Mary Schroeder and Iva Oran are the breeders behind the Fleetfire and Noveheart French Bulldogs. Read about their dogs, champions, and more!
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Mary Schroeder lives in Littleton, Colorado, and Iva Oran lives in Broomfield, Colorado. Mary has been a breeder for over 50 years and Iva has been a breeder for 13 years. Mary is a breeder of Merit, AKC Judge and Mentor. I am thankful to Mary for being my mentor and co-owner.
Iva Oran: Fleetfire and Noveheart are our kennel names. Back in the 1990s, Mary had her kennel name, MARIANETTE Frenchies, a beautiful line that shouldn’t be forgotten. We have eight dogs. (Three are our oldies.)
Fleetfire Iron Man goes back to some very influential French Bulldog lines that helped shape the breed: Cox’s, Sonlit, Jaguar’s, Jimmy Lee’s, Twin Lake, and Bandog. Fleetfire Iron Man was studded very limited.
Ch. Amron Absolut Tin Man, father of Fleetfire Wizard of Ahhs, who went back to great dogs of the past: Cox’s, Jaguars, Citadel. and Adam’s.
CH Starlit Mesa Falco Heart comes from a line-bred pedigree that goes back to Smokey Valley, Twin Lakes, and Daystar. He is the sire of “Clara.”
GCHB Fleetfire Novaheart Loki of Mischief is a breeding out of Iron Man and Clara Heart. “Loki” has many great traits of the French Bulldog; roach topline, square head, cobby, bat ears, and beautiful silhouette, and he has the correct four-track gait with reach and drive. Loki has produced three beautiful pups.
CH Novaheart One in Million was an outstanding bitch and made herself known in the show ring. Clara is the mother of Loki. Novaheart Garden of Eden is the mother of Clara. Even though “Eden” didn’t like to show, she was a great producer and passed all her health testing.
CH Novaheart Fab Bombshell Hedy Bertha has many great traits of the French Bulldog; roach topline, cobby, bat ears, and beautiful silhouette, and she has the correct four-track gait with reach and drive.
“Hedy” has produced three beautiful pups with Loki. Manilee Raisin Can Flarepath was Mary’s first bitch. This was a moment when Mary was able to reach out to Hercel & Doris Cox and breed “Raisin” to CH Cox’s Goodtime Charlie Brown.
Iva Oran: French Bulldogs do have to be whelped by C-section, so timing is crucial for the date of delivery. Our vet works closely with us. Our pups are raised at home in a whelping box lined with vet fleece, heating pad, and lots of care and love. Our French Bulldog moms have been amazing with caring for their pups. We put a lot of time and care into making sure our French Bulldogs are fed well, socialized, up to date with vaccines, and microchipped.
Iva Oran: Mary and I hold onto our pups for 16 weeks—even six months. We look for bone, substance, topline, square head, square front, cobby, movement, and a showy personality. When we need help choosing a show prospect, we can rely on some good friends/breeders who have been in the breed for a while; Sheree Leger with ByDezyne French Bulldogs, Kim Thomas from Concord, Carolea Hawkins from Sonlit, Sandy Fox with Fox Cayon’s, and Cretia Ridderikhoff with Mon Ange.
Iva Oran: We wait until about 16 weeks to place our puppies. If there are show prospects, we co-own and watch to see how the pups turn out.
Iva Oran: Preparation includes learning the Breed Standard, and going to Conformation classes.
Iva Oran: No, we do not compete in Performance events. The French Bulldog is a Non-Sporting breed, and can be quite lazy.
Iva Oran: The French Bulldog can have some health issues, so by finding a good breeder you can have a dog in good condition. With the popularity growing with French Bulldogs, it’s not difficult to find a reputable and responsible breeder. It’s staying away from the fad-color breeders.
Iva Oran: French Bulldogs can be prone to having spine, hip, and breathing issues. We have not had any French Bulldogs that have had special food needs.
Iva Oran: French Bulldogs were bred to be companion dogs. They are amazing family dogs, indeed.
The best candidates? Interesting question. Everyone! French Bulldogs are a loveable-goofy dog. You just fall in love with the French Bulldog breed.
Iva Oran: Probably not, but you never know.
Iva Oran: People say that French Bulldogs can’t hike. If you know your French Bulldog’s limits, some can hike. The best-kept secret is that with French Bulldogs, you can’t have just one.
Iva Oran: Oh gosh, I would say how goofy the French Bulldog can be. In the ring, it’s amusing just watching the sweet-goofy expressions.
Iva Oran: Look at the overall structure of the French Bulldog. Don’t just focus on the head. Look for movement, topline, bone, and substance. It’s about finding a balanced dog that meets the Breed Standard.
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.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the playful French Bulldog dog breed with articles and information in our French Bulldog Breed Magazine.
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