Sharon Myshock Wright
1. My family and I reside in a small town in Northern Michigan. Our kennel name, “Forrest Bouviers,” carries on the tradition of our farm name, which is Forrest Farms. Here we have our family of fur babies, which includes our dogs, draft horses, barn cats, and a flock of geese that are trained with our herding Bouviers. I have owned Bouviers for over 35 years. What started out as a pet and “running partner” turned into involvement in Conformation and other events. Seven years ago, when I met Debbie Potter from War Bouviators in Pawnee, Oklahoma, I was hooked and have never looked back.
2. Yes, I am concerned about the breed. There are a number of health issues that must be taken seriously by breeders if we are committed to preserving the future of the Bouvier. Breeders and owners must evaluate and test for the hereditary health issues: Glaucoma, Cancer, and SAS as well as the overall health. I accept an open health registry and the work of the Bouvier Health Foundation. However, the health foundation, along with OFA, is just a baseline for my breeding program. With the recent removal of the required thyroid testing from our Health Foundation, I only see an increase in the metabolic issues for this breed. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) along with several other important thyroid hormones. When hormones are not produced at a normal level, major health issues can result, such as the dog’s metabolism, which can alter temperament, skin conditions, coat appearance, and weight management, just to name a few.
A major problem with health testing can also fall back on an opinion and not reality. Let’s say you are doing health scans with OFA for hips, elbows, etc. The results can vary depending on the opinion of who is actually reviewing the images. A dog may not pass an evaluation due to a previous injury, not something that is hereditary within the bloodlines. Unfortunately, without a true explanation, this may eliminate a perfectly healthy dog from a future breeding program. As a new breeder, I perform my own research and ask questions of my mentors that I respect and value their opinions.
One concern of mine personally is the involvement of imports. The trend and reality of imports in our breed is the “Natural Tail and Ears.” The standards for “appearance” may well be changing in the ring, but as a whole the “structure” of the Bouvier has not. It should be about the total dog; Bloodlines, Breed Standard, and Performance. To support the strength of our breed, we must not exclude the imported dog. I always joke with my “show friends” and state, “If you want to see the true structure of a ‘great dog,’ we should have a wet dog contest, then see who wins.”
3. As a new breeder, I am always learning. I turn to my mentor and dear friend, Debbie Potter from War Bouviators, for her opinion and guidance. It’s not easy being the “new kid on the block.” I think breeders need to understand that the objective should always be the preservation of the Breed Standards. As for the Conformation sport, the people with the knowledge should welcome the newcomers. Everyone in this sport had a first day! Not everyone can attend weekly handling classes; someone like myself had to rely on being self-taught. I always welcome constructive criticism, in and out of the ring. One of my favorite memories made at a show was when another competitor took the time to help me improve. It was another competitor and owner of a very well-respected Bouvier breeding program. (That is true sportsmanship and leadership!) There is always room for improvement in everyone’s programs that we personally just don’t see until it is pointed out by someone we respect.
Then that leads to the next question on Judges… when I walk into a ring with one of my dogs I walk in with the attitude and respect that I feel a Judge deserves. At the end of the day, it is their opinion and decision that can have an effect on my program. The judge has the control to award points that affect the championships of dogs and their rankings, which in turn affects what qualifies for our breeding program. We only breed dogs with championships. Many times a Judge will award a dog due to the handler or the relationship they may have with a breeder. I expect them to look at MY DOG, not me or the professional handler. I feel that many times this may be forgotten. “Let’s leave the politics outside of the ring!”
4. I personally love performance events; they provide the time for your dog to excel in what they do best: BE A DOG! This could be Herding, FCAT, CGC, Carting, Obedience, and so much more. It is a time when the owner and dog become one and have fun! I love watching Dock Diving and observing the reactions of the children in the audience in amazement. Agility is another favorite. These are events that will help to promote new people into our sports. The objective to these events is to have FUN!!!
5. Social media can have some positive aspects for the sport. I use social media as an opportunity to share the day to day lives of our Bouvs here at Forrest Farms and to stay connected with my owners and friends from around the globe, primarily as a platform for communications among the Forrest Farm Family of adoptees residing nationwide. Tracking their growth and accomplishments is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a breeder. Social media, when used correctly, will introduce the diversity of our breed to future owners. This will also aid with the spirit, culture, and future of our breed.
6. The biggest challenge is participation for exhibitors and the expense. Entry fees, travel expenses to attend… it all adds up very quickly. I personally try to attend “cluster” events that have 3-5 days of shows.
7. AKC and the events that are now offered are some of the positive changes. These events are wonderful for all ages and skill levels. I also love the National Owner-Handled Series. This program recognizes owners who handle their own dogs around the country, with their own class standings.
