Anna Dolegiewicz
1. I started raising puppies in 2009 after my husband, Bish, passed away. My kennel, Bish Bulldogs, is named after him. My late husband was a three-time Olympian in the shot put and a World’s Strongest Man competitor. He was also my coach while I was training for the Olympics. Bish would quote a world record discus thrower as saying, “Inch by inch is a cinch; yard by yard is hard.” Bish instilled within me to do a little better each time in anything you seek to do. Before you know it, you will be accomplishing great things. When I first started out as a breeder, I became very bored with just producing “pet quality.” I set out to research how to breed the absolute best Bulldog possible. Bish taught me that if you’re going to take someone’s advice, look to who is the absolute best in their field.
I attribute the success of a good breeding program to my mentor, Shar Kynaston, who has helped guide me to always do the right thing as a breeder. Shar taught by example, whose theory was: “It takes more guts to breed quality, not quantity.” Shar led with a program focused on health and temperament, first and foremost.
I credit my mentor for teaching me not to just look at a dog but rather look at grandma and grandpa. I feel blessed to have the quality that I have today, because of the breeders in the past who have come before me who have tirelessly worked to better their program. I am grateful that I was able to get a quality foundation bitch from Thomas McIntire/Connie Chambers/Cody Sickle. When choosing a stud for my girls, I not only look at the sire, and their parents, but I also look at the breeders themselves. I respect the breeders who have a reputation for healthy, quality dogs. It was an honor to be able to use the studs from Connie Chambers, Cody Sickle, Liz Karshner, and Betsy Love, who have all really dedicated their lives to improving the breed.
2. Bulldogs can be very athletic. They were originally bred for the sport of bullbaiting. One of my girls belonged to a marathon runner and was able to run 3-4 miles with her owner. Excellent breathing and good tracheas are things that I have always tried to focus on with my breeding practices. The Bulldog should be full of vigor and strength.
3. Within limits. I feel like there are families that want a puppy but may delay getting a puppy due to their situation with a job and life. It is important to make sure you are careful as a breeder not to exceed the demand for puppies.
4. I am a little old school with my breeding practices and believe in a good solid foundation. Like a pyramid, the stronger your base is the higher your top end can be. Raising good dogs comes from generations over time that are healthy and represent the breed well. The Bulldog Club of America’s programs like Health Ambassador and Health Pioneer, if implemented by reputable breeders, can ensure the betterment of the breed. I was asked to be a part of the health testing for cystinuria before the test was available to the public. My veterinarian has sent in puppies for evaluation for the ongoing research in anasarca. I have used progesterone testing, AI, TCI, and surgical inseminations along with c-sections. There is an embryo transfer technology that the reproductive veterinarian in our area (Dr. Carl Pew at South Mountain Reproductive Clinic) has spoken about that I may consider trying. It is a procedure done mainly in equine but not really in a lot in canines. Dr. Pew is also a dog show judge. With a nice bitch, you would take her eggs and time the heat with the recipient bitch to use as a surrogate.
5. Education to the community that you can have a healthy Bulldog if you seek out a reputable breeder who breeds and upholds the Breed Standard is critical. Rescue is just as important as breeding. If a breeder strays from the Standard then there are more unhealthy and unwanted dogs. It is also important that an ethical breeder support rescue. I like to consider myself a preservation breeder. I feel that when one pours their heart and soul into the breed that you cannot help but love them and want to protect what the breed is meant to be. The public’s perception that Bulldogs are not athletic or healthy is due mainly to the breeding practices that go against the Breed Standard.
6. There are more dogs being produced that are a disqualification to the breed than those who are breeding for the Standard. Many veterinarians are not even aware that it is a concern and an issue with our breed. It is important to stand up and be a voice for the breed and what it is supposed to represent.
7. A positive change is Bulldoggers cheering each other on, even as competitors. It is nice to get together after the Specialties for dinner with friends.
