Dolores Ferrero | Delphi Boston Terriers

 

Interview with Dolores Ferrero, Breeder of Delphi Boston Terriers

 

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Dolores Ferrero: I currently live in San Ramon, California. I was born into dogs… my mother’s baby shower was held in their handlers’ (soon to be my godparents’) RV. (They called them “campers” then.) I took some time away as a young adult, and came back to the sport 10 years ago in Boston Terriers—my “low maintenance Parti-Color Cocker Spaniels.” We bred our first Boston litter in 2017, and our most recent last December.

 

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Dolores Ferrero: We’re using my father’s kennel name: Delphi. He was a high school English teacher, and he loved the ancient Greek literature. Delphi was the center of the universe in Greek mythology, and our Boston Terriers are certainly the center of our universe. We’ve currently got six dogs
at home.

 

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Dolores Ferrero: One of the many Cocker Spaniels I shared my stroller and my playpen with was BIS CH Treasure Hill’s Masterpiece (Matt).

 

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Dolores Ferrero: Our Bostons are typically born via C-section, and we’re fortunate to have a sensational reproductive veterinarian whom we partner with on that piece. They’re raised in our living room, and we’re with the mother and puppies 24/7 for the first four weeks. We follow Puppy Culture protocols to ensure their best possible start.

 

What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?

Dolores Ferrero: We evaluate them against our Breed Standard with our mentors at 6, 8 and 12 weeks old, with lots of photographs and video. Puppy Culture teaches us a TON about who they are socially/emotionally, and where they’ll fit the best as adults.

 

At what age do I place puppies in show homes? In Performance homes?

Dolores Ferrero: Our puppies go home between 12 and 14 weeks old.

 

Does my breed require any special preparation for competing in Conformance or Performance Events?

Dolores Ferrero: No.

 

Do I compete in Performance Events? If not, do these competitive arenas interest you?

Dolores Ferrero: All of our Boston Terriers participate in Coursing Ability and Fast CAT. Before John’s knees disallowed it, he trained and competed in Agility with two of our girls. I am training one of our boys for Rally.

 

In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?

Dolores Ferrero: Overall, I think we’re in decent condition and headed the right direction. I’m not sure our breed is as well understood as some of the more popular and exotic breeds. On the flip side, we’re not as subject to the damage that comes when a popular/exotic breed is exploited in an attempt to profit from its popularity.

 

Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Dolores Ferrero: We test for congenital deafness, for juvenile cataracts and other potentially hereditary eye issues, and for luxating patellas. We do feed our dogs raw, but they’re not nearly as picky/finicky as I initially believed. We have found that while feeding a clean diet won’t eliminate the gas that Bostons are famous for, it does make them far less… fragrant.

 

Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Dolores Ferrero: Boston Terriers are one of the most versatile family dogs. They live to be with their humans, and will pretty much adapt to whatever their humans want from them… and what we learn through the Puppy Culture experience helps us pair our dogs with some pretty amazing families.

We have one boy with an “almost empty nest” couple who enjoys being their only child, another with a pair of teenagers who describe him as a “master secret keeper,” a girl who enjoys her roles as assistant gardener and sous chef with her semi-retired humans (and playing dress up with their grandchildren), and another who helps foster dogs and children feel safe and loved in their new home.

 

Is my breed a good choice as a Performance competitor? If so, in which events?

Dolores Ferrero: Absolutely. Our Bostons have performed successfully in a wide variety of arenas, including Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, and Scent Work.

 

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Dolores Ferrero: The biggest misconception is that because Bostons are brachycephalic, they can’t breathe, and that they can’t tolerate exercise. Not true! One of our girls was clocked sprinting 27 MPH on a Fast CAT run, and she doesn’t even hold the speed record for Bostons.

 

If I could share one suggestion with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them about my breed?

Dolores Ferrero: The words “square” and “balance” appear in our Breed Standard repeatedly. Square is used seven times. Balance is used five. They matter.

 

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Are you looking for a Boston Terrier puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

 

Want to help rescue and re-home a Boston Terrier dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

 

Boston Terrier Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the bright Boston Terrier dog breed with articles and information in our Boston Terrier Breed Magazine.

 

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