Name: Lorraine Eyth
State: New York
Kennel name: Kar-isma
Web site: www.karismakennels.com
Champions finished (owner or co owned): Bulldogs: 1
breeder/owner/handled finished, Shelties: 4 (Obedience titles: 20 from Am/Can CD to/through Am UD and Can OTCH, including Dog World Award)
How long have you been showing:
Dogs in general : 30 years starting in obedience with
a CD on an 11 mo old Standard Poodle with placings, Bulldogs tried with first bully 1989, Tried with second bully 1997...not pointed until age 3 after had1st litter in 2000 but shown at Nationals in Indianapolis...pointed first bully that I bred from
her first litter and my first actual bully litter (2000) in 2001, also went to Indianapolis Nationals,her sister was first in 12-18 at Nationals, 5 pt Specialty, etc... I had bred to Elizabeth Hugo's
Oscar...I didn't know who she really was or how well known...just knew a hunk of dog when I saw one and a dog that had what my bitch lacked....at least I learned something from years in other breeds.
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A: I've only been owned by the breed 17 years myself so I am no expert there...noticed more tails of course but also noticed less emphasis on good temperaments for quite a while up in the area I live in anyway.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:Personally, haven't had a lot of health problems though certainly seems to be a lot of breathing problems that have cut too many dogs' lives short, especially when exacerbated by the heat. Saw a dog finished one weekend and die the next when it overheated at a dog show that my dogs and I didn't find that hot.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:You mean how old was I or how old was the dog...Iwill answer how old the dog was...b/c I was and am old as dirt, LOL. First bully was 10 weeks old though I could have taken her if I had wanted to at 7 weeks. I wasn't sure so I did some research and I went backand she was there and still looked cute and balanced
so I bought her for my husband's 39th Birthday.(I don't care about his birthday, he's older than I am) Agatha's registered name was "Kar-isma's Thirty Nine and Hold'N". I showed her at 8 months old and was encouraged by local show folks to show her...they were a bit blind I think now that I look back at pictures of her...they also encouraged me to breed her...think they might have been out for the stud fees...she had very strange heat cycles, I knew nothing of progesterone cycles in early 90's so she never took and her heats began to be 3 months apart...she was spayed at 3 and half years old, bred first time just shy of 2 years old.
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:First 2 things I think I look for in any dog older than 6 weeks old: balance and it looks me in the eye. AS a real pup, first weeks: head shape: square, wide muzzle, some length from ear to end of jaw, cobbier body (not rectangular body in overall comparison), short heavy boned legs, length of tail. Continue to watch for those to stay.By 9 weeks old, I look for head again: width of muzzle/jaw, shortness btwn nose and eyes, angle between end of jaw and top skull, ears, where front and rear legs land naturally when they are relaxed and tiredand I set them down, length of body, if they look me in the face, start to look at tail set and top line more...also start to look at movement if I can get them tired enough to trot and not leap about.
By 12 weeks old, Same as above only pickier...want
balance, head with width of jaw, nice layback of head, start to look a bit at pigment around nose but not too picky still there, movement big time...should be seeing roll and balance in movement already...love some attitude to go with it by then...I already have leash breaking started with food so I also have
someone taking pictures for me when they move.Topline...doesn't have to be extreme but has to be there to a degree already, even in short backed dog...should be able to see the wheelback and into tail. They also go to stores and I want to see that natural curiosity and friendliness that makes a dog a good show dog...I have strangers give them goodies etc.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:Perhaps more standardization of the standard in the minds of judges where overall balance is appreciated over one or two or three of the judges pet points, especially in the education of all rounders. I'd like to see better heads overall that allow for
improved breathing space, rectangular brick for layback, not a shelf head or a pumpkin head front and side, being seen by too many as correct.Also like to see movement improve so that judge's don't put up bullies that have actually horrible
movement that is from unsound looking rear movement
b/c, "well, bulldogs are such strange movers anyway,how can you really tell" (yes a quote from a judge).
