Page 250 - ShowSight - February 2020

THE
BERGER PICARD
1. Where do you live? What do you do “outside” of dogs?
2. In popularity, The Berger Picard is currently ranked #144 out of 192 AKC-recognized breeds. Do you hope this will change or are you comfortable with his placement? Do these numbers help or hurt the breed?
3. Does the average person on the street recognize him for what he is?
4. Although he’s a tremendously hard-working dog with great power and stamina, he’s highly valued as a companion. What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house?
5. A dog with strong herding instinct requires a special household to be a perfect fit. What about the breed makes him an ideal companion? Drawbacks?
6. Are there any misconceptions about the breed you’d like to dispel?
7. What special challenges do breeders face in our current eco- nomic and social climate?
8. At what age do you start to see definite signs of show-worthi- ness (or lack thereof)?
9. What is the most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind?
10. What’s the best way to attract newcomers to your breed and to the sport?
11. What is your ultimate goal for the breed?
12. What is your favorite dog show memory?
13. Is there anything else you’ d like to share about the breed? Please elaborate.
DONNA BEADLE
Donna Beadle has been show- ing and breeding dogs under the Eclipse moniker for more than 20 years. First with German Shep- herd Dogs and for the last 12 years, Berger Picards. Her dogs are well-decorated in the sport and Beadle has bred or owned the No. 1 Berger Picard in the Breed standings ever since the breed was accepted in AKC. Beadle is a United Kennel Club judge and
resides in Minnesota.
I live in Minnesota. I love motorsports and I’m a bodybuilder. Do I hope the breed’s popularity will change or am I comfort-
able with the placement? I’d prefer they stay a best-kept secret. This is not a dog for everyone and the more popularity, the more chance the dogs end up in wrong homes.
Does the average person on the street recognize the breed? The biggest question I get asked is, “What kind of dog is that?” Some of the guesses people have are funny.
What qualities in the field also come in handy around the house? They’re incredibly intelligent so they pick up things quickly. Crate training and housebreaking are normally really easy.
What about the breed makes them an ideal companion? I love the breed because they are challenging. They’re not as biddable as the GSD and they can be incredibly stubborn. I like being able to understand what motivates each of my dogs. They also have the best sense of humor and are so funny. They make me laugh everyday, even when they’re being naughty.
Are there any misconceptions about the breed I’d like to dispel? A well-bred dog from a responsible breeder is not aggressive. They got a bad wrap when they first got here because many of the folks who had them were new to dogs and didn’t understand that they’re just not a cute face. This is a hardwired herder that is smart. They need an owner that is firm and can be their leader, if not you see inappropriate behavior.
What special challenges do breeders face in our current econom- ic and social climate? Vet costs are atrocious where I live and there’s too many people who believe the BS the animal rights activists feed into the mainstream media. I’m tired of great, responsible breeders being clumped in with puppy mills and backyard breeders when it comes to state policies. I would love to see way more of a lobby for breeders and the purebred dog and a major educational campaign on why folks should purchase from great breeders. It amazes me how folks determine their next family pet. They’re so uninformed on making such a major decision.
At what age do I start to see definite signs of show-worthiness? I actually start evaluating at five weeks. Normally by six months, I know if it’s a great one.
The most important thing about the breed for a new judge to keep in mind? This breed was bred to be wary of strangers so the examine can be difficult for them. Especially a young dog. Stop coming at them from the side and with hands over the head. That’s general dog knowledge but it happens more than it should. If a young dog is having a meltdown, don’t force it. Just excuse or let it gait around the ring and then excuse. I’ve seen too many judges push way too much. This is not the breed to do that to.
The best way to attract newcomers to my breed and to the sport? I don’t find the Picard to be the best first show dog. I think newcom- ers should work with something that’s a bit more push-button and move their way up to a Picard.
My ultimate goal for the breed? I want to breed healthy, well- tempered dogs that not only do well in the show ring but with any- thing their owner desires. Whether that be the best pet or perfor- mance or therapy work.
My favorite dog show memory? Probably finding out our bitch Eclipse’s One N Only won the first Best in Show for the breed. I was
“I’D PREFER THEY STAY A BEST-KEPT SECRET.
This is not a dog for everyone and the more popularity, the more chance the dogs end up in wrong homes.”
248 • ShowSight Magazine, February 2020