Members
Wendy Whittle is the breeder behind the Calvada Bichon Frise. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, and more!
The Weekly Brief
The best of SHOWSIGHT editorials, weekly wins, and breeder commentary — delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning.
Wendy Whittle: I live in Pahrump, Nevada, which is a small, unincorporated town about an hour west of Las Vegas. I’ve been breeding here for 16 years!
Wendy Whittle: My Kennel name is Calvada and I have 10 dogs.
Wendy Whittle: The most influential dam I have is GCH Calvadas Sugar Magnolia In The Desert ATT, also known as “Lydia.” She completed her Championship and then her Grand Championship at 13 months. She is now close to finishing her Bronze at 24 months old. Lydia won BOS in Orlando at the 2022 National Owner-Handled Series. She is currently No. 7 and Bronze in NOHS. I could not be more proud of this young girl!
Wendy Whittle: Thankfully, I am able to work from my home. For the first four weeks, I whelp litters from my bedroom using Puppy Culture protocols. On the fifth week, I begin potty training with a
doggy door.
Wendy Whittle: I analyze the structure, appearance, and personality of each puppy between 9-12 weeks.
Wendy Whittle: I place puppies between 9-12 weeks.
Wendy Whittle: I believe all breeds require preparation attention, regardless of the event.
Wendy Whittle: I do! Both my Great Danes and Bichon Frises have titles in Fast CAT, Trick Dog, Rally, and Canine Good Citizen. I would like to start Dock Diving and Agility down the line!
Wendy Whittle: Bichons tend to be healthier than most breeds. This is thanks to Bichon Breeders—we have kept healthy breeding practices.
Wendy Whittle: I worry about Bichons having bladder stones (struvite and calcium oxalate), but these may be limited with a specialized diet.
Wendy Whittle: Bichons are meant for companionship, so, of course they make for great family dogs!
Wendy Whittle: I think Bichons are great at Performance Events. They are smart, energetic, and some are very fast runners, which makes them good at Fast CAT, Agility, and Dock Diving!
Wendy Whittle: The biggest misconception is that you have to brush your dog every day. All that is needed is a bath and blowout once a week. My breed’s best-kept secret is that they are great hand warmers! Legend has it that the Spaniards brought them to keep the King and Queen’s hands warm!
Wendy Whittle: The most amusing thing for me is watching my 11-pound Bichon play-wrestling with my cat that thinks he’s a dog! They love each other very much!
Wendy Whittle: I think greater emphasis could be shared regarding the Bichon’s movement.
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 Bichon Frise dog breed with articles and information in our Bichon Frise Dog Breed Magazine.
Meet the Breeders
Breeder Adam Levy discusses Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, dual-purpose breeding, mentorship, and preserving the breed's working ability.
