscular/skeletal. 

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: Indoors for no other reason than climate control.

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: I’ve noticed an enormous turnover in judges and exhibitors, more shows, fewer qualified judges especially in the all-breed arena, and more dogs required on the point scales. I’ve also noticed a marked increase in the number of dogs with temperament issues.

Q: . What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: 12 weeks; 8 weeks minimum

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: Longevity! Health and genetics play major rolls in how long our dogs live. Before we breed, while we are still in the sire selection phase, thought needs to be put into the medical history and temperament as well as the conformation of both the sire and dam.

Elaine

 

Name: Jay Serion

State: Washington

Kennel name: Validus Pacific Bulldogs

Web site: None

Champions finished (owner or co owned): 1 purchased, 1 given to me & 1 bred-by - I've finished many for others

How long have you been showing: 9 Years 

Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.-

A: Balance is a popular term in dogs and it is important according to the Standard. It's how the different parts of the dog come together and just fit - a harmony between the different parts. You don't want one part being so prominent or so lacking that it is obvious and takes away from the rest of the dog. A balanced dog is pleasing to look at. However, balance does not make a Bulldog. Type makes a Bulldog. A typey AND balanced Bulldog is something special.

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: I'd say breathing and heart issues are concerning, if I had to choose just two.

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: I prefer indoor shows anytime because, generally, there are fewer surprises all the way around (what type of surface you're showing on, temperature, insect concerns, etc.).

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: I believe grooming, handling and showmanship have improved overall. Sadly, there isn't as much talk after the shows about pedigrees, breedings, conformation and the Standard. There doesn't seem to be as many true older breeders to be mentored by. I sure miss all the stories that my late mentor used to tell.

Q: . What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: A minimum of 9 weeks is acceptable.

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: An improvement in individual judge's education would lead to great improvements in the breed as a whole. Judges that can actually pick out a good type Bulldog can truly help the breed and would cause breeders to concentrate their efforts in breeding outstanding specimens.

Jay

 

Name: Cathy Miller

State: Alabama

Kennel name: Mars Hill Bulldogs

Web site: www.marshillbulldogs.com 

Champions finished (owner or co owned): ):   Working on my first, second, and third

How long have you been showing: 2 Years 


Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.-

A: My first thought is “well proportioned.” I like to look at the total package…no one part should stand out as greater or lesser than the other parts.

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: 1 - Breathing is always a top priority when considering the health of a bulldog. If I’m looking at a potential breeding pair, issues like nare size, trachea size, length of neck, and palates are primary considerations to reduce the likelihood of breathing problems in the pups. 2 - Heart problems are a quiet killer in our breed. I would like to see much more research on canine heart disease. I believe the improved diets our dogs are receiving will help immensely, but more research needs to be done on the genetic predisposition to heart problems 

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: I love to show outdoors on a beautiful day, but all factors considered, I prefer an indoor show. The level surface makes a good stack easier, and the dog’s movement isn’t hampered by stepping on rocks, insects, uneven ground, etc.

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: Even in the short amount of time that I’ve been active in the show ring, there has been a major increase in the number of professional handlers in the bulldog ring. There are advantages and disadvantages to competing with the professionals. There are a few that are bringing the uglier side of showing into the bulldog ring (for example, stopping short in the go around or blocking another dog from the judge’s view). Most are very professional, working to show their dog to its best advantage without hindering others. I learn a lot from watching these handlers, and I can apply that knowledge to make me a better owner/handler. 

Q: . What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: Occasionally, there is a pup that is ready to go to its new home at eight weeks, but most would benefit from staying with mom and littermates until 10-12 weeks.

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: I want to see bulldogs live longer, healthier lives. Better veterinary care, better nutrition, and increased medical research will contribute toward this goal. We should continue to educate potential owners about choosing a healthy puppy from a caring breeder. Education regarding the special needs of our wonderful breed will help as well. I’m very thankful to BDW for helping to bring this kind of education to so many people.

Cathy 

Name: Vicky Langage 
State: Washington

Kennel name: Langager Bulldogs

Web site: None

Champions finished (owner or co owned): 1 owner/breeder/handler  another co-owned needs 3 singles  

How long have you been showing: 7 Years 

Q: When a person says "Over all Balance in the Bulldog", what does that mean to you.-

A: Looking at the dog nothing stands out that looks out of place. Starting with a head that is measured equal or close to equal, a balanced head. Then the rest of the body structure should measure up. 

Q: If you had to pick 2 health concerns in the Bulldog breed today (generally speaking) what two are of most concern to you.

A: Breathing, including palates & trachea. Allergies, i do not believe a dog with skin issues from allergies should be breed.

Q: When showing do you prefer outdoor or indoor events and why? (assuming the weather is not a factor).

A: I like showing outside, most shows i have been to inside have poor lighting and little crate space.. 

Q: If you compare the first year you ever showed to the most recent year, what changes have you seen (other than cost).

A: Size of the dog/bitch. When i started showing 7yrs ago, the dog/bitchs were large. Most looked to be a good 20lbs over the standard. Now i see them coming down in size, still do not see a 40lb bitch or a 50lb male. Over all they have come down in size.

Q: . What age do you prefer a puppy to be before allowing it to go to a new home.

A: I like to hold them until 10 - 12 weeks. Depending on the size of the litter i try and keep them until at least 9 weeks. I think puppies need the extra socialization, and I'm not ready for them to go, i find it had to pick a puppy until they get up moving and personalities start to come out.

Q: If you could look down the road 20 years from now, what would you hope to see improved the most in the Bulldog breed.

A: I would like to see better breathing, more stamina, and better top lines. I think heads are much better then say 10-15yrs ago, they are still missing length of jaw, width and turn up. 

Vicky