q&a
4. Any parts of the standard need clarification? I believe the atypical “designer colors” should be a disqualification. 5. Which health issues concern you as judge and/or as a breeder ? Healthy and sound dogs are of primary importance in both breeding and judging. 6. What are the most controversial judging topics for this breed? How do you address them? Length of tail and degree of topline wheel. I believe there is an “acceptable range” on all features and try to reward dogs that have features nearest the center of that range. However, I do not feel that a single feature should necessarily eliminate an otherwise correct dog from placements. 7. Some say this breed has changed well beyond its original purposes. Do you agree? I find this to be ignorance of the breed. The original mixed-breed dogs that “baited bulls” were butchers, mas- tiff-like dogs that evolved to the make and shape of the current Bulldog. There are many examples of winning dogs from the 1800s that would be competitive today. 8. What do handlers do in presentation that you wish they would not? Handlers are often overboard with “cool coats”—ice, wet towels, etc.—creating the impression that Bulldogs are unsound and fragile. 9. What traits do you see popping up these days that are going in the wrong direction? What’s getting better? I believe the Bulldogs in the ring are healthier than they have ever been. The best breeders are taking advantage of health testing, using chilled or frozen semen to select quality rather than using only local dogs for breeding. 10. Describe ideal Bulldog movement and its impor- tance in judging. Reach straight in front and move closer in the rear. The correct pear-shaped body with the rear legs higher than the front and a correct wheel back give the Bulldog a characteristic roll. This is a breed characteristic and should be present on any winning dog. 11. What previously campaigned Bulldog come close to your ideal? Please explain. CH Dygro’s Gilbert and CH Miss American Pie were two of my favorites in the 1970s. 12. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? The dog world is much smaller today and North Ameri- can Bulldogs compare favorably with others around the world. An example would be the 2015 World Show and associated specialties where the Best of Breed dogs were from, England, Mexico and the US. 13. Do you have anything else to share? The Bulldog is not unhealthy! Although the have differ- ent shape and proportions than many other breeds they are sound dogs with good movement.
them. I see the dogs are breathing much better in the ring than forty years ago. 9. Describe ideal Bulldog movement and its impor- tance in judging. My opinion about gait is very simple. Gait only receives 3 points in the standard. I say if they are lame, excuse them; if not, judge their conformation. The standard does a good job of describing the gait. Exhibitors who know me as a judge will not bring me a lame dog. They know they will be excused. 10. What previously campaigned Bulldog come close to your ideal? Please explain. I consider the nearest to the standard was CH Minnesota Fats of Kelley Road. He won the BCA National three times, starting in 1970. He had great Bulldog type, head piece, top line and all the other important characteristics. 11. How does the breed in North America compare to other parts of the world? From my experience of judging in a few other countries besides North America, I have not seen a dog that could
be very competitive against our top dogs. 12. Do you have anything else to share?
Bulldogs are among the best as lovable pets; however, they do require more care than some breeds. If you want a Bulldog, do your homework and try to visit with a suc- cessful breeder or two. Be aware that a lot of promotion on the internet may not, necessarily, be as it seems. ROBIN L. STAN SELL
1. In order, name the five most important traits you look for in the ring. 1. Soundness! 2. Correct head—square head, broad straight jaw, open nostrils and dark tight eyes. 3. Correct body—broad shoulders, heavy bone and correct “wheel” topline.
4. Correct vigorous gait—moderate angulation with straight reach in front and correct characteristic roll. 5. Correct temperament—kind, but calm and dignified. 2. Are there any unforgivable faults in the Bulldog breed? Restricted or labored breathing. 3. What, if anything, do you feel non-breeder judges get wrong about the breed? Some reward a short “two-plane” head rather than those with a square “laid-back” skull.
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