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:Staying completely zen calm (yeah right) when judges are going up and down a line up to do theirfinal picks. I have gotten to the point where I usually look zen calm and have my dogs well enough
trained by a certain age that they will stay put so I can just sort of massage an area and speak softly to them while I keep one eye on the judge and one on the dog...but nerves can be horrible.
The other is handlers who run up on my dog, over run my dog or go soooooooooooo interminably slowly that you need to give them a whole side lead off or I will over run them...what is the speed that a bulldog should move at anyway? Some move all bound up like little old ladies with walkers, mine move pretty
freely and easily (thought that was something in the standard in movement but, heh, I'm only an exhibitor) and others seem to barely be leash broken and take off with their handlers in tow kind of like the GSD ring (which is one reason I got out of that breed...that and hips...and the darned double and triple
handling...tambourines, bells and whistles, cantooblers all sorts of Dr. Suess and Grinch toys outside the ring! <g>)
Lorraine
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.
2006 edition of Bulldog Diaries:
"Bulldog Diaries"
The Exhibitor and Breeder interviews
Name: Barbara Morgan
State: OH
Kennel name: Our Legacy Bulldogs
Web site:Our Legacy Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): 12 owned or co-owned, a total of 15 bred by and 3 owned only
How long have you been showing: 11 years
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:Heads and mass have been lost.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:I would like to see breathing and stamina improved.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:I had my first bulldog at the age of three. Started showing at age 46!!!
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:Balanced, correct conformation, good movement, great temperament, and vigorous health.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:Let's get back that beautiful brick shaped head and better mass, bone and substance.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:Politics are a challenge, as are judges who clearly do not know or understand the standard for our breed.
Barb
Name:Lottie Elliott
State:Ohio
Kennel name:Hurricane Bulldogs
Web site: Hurricane Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned):14 bred by champions, and 3 we did not breed but owned and finished
How long have you been showing: about 12 years
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A: I think the quality of the heads today is not as good, but the overall health and bodies are better. We are seeing more aggression today in some bulldogs-this is a major concern.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A: I still think the limited breathing ability is still a major concern.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A: Got my first bulldog at 16 yrs of age, and started to show around 27 yrs of age.
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:Overall balance, pear shaped body, brick head, straight front and sound movement. A dog that meets the standard.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:I'd like to see more true brick heads.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:Getting crate space and dealing with other exhibitors at indoor shows, and dealing with the heat at outdoor shows.
Lottie
Name: Helen R. DeAmicis
State: New Jersey
Kennel name: Royal Bulldogs
Web site: Royal Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): 6
How long have you been showing: going on 30 years
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:I think they are getting healthier basically but there are too many people now just breeding for profit and not to better the breed.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:The biggest health concern is the allergies and skin problems that are so prevalent today, more so than they were years ago.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:age 44 and started showing at about 46
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:One that conforms to the standard in both size and shape. I particularly like nice big heads, straight wide jaws and the pear shape body.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A: I would hope to see them more to the size of the standard with a lot of the health issues addressed and corrected.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:I just really enjoy the comradeship that the bulldog people seem to have as with other breeds they seem like they want to cut each others throats. It is a challenge sometimes just to get placed and that in itself is a thrill.
Helen
Name: Ben & Pat Rzonca
State: Texas
Kennel name: Rocket City Bulldogs
Web site: Rocket City Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): 23/15 of which are homebred.
How long have you been showing: Since 1997
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:We have not been involved with Bulldogs for 15 years. I would say that in the 9 years that we have been showing Bulldogs, that health concerns have become more important. I would like to think that the breed is healthier overall, than it was when we 1st started showing Bulldogs.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:I think that breathing problems (palates/nostrils/small trachea) are a major concern. These health issues really affects the quality of life as much as anything.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:Now I have to give away my age--LOL...Got our 1st Bulldog when I was still a young 29--LOL..not really..I was 40 years young when we got our 1st Bulldog.
