We asked the following questions to people in the purebred Berger Picard community. Here are some responses.
1. Full Name? How many years in purebred Berger Picards? Do you judge? Also tell us a little about yourself. What you do outside of dogs?
2. Who was your mentor? What did he/she teach you that you value most highly?
3. What is the biggest health concern facing the breed today, if any?
4. What’s more important to you, a win at an all-breed show or at a Specialty?
5. What’s your favorite dog show memory?
6. Anything else you would like to share?
Donna Beadle
I’m a UKC Licensed Judge. I have 10 years in Picards. I do Public Relations and am a bodybuilder.
Debbie Butt and Amanda Giles have been wonderful mentors. They taught me what it takes to have a top show dog.
The biggest health concern facing the breed today is PRA. We don’t have a test to know who is carrying it like other breeds.
What’s more important to me, a win at an all-breed show or at a Specialty: both. They are different. I like a dog that can win at either.
My favorite dog show memory is when only and her daughter Busy went Breed and Select at Westminster. We had another dog named Focus also take a Select.
We encourage respected breeders to talk about the breed more in depth so please do feel free to do so.
We are featuring purebred Berger Picard for two reasons: 1) To Educate 2) To showcase our breeders.
Denise Dean
I have five years in purebred Berger Picards and I judge two groups.
I’ve been a dog groomer for 50+ years with my own shop. I live up in the mountains of Arizona near Flagstaff. Outside of dogs, I enjoy fishing and hunting!
Many years ago my main mentor was Lois Hillman, she was the president of the Collie Club of America, and taught me all about dog shows, breeding , etc.
We test for hips, eyes, hearts but my biggest concern in not a health problem but temperament, this breed has a long way to go on that front but basically healthy.
What’s more important to me, a win at an all-breed show or at a Specialty: the National is really the most important and then depending on the size specialties. All breeds are fun but a BIS does not really tell you it is a good one in the breed.
My favorite dog show memory is winning the 1988 National BOB with my Owner, breeder, handled Bernese Mountain Dog “Sparky”, a once in a lifetime dog!
We encourage respected breeders to talk about the breed more in depth so please do feel free to do so. This is a very different breed, not at all what they look like, a very serious livestock guardian breed that really take the world very seriously, and need Marathon socialization as puppy. Not a dog for a first time dog owner. But great for a smart dog person who wants a devoted companion.
Answering Questions on the Purebred Berger Picard
From the April 2019 Issue of ShowSight.
Show Comments