Members
Kathie Vogel of Vogelflight Bichons Frises shares her journey in breeding, showing Bichons, and her passion for purebred dogs.
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Kathie Voge
1. I live on our family farm in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with my husband, Billy Keeter, and best friend and co-breeder of 50-plus years, Danielle Ardagna.
Growing up, my family was involved in hunter jumpers, but when my Mother bought her first show dog in the early 1960s (Miniature Schnauzer) I was immediately drawn to the sport and I acquired my first show dog, a German Shepherd Dog. I bred and showed GSDs on a very limited basis, and sadly, lost my last champion last year.
My parents, John and Mary Vogel, bought their first Bichon Frise in the ‘60s when the breed was being exhibited in Rare Breed Matches. They were dedicated to getting this breed “recognized.” My Father was a worker. He served as President of our parent club (BFCA) Board of Directors, and most importantly, our first AKC Breed Standard and onto our Illustrated Standard. In 1973, Bichons became AKC “recognized” and are part of the Non-Sporting Group.
Though both of my parents have passed, Danielle and I still breed and show Bichons and Biewer Terriers. I have owner-handled our bred-by Bichons to BIS & BISS as well as BISSs on our home-bred Biewer Terrier.
Our kennel pre-fix became Vogelflight in 1970. My Father was a navy pilot, and Vogel translates to the word “bird” in the German language.
2. First, the Bichon must be pretty and have a merry temperament! Their expression must be soft, yet portray alertness and intelligence. Never should the expression appear stern or coarse. The silhouette reminds one of a show pony with a lovely arched neck—with the front well under the chest and hindquarters extended. This breed is MODERATE and BALANCED.
3. We prefer to plan a breeding when we have a waiting list. Our experience is the pet bitches are in demand but not the boys. But most breeders agree that the boys are the best to live with!
4. I have not seen much of a positive change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs. Sadly, designer dogs are in high demand. Our all-breed club has Meet & Greet functions periodically, but we don’t attract masses.
5. Trends that turn me off are watching dogs being raced around the ring and breeds being overly trimmed—especially when the Breed Standard states not to!
6. I think it’s great that most clubs now offer “New Exhibitor” information. Another positive is the AKC course, Stewards of Children, that was implemented to awaken our awareness of protecting minors in our sport.
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