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:We look for good temperament, a Bulldog that fits the standard as close as possible and one that moves well. Mind you, we do not always put an exhibit in the ring that fits that criteria.. but we try.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:I would like to see better fronts and rears.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:LOL---trick question.....the most challenging part of showing Bulldogs, is getting up early on most weekends to get your Bulldog in the ring at 8AM!
Ben and Pat
Name: Melady Geremia
State: California
Kennel name: Geremia's Bulldogs
Web site: Geremias Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): 1 International, working on my 1st AKC.
How long have you been showing: About 8 years.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:I would probably have to say breathing.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:I got my first Bulldog about 12 years ago and started showing about 8 years ago. Do we have to talk about actual age? :)
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:When I choose a puppy as a show prospect, I look for a well balanced sound pup. I want a nice pretty sqaure head, a stout pup with nice rib, short back and 4 nice sound legs. Plus I like a pup with some attitude.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:I would like to see Bulldogs with more overall substance, more overall soundness in movement. I would like to see dogs with more then just a nice head peice.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:Most people started out with a dog they bought and showed and finished. I started with a nice bitch that had what I wanted in a Bulldog, and didn't show her. I started at the bottom and bred my first show dog. I have worked my way up to have what I have today by improving my lines and breeding what I think is a good representative of the breed. It's very hard to do it that way, but every win I get is well deserved and every point I earn is done so by my hard work and I know it was all my doing. The most challenging thing for me earning those points because I know I will have earned them all by myself.
Melady
Name: Glenn Rea
State: Arizona
Kennel name:King Faroook's Bulldogs
Web site: www.arizonabulldogs.com
Champions finished (owner or co owned):
We have finished 16 Bulldogs of which 13 were Homebred.
How long have you been showing: 12 years
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:I think Breeders around the USA have concentrated more on Heads and Top lines. I think the Breed is overall a little better than 15 years ago.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:If I had to choose one issue that is the biggest health concern in the breed, I would pick small tracheas. However, water puppies, pyo, stones, are a few of the problems that come to mind as well.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:I have wanted one from childhood, but I finally got "the TANK" as a gift from my wife Kathy in 1994. (I was 30.)
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:I like overall balance. I like to use "The Rule of 6" meaning 6 different measurements that should be roughly the same. (Proving overall balance) A dog also has to move properly and most of all, have a good head!
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:I think toplines are in need of repair in our breed and also believe the tail is attached to the topline and we need to "find" better tails. I must also say I have seen many "short faced" dogs and I really think a lot of Breeders and Judges don't understand how a foreface should look. "Long Heads Rule!" To quote Randy Rudyk.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:The most challenging task at a dog show is getting my wife to the ring on time to show our dogs! Winning is easy.......
Glenn Rea
Name:Ward McAfee
State: TX
Kennel name: McAfee's Bulldogs
Web site: McAfee's Bulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): 2
How long have you been showing: 6 yrs. Seriously. 10 yrs. Casually.
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:I have been going to shows since 1991 when we got our first bulldog so, I dont know if I quite make the 15 yr time table. But I would say overall that the breed is healthier, sounder. When you were attending a Specialty show years ago you couldnt hear yourself think for the raspy, panting and breathing of the dogs. It wasnt uncommon to see lame dogs that had difficulty gating around the ring then. I would say that the quality confirmationally is better, deeper in the classes here than it was. I do believe the dogs that won consistantly then could certainly win consistantly now.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:I think it is the genetic health concerns that are the biggest concern, because you see breeders willing to take the chance with some of the choices they make that might cause that generation or the next to have some problem. I have to say I am guilty of this as well. We need to strive to try to cleanse the breeding pool, I sometimes think that many of the issues are to deeply seeded to ever be able to totally erase the problems. This being said there is improvement. People are more aware and they try to do the right thing in there breeding programs.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:I was 29 when my wife to be brought home "Sam". First showing experience was in 1995, I was 33.
