Jay Shen
1. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and have been involved with dogs for 24 years. Over the years, I have owned and shown different breeds, including several Non-Sporting breeds. As a breeder, I have been breeding Bulldogs and French Bulldogs for the past 17 years under the kennel name Bluemount.
To date, I have bred and owned over 50 Champions, including 18 American Champions. I have had Best in Show winners in four different breeds – Bulldog, Boxer, Chow Chow, and French Bulldog – along with Best in Specialty Show winners and Group-winning dogs. Our dogs have been shown all across Canada and the US, earning prestigious wins at National Specialties, Westminster Kennel Club, and AKC National Championship.
Our Chow Chow “Desi,” GCHS Eastern Magic Desperado, is currently being campaigned in the US with Michael Brantley. Desi was the Number One Non-Sporting Dog for 2024 – the first time in 40 years that a Chow has topped the Non-Sporting Group in AKC.
2. Bulldogs are known for their broad, square (viewed from the front), and brick-shaped (view from the side) head, complete with a massive upsweeping underjaw. They also feature a pear-shaped body with a roach back (also termed wheel-back) topline, and their unique rolling gait. French Bulldogs are compact, muscular dogs with a square head, signature bat ears, and a distinctive silhouette that also includes a roach back. Maintaining breed type is essential for preserving breed integrity and ensuring both breeds remain true to their history and purpose.
3. In the last year or two, selling puppies has become more difficult, especially with the overpopulation of French Bulldogs. The rise of unethical breedings focused on fad colors has flooded the market. Many people are drawn to these non-standard colors without understanding the serious health and structural risks. As a responsible breeder, we should focus on producing quality dogs that adhere to the Breed Standard, ensuring they are placed in homes that appreciate and respect the true essence of the breed.
4. I actively utilize modern technology to improve breeding outcomes, including health testing, progesterone testing, and AI, as well as semen analysis and management. In terms of communication, social media and other digital platforms allow me to connect with fellow breeders, educate potential owners, and highlight my dogs’ accomplishments in the ring.
5. Yes, there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of responsible breeding. More people are recognizing the value of working with preservation breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and the Breed Standard. However, there are still misconceptions, particularly around fad colors and unethical breeding practices, which highlight the ongoing need for education.
6. More major shows are increasingly live-streamed, allowing dog lovers, breeders, and potential exhibitors to watch and learn from top competitions. This visibility is also helping to promote the sport and educate the public about purebred dogs.
One growing concern is the impact of external regulations. With increased attention on breeding practices and animal welfare laws, responsible breeders and exhibitors need to stay informed and engaged to ensure that ethical breeding and showing remain protected.
7. It’s great to see more and more reputable breeders and exhibitors use online platforms to share educational content promoting health testing, better breeding, and breed preservation. Thanks to increased media coverage and public outreach, more people are discovering dog shows and learning about responsible dog ownership. Major events like Westminster and the AKC National Championship now offer high-quality live broadcasts, making dog shows more accessible to the public and drawing new interest to the sport.
