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Donna Beadle of Eclipse Berger Picards shares 20 years of breeding insight, health advocacy, and views on breed standards.
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Donna Beadle
1. I’ve been showing and breeding for 20 years under the name Eclipse. I bred GSDs (German Shepherd Dog) first and now Berger Picards. We’re located outside Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2. We need to have griffonage (bangs and a beard), prick ears, big black noses, a rustic wiry coat, and a “J” hook tail. That’s what makes a Picard, a Picard.
3. Yes, I’ve had no problems finding homes, and we always have a waitlist.
4. I do whatever health testing I can and run a Facebook page where breeders can share health concerns. It’s unfortunate that most folks are not open about what they’re seeing in their lines. I tell all, as I feel it’s important. As breeders, we can learn from one another.
5. Doodles are the rage, which is sad as they’re mutts bred by people for money.
6. Dysfunctional parent clubs seem to be a trend. The AKC (American Kennel Club) needs to become more involved to make sure they’re running appropriately. I know so many wonderful folks who won’t become, or aren’t allowed to be, members of their parent club. The Internet and club politics have made them pretty irrelevant. The clubs need members more than people need the club.
7. Honestly, I can’t think of one. I think dwindling numbers are showing we’re not going in the right direction.
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