Interview with Non-Sporting Group Breeder Perry Payson
Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?
Perry Payson: I live in Bixby, Oklahoma. I was 11 years old when I bought my first show dog, which was a beautiful Doberman bitch named “Gina.” I bred her when I was 12, so I’ve been doing this for almost 50 years!
What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?
Perry Payson: My kennel name is Goldshield. Right now, there are four French Bulldogs and one Boston Terrier living with me.
Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?
Perry Payson: I’ve taken many Rottweilers to the No. 1 ranking, and it would be difficult to single out any particular one. In Frenchies, I campaigned a No. 1 dog named “Dante.” Two years later, I showed his son, “Brew,” and he set a record by becoming the first French Bulldog to win the Westminster Non-Sporting Group in 2014. Currently, I’m showing “Winston,” GCHG Fox Canyon’s I Won the War at Goldshield, bred and owned by Alex Vorbeck, Sandy Fox, Morgan Fox, and myself. He’s currently No.1 dog all-breed and is an absolute joy.
Which have been my most influential sires and dams?
Perry Payson: In Rottweilers, I owned a spectacular bitch named CH Fines Ciara Von Covenant CD who was the No. 1 producer in 1996. Her daughter, CH Von Boylan’s Trista CDX, took after her dam and was named as top producer in 1999.
In Frenchies, my dog, “Dreamy,” GCH BIS, BISS Goldshield’s Catch a Dream De La Rive Gauche (Winston’s sire), received the Gold Production Award from the French Bulldog Club of America. Dreamy’s dam, GCH Robobull Goldshield Just a Dreams, “Dream,” won the brood bitch class at the Frenchie National.
Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?
Perry Payson: My dogs live in my home. There is no kennel. I designed my living areas as well as my outdoor space and gardens specifically to create an amazing environment for my dogs and visitors.
What is my “process” for selecting show puppies? At what age do I make my decisions?
Perry Payson: It’s a constant evaluation from the day they are born until they are either kept or placed.
How do I prepare my pups for the show ring? Does my breed require any special preparation?
Perry Payson: As the puppies start weaning, they get lots of socialization during feedings and playtime. My co-breeders and I do everything possible to get them used to all sorts of sounds, sensations, and situations.
Can I share my thoughts on how my breed is currently presented in the show ring?
Perry Payson: Presentation is specific, and tailored to each individual dog.
Are there any health-related concerns within my breed? Any special nutritional needs?
Perry Payson: All of the major brands offer high-quality food, and I stay away from the high-protein diets. I prefer Purina Pro Plan. In Frenchies, you have to watch out for spine, patella, and soft palate issues.
In my opinion, is my breed in good condition overall. Any trends that warrant concern?
Perry Payson: I’m seeing good, healthy dogs from those who are dedicated to breeding and showing them. But, with our breed reaching No. 2 in AKC popularity, the pet population of Frenchies is experiencing more health problems, especially when bred without proper health testing and clearances.
Is my breed well-suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?
Perry Payson: Frenchies make delightful pets, but they must be placed in a home where they will live as pets, not exposed to hot temperatures, and are treated solely as indoor companion dogs.
Do I feel that my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?
Perry Payson: Yes.
For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Non-Sporting Dog?
Perry Payson: I was in the airport last week, and Winston ran up to a group of young women softball players and greeted them one by one as they waited in a line for him. He made it his business to meet and entertain each one of them.
