Page 272 - ShowSight - January 2020
P. 272
Non-Sporting Q & A
“The biggest misconception about the breed is that they can’t run and play like other dogs or do agility due to the brachycephalic head. However, with our great breeding standards these days, Bulldogs are exceptional athletes and do a great job in many competitive sports available.”
Krista Nuovo-Roe continued
How does my breed rank in popularity among other Non Sport- ing breeds? We tank at the lower end of popularity and recently became an AKC low entry breed.
Does my breed get its fair share of attention in the Group? I do believe that Schipperkes do get their fair share of recognition in the group—their unique, distinct, tailless silhouette and energetic, upbeat attitude commands attention.
The biggest misconception about the breed is that they are so cute and one must have them. However, Schipperke s are really more of a breed for an experienced dog person.
What can my parent club do to increase awareness and popular- ity of my breed? Absolutely nothing! I do not want to see this breed become overly popular.
The largest health concern facing my breed today? Generally speaking, Schipperkes are a very hardy, healthy, long-living breed. However, alopecia and mps3b are some more recent issues that have appeared in the breed. Fortunately, a genetic marker for mps3b was found and is no longer a threat.
Any trends I see in my breed that I believe need to continue or stopped? Two really good trends that need to continue, overall tem- perament has really improved since my childhood and movement for the most part is better overall. I think we are seeing a trend of long in loin and short on leg—not correct for a breed that calls for a square silhouette.
I owe the most to Anne K. Smith, who was my Schipperke men- tor and breeder. Unfortunately, I was in my teens when she passed. I did not have one mentor but instead listened and observed more experienced long term top breeders.
The biggest pitfall when I often see new judging of Schip’s is often a judge simply putting up the biggest coat in the ring, often over looking the best Schipperke which may be a bitch with a tight- er fitting coat.
One of my funniest experiences actually takes me off show grounds. It started at the dog show when I chose to wear a suit with no pockets, well, I have a self-stacking, kind of a hands-off, baiting breed. I had no place to put my liver. Another lady handler said, “Roll it in the top of your pantyhose.” So I rolled that huge chunk of liver in my hose.
I left the show shortly after with a coffee in hand. Down that road I traveled suddenly needed a pit stop, of course there wasn’t one, so I had to continue driving.
Finally, I see a rest area, I pull in my eyes had already turned yellow, I jump out of my car and run past some lady red hats and everyone I could—the rest room was full but I see an open door. I run in, rip my hose down and out flies this hunk of liver.
Oh boy, did I hear gasps and comments as it bounced from under my stall and down to who knows where it finally stopped. I imagined at this point liver was not what they thought was bounc- ing across the floor.
I stayed in my stall giggling as they all ran out and gathered around the sink asking each other, “Did you see that?”
JAIME VASQUEZ
I reside in Dal- las, Texas and I have 12 years of showing Bulldogs.
I had Bulldogs for 20 years as pets, but wanted a healthy dog with minimal health issues so adopted a health tested female Bull-
dog and decided to show her in AKC shows. I took handling lessons and started winning with her and championed her and that is all it took and got addicted to the sport of showing pure bred dogs.
As a hobby breeder, I breed every two to three years. It is dif- ficult because of my medical practice and duties of a physician. The level of health testing required for great healthy Bulldogs is a chal- lenge but a must to further the breed in existence with quality.
My breed described in three words: loving, loyal and funny.
How does my breed rank in popularity among other Non Sport- ing breeds? Usually top of five of all breeds and a close second in group with the French Bulldog.
Does my breed get its fair share of attention in the Group? I believe that for the most part judges give a good look at the Bulldog in the group. However, it is difficult at times to compete with the “fluff” of the other breeds in some judges eyes.
The biggest misconception about the breed is that they can’t run and play like other dogs or do agility due to the brachycephalic head. However, with our great breeding standards these days, Bull- dogs are exceptional athletes and do a great job in many competitive sports available.
What can my parent club do to increase awareness and popular- ity of my breed? Bulldog Club of America is always on top of any problem related to the breed. They are always premier in handling all the positive as well as negative PR from the public. They are always creating information for the public about the breed both in social media and at AKC sanctioned shows.
The largest health concern facing my breed today? Many of the old health concerns have been addressed in health testing and the Bulldog today is a much “sounder” Bullie than in previous years. There is always room for improvement and as a breeder I am always striving to breed to the standard and breeding for the best quality Bulldog for myself to show as well as for pet homes of America.
There have been many people who influenced me down the path of breeding and showing. The list is endless! It does take a village! Lucky Watson has given me so much knowledge from his experi- ence and the depth of information for creating the best Bully! I owe him a big thanks!
The biggest pitfall in educating new judges is that the Bulldog is unique compared to other breeds. While many attributes are shared
264 • ShowSight Magazine, January 2020