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:BALANCE. Individual assets that I look for are layback, width of muzzle, topline, rib, bone, eye placement, length of skull, rear and front movement. Not to say I dont look for and notice other attibutes but these come readily to mind.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:Shoulders, Brisket, Length of Skull and Turnup. We are very lacking in both. I am surprised at how many other wise nice dogs that I have seen have such lack of turn of shoulder, with there front legs up underneath them. You very seldom see a dog that has any evidence of Brisket anymore. There are very few dogs that I feel have even adequate length of skull today, try to find a dog the next time you are at the show that has that true Brick shaped Head. We desparately need to improve the turnup of the lower jaw it is the key ingredient of the true sour expression.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:I assume we are talking about being at the dog show. I would say temperature of the room, most of the time it is way to hot for the Bullies. Sometimes the showsites are so crowded there is no room for crating that is anywhere near the show ring. When you show multiple dogs you know what a nightmare this can be.
Ward
Name: Melanie Trichler
State: Washington
Kennel name: MnM's Bulldogs
Web site: mnmbulldogs
Champions finished (owner or co owned): Have owned/co-owned 7 Bulldogs, of which 3 are champions and 1 has obedience and rally titles
How long have you been showing: 11.5 years
Q: How do you think the breed overall compares to just 15 years ago.
A:I can only speak for the last 10 years or so. In that time, I believe that correct heads are still an issue. Overall, proper length of skull is still lacking, and today we are seeing incorrect layback in some dogs as well. 10 years ago, length of back, toplines and tailsets were a big issue, but I think many breeders have done a good job to improve in those areas.
Q: What is the biggest health concern in the breed today, overall speaking.
A:I believe respiratory issues are probably the biggest health concern today. This relates to elongated soft palates, stenotic nares, small tracheas, etc. Because surgery can correct elongated soft palate and stenotic nares, it is often impossible to know if a dog has had corrective surgery. In addition, many breeders aren't honest and continue to show and breed dogs that have had these corrective surgeries, which only perpetuates the problem.
Q: What age did you get your first Bulldog at and what age did you first show.
A:I bought my first Bulldog in May 1994 as a pet. His breeder encouraged me to try showing him and I first stepped into the show ring when he turned six months old in August 1994. I was 21 years old.
Q: What do you look for in a good show Bulldog.
A:Of course, I want it all! I guess one of the first things I am attracted to is a great head, but the rest of the dog must be balanced as well. If you read the breed standard, I want that perfect dog that doesn't exist. Aside from physical conformation, health is a must. I want a Bulldog with absolutely no health issues, one that never requires a trip to the vet. Temperament is also extremely important, as it can make or break the dog. I want a confident, well-socialized, showy dog that gets noticed for all the right reasons.
Q: What do you hope to see improved most in Bulldogs (structure wise) over the next 10 years.
A:Since I've mentioned heads a few times, I suppose that is the general thing I'd like to see improved most. I'd like to see balanced heads with more length of skull, correct layback, and perfect jaws. There are so many details pertaining to the head, and the entire dog for that case, and it's a real challenge to get all the pieces to fit together perfectly. I believe most breeders are making a good effort to make the improvements they need, and hopefully we will see better dogs in the next 10 years.
Q: Besides winning of course, what do you find most challenging at a dog show.
A:Of course, I'm very competitive, and I wouldn't be in the show ring if I didn't want to win. However, the social aspect of dog shows is very important to me, too. Dog shows are a great educational opportunity and I often invite and encourage newer bulldoggers and potential owners to attend a show. I like to make myself available to talk and provide information to these people, and this is probably one of the most challenging things for me when I'm busy preparing to go in the ring. Many non-show people complain that they were snubbed when they attended a show, and I don't want someone to feel that way with me.
Melanie
