Franne Berez
1. My 45-year affair with Bull Terriers began when I named my kennel after my father’s business, Action Industries, especially to honor the fact that we always shared the same passionate and focused personality. My dog addiction is his fault! Additionally, due to the fact that Bull Terriers are always in motion; well, the name Action is just so apt. I am so blessed to say that since 1980 I have bred 12 all-breed BIS winners, 10 Silverwood winners (the pinnacle placement for all North American BT breeders), 9 Lovell Trophy winners (runner-up to Silverwood winner), almost 100 ROM champions (BTCA Recognition of Merit champions, ROMs are awarded on BISS wins by breeder-specialist judges), a World Show Breed winner, and a Crufts Breed winner. In 2020, I was awarded the Bar Sinister Award for meritorious service to my breed by the BTCA, our parent Club. This year, I was awarded 2024 Terrier Breeder of the Year by the Santa Barbara Kennel Club. I moved to San Diego in 2019 after working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in my own integrative medicine family practice for 35 years. I thought I would retire, but I am just as passionate about my functional medicine career. So, I now do telemedicine.
2. I think the breed is in wonderful shape at this time, as there is great consistency in the top winners and very few pets at the shows. Breeders seem to be breeding to our Breed Standard. New breeders are as committed to producing healthy animals and testing prior to breeding as those who have been at it for a long time. Our BTCA members are focused on finding the best homes available. Recently, some are even skipping breeding as it is challenging to find committed families. Our breed requires training and exercise to be the best possible pets. They should not be left at home eight hours daily to their own devices. I was attracted to this breed many years ago due to its energetic, upbeat, and fun-loving temperament and because it is a breed that is basically owner-handled.
3. We have a large number of breed specialists who judge, and many Specialty weekends around the country. We have a wonderful community and we mentor and encourage each other. We have recently lost many of our Specialty judges as they are aging, retiring, or not financially able to continue judging as the number of entries at our Specialty shows were diminished after COVID. We brought on a few multi-breed judges who showed a fierce interest in our breed and that has been working well. For a relatively small breed, we are garnering more awards in the all-breed world. Some of our newcomers are also getting involved in other breeds, along with their Bullies, and joining the all-breed community. I have been breeding for 45 years and breeding has always been my focus. I am concerned about the dwindling numbers of class animals. Most of the entries are in the Specials classes and people are showing longer to get more awards. I do wonder where they are finishing their animals, as the number of class animals drops.
4. For me, Montgomery is about preserving tradition. Starting out in 1980 and living near Philadelphia, I went every year. It was the most exciting show, especially when our breed won. Watching Cathy Kirk and Rufus float around the ring, with the Bull Terrier fanciers cheering, will be in my mind forever! I have not participated since moving to the West Coast because our National and Silverwood are usually a few days after, and logistically it’s too far to do both. I personally miss the fall atmosphere and the drive through the mountains that I did for over 35 years to get to Montgomery.
5. Feelings about the Internet… It has been wonderful in exposing us to dogs and their owners all around the world. I am concerned about people doing pedigree and photo breedings to dogs they have never met. This was the impetus in starting Team USA, to compete annually in the international shows in Holland. With new flight restrictions, though, it has been harder and harder to continue, but I feel this is a great way to meet dogs from 20 countries in one place and will keep attending, even without a dog. The Internet also has had the drawback of cyber bullying, but our Board has risen to the occasion with a new code of ethics which has the potential to control this situation.
6. The biggest challenges facing the dog show community today actually have a lot to do with the changes in society. Today’s youth are used to instant gratification, and have too much dependency on the Internet and social media vs. actually spending the time and effort to go and put hands on top Bull Terriers. Hard work and time commitments to breeding dogs is not as attractive as other outlets for their free time. If one finds a good mentor, that could be adequate to get a newcomer to the point where they will be gratified with winning and learn to lose graciously.
7. In our breed, performance has helped. As the sporting community is on the rise, people find outlets for their dogs and enjoyment in other arenas. This has been especially good for our breed, which is active and likes to be involved socially.
